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How Do I Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

You can use over the counter creams, certain dermatological treatments, and even natural remedies like coffee to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. These methods are only temporary, and not everyone can permanently reduce cellulite since there is no clear-cut method for getting rid of it. The long-term remedies for cellulite reduction is eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and drinking enough water each day.

Cellulite does not only occur in those who are overweight. It appears when the connective tissues between the skin and muscles losing flexibility and allows fat cells to bulge in certain areas. This leads to the well known "cottage cheese" appearance which typically affects the thighs, hips, and butts of many women, and more rarely, men.

Regular cardiovascular exercise is one way to prevent and reduce cellulite.
Regular cardiovascular exercise is one way to prevent and reduce cellulite.

Genetics plays a large role in cellulite development since it seems to run in families. Although those who are thin can still have cellulite, weight gain and lack of muscle tone seem to increase the risk of its development. There is no one size fits all cure for reducing the appearance of cellulite, but many methods which may help in some cases.

There are several over the counter creams which temporarily plump the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite wherever it is applied. This effect is not permanent, so in order to maintain the benefits of using such items, they must be consistently reapplied. There are also spa treatments and medical treatments which stimulate the tissues and plump the skin. These treatments also typically require frequent use in order to maintain a smooth appearance. Natural remedies, such as applying coffee grounds to the area, also work by temporarily plumping the skin.

There are no creams that actually remove or get rid of cellulite, although there are some that help decrease its appearance by plumping up the surrounding skin.
There are no creams that actually remove or get rid of cellulite, although there are some that help decrease its appearance by plumping up the surrounding skin.

The best, and healthiest, way of reducing the appearance of cellulite is to exercise regularly doing strength training moves to tone muscles in trouble spots. Muscle not only strengthens and tightens the hips, thighs, and buttocks, but it also helps fill out the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite and other imperfections. Since cellulite has been connected with accumulated toxins in the body, releasing these toxins by drinking plenty of water and working up a good sweat daily may also help to reduce lumps and bumps.

These remedies may be more effective on some than others. This will mostly be impacted by the severity of cellulite formation, the person's genetic predisposition, and how responsive the skin is to stimulation. Even with constant treatment, some may experience a small amount of cellulite.

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    • Regular cardiovascular exercise is one way to prevent and reduce cellulite.
      By: Valentina R.
      Regular cardiovascular exercise is one way to prevent and reduce cellulite.
    • There are no creams that actually remove or get rid of cellulite, although there are some that help decrease its appearance by plumping up the surrounding skin.
      By: DenisNata
      There are no creams that actually remove or get rid of cellulite, although there are some that help decrease its appearance by plumping up the surrounding skin.