How much are you willing to pay to get rid of your pesky cellulite? If you’re fighting to accept a less than smooth-looking abdomen or buttocks and it’s gotta be done on a budget, then you might appreciate what these anti-cellulite treatments could potentially do for you.
Cellulite is also referred to as cottage cheese skin and is caused by the dimpled appearance of fat deposits that are located just below the surface of our skin. This skin condition causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen and is most prevalent in women.
There isn’t much known on the exact cause of cellulite. What is known, however, is that when fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin, while the long, tough cords pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling.
Additionally, hormonal factors and genetics determine skin structure, skin texture and body type. Weight and muscle tone may also play a role in whether or not you develop cellulite. Weight gain makes cellulite more noticeable. However, people that are considered fit can also develop it.
As we age, cellulite becomes more common because the skin begins to lose elasticity. An inactive lifestyle can also increase your chances of having cellulite, as well as pregnancy.
Cellulite may be visible at all times or only when you pinch your skin. There are four grades of cellulite:
There’s no predicting who’ll get it if ever, but we at least know why it appears and there are many ways to fix it. So how do you get rid of cellulite? Here are some tips to try:
Creams and lotions will not get rid of your cellulite, however, products that contain caffeine can temporarily tighten and smooth your skin.
“Caffeine dehydrates fat cells, making them less visible,” says Hadley King, MD, a New York-based dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. “This needs to be applied daily, and the effect will be modest at best.”
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Some experts suggest wooden brushes may help improve the appearance of your cellulite. “Daily body brushing and massaging can jumpstart lymphatic drainage, which helps to eliminate toxins that can accumulate in the fat layer, leading to inflammation and ultimately more pronounced cellulite,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, is a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City and director of dermatologic surgery at Metropolitan Hospital.
Pro tip: Because dry brushing requires dry skin, the best time to do this is before taking a shower. After your shower, apply a creamy moisturizer.
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Mona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor at Yale and dermatologist, suggests incorporating a retinol body cream into your cellulite-minimizing routine. “Retinol helps increase collagen and thicken the skin,” according to Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD.
This is a great option packed with collagen that works to plump and smooth your skin every time you use it. Even better, it’s non-greasy and antioxidant-rich. Just be sure to accompany this product with a healthy coat of SPF because retinol makes your skin extra sensitive to burns.
A ground-coffee exfoliant can minimize the short-term appearance of cellulite in two ways:
“Caffeine can also dehydrate fat cells so they deflate, which then makes your cellulite look a little less obvious,” says Dr. Gohara.
Serums and topical creams can help strengthen your skin and make your cellulite a little less noticeable.
Product suggestion: Dr. Engelman recommends Biotherm Celluli Eraser, which is formulated with caffeine and coralline extract, a marine algae extract that helps minimize fat cells.
Although your diet isn’t solely responsible for whether or not you develop cellulite, eating healthy doesn’t hurt.
Dr. Engelman suggests watching your sodium intake and eating plenty of fiber and whole-grain foods (bran and oat cereals) as well as loading up on fruits and veggies.
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This treatment isn’t cheap though, it can cost upwards of $5,000 depending on where you live. That is why Dr. Akhavan suggests talking to your dermatologist or going to a plastic surgeon for a consultation
Other options include:
It is worth noting that “If you make the decision to try one of the medical cellulite treatments, it is possible that cellulite may return.” So go in with that in mind. And, no matter what you do, “try to remember that [cellulite] is very normal—and you are in excellent company,” Dr. Ip and Dr. King explain.
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