Cellulite: What helps?

Sooner or later every woman will encounter cellulite, those unsightly dents on thighs, hips and stomach. Although cellulite is not a disease and purely cosmetic problem, those affected still suffer.

Cellulite is mainly caused by the specific structure of female skin and the reaction to female hormones. Fat cells are located in the subcutaneous tissue. Their quantity is determined as early as infancy and cannot be influenced by diet or exercise. What everyone can influence, however, is the size and abundance of the fat cells, because this depends on how many fatty acids are stored in the fat cells.

In the fat cells, the fatty acids from food are converted into fats and stored in the connective tissue in the form of nodules. Fat cells can expand up to ten times their original size. If these fats are not broken down over a longer period of time, for example through sport or other exercise, the enlarged cells push themselves through the connective tissue and show up as orange-peel skin, or cellulite.

Almost 70 percent of all women over the age of 20 suffer from cellulite. The dents on the legs and buttocks are often responsible for psychological problems. Who likes to show off their ugly orange-peel skin in the sauna, pool or beach?

Weight control
Being overweight results from an increased storage of fat in the fat cells. Therefore, a balanced diet is very important. If you follow your personal nutrition plan, not only will the pounds fall off, but the dents will also disappear.

Sports and exercise
Targeted exercises for buttocks, abdomen and legs tighten the muscles and promote fat burning. Just 20 minutes daily can bring improvement. As sports, circuit training, running or walking, swimming and cycling are highly recommended.

Massages and cold showers
By massaging the areas affected by cellulite, we stimulate blood circulation and metabolism. We get the same effect through a brush massage. Massage in a circular motion toward the heart. After showering, spray down the legs and buttocks with cold water.

Stop smoking
Nicotine narrows the blood vessels of the skin and slows the metabolism. Smoker skin looks gray and pale. Not only do smokers have an increased risk of health problems, they also age much earlier than non-smokers.

Sport and Exercise

Targeted exercises for buttocks, stomach and legs tighten the muscles and promote fat burning. Already 20 minutes daily cause noticeable changes. Circuit training, running or walking, swimming and cycling are highly recommended as sports.

Massages and Cold Showers

By massaging the affected areas, blood circulation and metabolism are stimulated. A brush massage has the same effect. Always massage in circular movements towards the heart. After taking a shower, take a cold shower on your legs and buttocks.

Stop Smoking

Nicotine narrows the blood vessels of the skin and hampers metabolism. The skin looks grey and pale. Smokers not only have an increased health risk, they also age much earlier than non-smokers.