Ways to smooth cellulite include maintaining healthy diets, massage, and exercising. Other ways to smooth cellulite include drinking enough water, using cellulite lotions, and brushing the body with a dry brush or loofah sponge. Cellulite is a form of fat that takes on an orange peel, or cottage cheese appearance and is somewhat resistant to diet and exercise.
Exercising and losing weight reduces the size of fat deposits, causing the cellulite to shrink as well. In addition, spot exercising strengthens surrounding structures and tones the body, resulting in a smoother look. Although body size and the presence of cellulite are typically genetic and unalterable, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can help smooth cellulite, as can avoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
Drinking water flushes toxins out of the body, helping to smooth cellulite as well. Fluid retention, which can be the result of not drinking enough fluids, can also cause cellulite to appear more pronounced. Drinking water relieves fluid retention because when the body does not get enough water, it feels threatened. As a result, the body tends to hold on to every last drop, resulting in water retention and weight gain.
Using a soft bristled brush or dry loofah sponge to brush the skin can also help smooth cellulite and improve the look of the skin. Brushing the skin before showering invigorates the skin and can improve the function of the lymphatic system. It is important to note, that although stimulating the surface of the skin with a dry brush or loofah may be beneficial in reducing the look of cellulite, brushing too vigorously can damage the surface of the skin, causing redness, inflammation, and bruising.
Commercial cellulite preparations are used to smooth cellulite and reduce its appearance. Most cellulite lotions contain caffeine, and although drinking caffeine can exacerbate the appearance of cellulite, applying it topically can actually smooth cellulite. In addition, massaging the tissue promotes circulation and might also help break apart fat deposits, resulting in smoother looking skin.
Applying a bronzer or self-tanner can make cellulite less apparent, although it does nothing to actually reduce the fat deposits. It is not recommended, however, that individuals with cellulite increase their exposure to ultraviolet rays to get tanned and reduce the appearance of cellulite. In addition, cellulite is not limited to overweight people, women, and older people, as cellulite affects babies, thin people, and men, as well. Cellulite not only appears on the thighs, legs, hips, and buttocks, it can also appear on the arms and stomach area as well.