Are you annoyed with those lumpy, bumpy, dimply areas of your skin that
often resemble cottage cheese or orange rinds? You are not alone. Nearly 9 out of 10 women have some degree
of cellulite on their thighs, buttocks, bellies and arms.
But what exactly is cellulite?
Cellulite occurs when pockets of fat push up against connective tissue
underneath the skin and it is much less frequently in men. The reason for that
is that female skin tissue is thinner and less porous than men’s skin,
therefore when fat cells push up, they’re more noticeable.
And while some women spend a fortune on anti-cellulite treatments, it is not
necessarily the expensive anti-cellulite cream that helps you fight the
appearance of cellulite most effectively.
Here are the top 10 Secret Weapons to fight the appearance of cellulite, recommended by Dr. Oz:
1. Avoid Too Much Salt
Limit your salt intake! Sodium causes fluid retention, making
cellulite appear even worse. Stay away from foods containing
more than 200 mg of sodium.
2. Avoid Too Much Sugar
Avoid too much sugar! It gets stored in fat cells and causes them to expand. Consume no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar each day.
3. Drink 8-10 Glasses of Water Daily
Water helps flush out toxins that hide in the fat layers beneath the skin
and make cellulite lumps even more visible. Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Hydration also works to
plump the skin and make it look less lumpy.
4. Kelp
Kelp contains fucoxanthin, a xanthophyll compound found in green plants with
chlorophyll, which helps the body burn fat.
Studies show that ingesting kelp can help facilitate a 5-10% loss in body
weight, thus reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Add kelp to your diet. You can
purchase dried kelp or you can get your kelp in capsule form at your vitamin
store.
5. Aminophylline Cream
This cutting-edge anti-cellulite cream contains the organic compound
aminophylline, also used in many inhalable asthma drugs.
When applied topically, this compound helps
break down fat in cells so it can burn easier. The cream should be applied
to the affected area on a daily basis.
6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to build collagen. Make sure you get 75 mg of vitamin C each
day. This is equivalent to one kiwi or a cup of strawberries.
7. Retinol Cream
Retinol is a form of vitamin A.It
reduces the presence of free radicals responsible for the breakdown of
collagen.
Retinol helps maintain skin smoothness and makes cellulite bulges less
visible. For best results, use 100% retinol cream with added vitamin A, C and
E.
8. Non-elastic Underwear
Elastic underwear pinches on the
cellulite, exaggerating its appearance.
Switch to non-elastic undergarments that are made of smooth fabric with an
invisible edge. You will create even pressure on the skin, increase blood flow,
and prevent fat from being pushed up and deposited in unwanted areas. Thongs
and capri-length undergarments that reach just below the knee are also good
choices.
9. Massage Devices
Cellulite develops because fibrous connective bands between the skin and fat
pull the fat to the surface, creating a rippled skin appearance. By creating
friction, you can loosen or soften those bands temporarily. Massage helps by stimulating circulation
and draining excess fluids. When the fat cells aren’t as “full,” the lumps
appear smoothed. Try a massage product with battery-powered rollers.
10. Caffeine Creams
Caffeine works on the spot by breaking down fat cells, making skin smoother
and less lumpy. The caffeine actually dehydrates the area where the cellulite
is, tightening and firming the skin for a temporary smooth appearance. You want to choose a product with about a
5% caffeine concentration.