Cellulite is something that most women experience to various degrees in their lifetime. No matter what size, shape, age or ethnicity you are, if you're female, chances are you're familiar with it!

The term cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin that typically occurs on the hips, thighs, and buttocks, caused by fat deposits that push and distort the connective tissues beneath skin. Whilst this is perfectly normal, the “orange peel” effect on the skin is something most people would rather reduce. The good news is that lifestyle practices can help rid unwanted cellulite and noticeably improve the overall appearance of affected areas. The key is to target it from both inside and out.

On the Outside

Dry Brush

A few times a week, before you have a shower, brush over your entire body with a natural bristled brush to improve circulation, remove dry skin and support the lymph system. We dump tons of toxins out of our skin so it’s important to keep the pathway clear. Start at the hands and feet, gradually working your way inwards and upward to the heart area, using gentle circular motions, spending a bit longer going over problem areas.

Scrub Up

Similar to dry brushing, using a scrub or exfoliant on cellulite areas is a great way to improve circulation and has been known to reduce the orange peel effect when done regularly. The advantage of using a scrub in the shower allows for a deeper cleanse of dead skin cells which are easier to remove when they are softened by warm water.

Our & Desert Lime Flawless Mirco-Exfoliant works as a highly effective yet hydrating scrub, working to keep skin firm and dimple free. The exfoliant has the benefit of the extract Ginkgo Biloba which increases circulation to the skin cells, thereby combating stagnant blood flow (poor circulation can contribute to the proliferation of cellulite). Tiny rice grain particles gently and effectively buff away dead skin cells to encourage healthy skin turnover and a smooth the outer texture of skin.

Hydrate

Keeping the skin and tissues below hydrated externally is key in maintaining the integrity of the dermis and underlying fibres. When the body is properly hydrated, the skin tissue is stronger and more pliable, causing less injury and trauma. Get into a routine with this so you are consistently hydrating and firming the skin from the outside without even thinking about it. A perfect time to incorporate it into your routine is daily after you shower. 

Avoid Toxins

Making sure your skin, beauty and home products are not laden with toxic chemicals may help you to reduce and prevent cellulite in the long term by cutting down on toxins circulating in your body. It is believed that a toxic accumulation in your cells can make it harder to lose fat as well as worsening the dimpled appearance.

Our skin absorbs up to 60% of what we put on it and is our largest organ, which is why it’s so important to only use truly natural skin and hair care products.’ Read ingredients to check what’s really in there, taking care to avoid common nasties like alcohols, artificial fragrances and parabens.

Weight Training

Increasing blood flow to trouble areas can help reduce cellulite. Weight training is also one of the most effective ways to build muscle and burn fat, both which help minimise the appearance of cellulite. This kind of workout also has the advantage of allowing you to select exercises to specifically target problems areas with muscle group specific movements, such as doing squats while holding a weight for the bottom and thighs.

On the Inside

Hydrate Some More

Obviously this one cannot be emphasised enough! It is equally important on the inside and outside. Drinking a lot of water ensures the body’s structures are kept intact. Aim for at least two litres of water if possible daily. Including herbal teas with health and beauty benefits is also a great addition to your fluid intake, such as our No.1 Green Goddess Detox blend.

Load Up on Antioxidants  

Make sure you are keeping your diet rich in antioxidants to help with free radical scavenging, cellular repair and healthy tissues in the body. A good way of doing this is to eat the rainbow. Aim to have at least 5 of the below foods daily: carrots, sweet potato, kale, spinach, berries, almonds, avocado, broccoli, red capsicum, kiwi fruit and eggs (if not vegan).

Choose Organic Wholefoods

Just as we need to avoid chemicals and unnatural additives in our skin, beauty and home care products, so should we in the foods and drinks we consume. Make sure your diet is based on wholefoods in their natural state and choose organic and local produce wherever possible.

Always read your labels. If the ingredients contain numbers, ditch it! Also be aware of consuming excessive sodium and sugar. Too much salt will cause water retention and worsen the appearance of cellulite, whilst refined sugar is acid and inflammatory.

Balance Your Hormones

There is evidence to suggest that your hormones can impact cellulite, so making sure you are looking after your endocrine system and hormonal balance is important – not just for the reduction and prevention of cellulite, but across all aspects of life.

As mentioned already, avoid toxins as much as possible as many of these are endocrine disruptors, exercise regularly and practice healthy stress management, as stress can have one of the most adverse impacts on our health and seriously throw hormones out of whack.

Inside & Out

Regardless of your cellulite, remember to love yourself. It can be difficult to remove completely, however with overall lifestyle changes and practices, the appearance can be very effectively reduced completely naturally. Being overly critical of yourself won’t help anything. Your body is incredible – think of everything it does for you every day, be grateful for it and treat it like a temple. Self-love goes a long way!