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| Beat Cellulite NOW! |
Date: Wednesday 07 April, 2010 |
Don’t give in to cellulite. Most of us have it, but with a little know-how, you can do something about it. Here’s how to attack those problem dimples.
Most of us have got it, but we really don’t want it, especially when it’s time to bare all on the beach. Yes, we’re talking cellulite – that ‘orange-peel’ effect that blights the skin on our legs and thighs and is so hard to get rid of.
Dr Howard Murad, a world authority on cellulite and author of The Cellulite Solution: A Doctor’s Programme for Losing Lumps, Bumps, Dimples and Stretch Marks, says: ‘Lumpy textured skin affects 90 per cent of women who have through puberty.
So what causes these unsightly dimples? Sadly, the jury is still out, although experts generally agree that cellulite isn’t as much to do with hormonal changes that trigger the breakdown of the skin’s connective tissue. It seems that the female hormone oestrogen causes cellulite to form in those areas where we’re genetically programmes to store fate – our bum, thighs and tum – which may explain why cellulite often first appears around puberty.
Poor lymph drainage, a sedentary lifestyle and junk food seem to exacerbate it. So, too, do smoking and a high intake of alcohol and caffeine. Age is another factor – skin becomes more prone to cellulite as its elasticity starts to decrease. As a result, the connective tissue of the skin loosens, allowing excess fat and water to get through, which creates that all too familiar and much-hated ripple effect.
So what’s the answer? A huge range of expensive beauty treatments promise the earth. But you may end up with a hole in your pocket rather than a long-lasting solution because most are designed to improve the appearance of cellulite rather than send it packing.
But the outlook is not totally bleak. Regular massage, skin brushing and a nutrient-rich diet can all help to keep cellulite under control.
Work it out - When it comes to giving cellulite its marching orders, exercise is key. The reason? Anything that gets you moving kick-starts your circulation, increasing blood flow to the skin, which makes the connective tissue more elastic and helps to stimulate lymph flow as well as toning muscles.
Your best bet is to go for an aerobic activity that gets you huffing and puffing, as it helps to carry oxygen to sluggish skin cells. Good choices include brisk walking, swimming, running or a fast game of tennis. Aim to do some sort of aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.
Diet matters - As well as regular exercise, it’s time to take a good look at your diet. According to Dr Murad, cellulite is caused by skin that has deteriorated to the point that fat skin cells are able to push into the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, and show through the surface.
‘By adding skin-hydrating, cell-fortifying nutrients such as glucosamine, essential fatty acids, amino acids, lecithin and antioxidants to your diet, you can repair, rehydrate and revitalise your skin – forcing stubborn fat cells back invisibly below the surface – and keeping them there,’ says Dr Murad.
The secret is to stick to a diet that is low in fact and high in fibre and complex carbohydrates, which is easy for the body to break down, use and eliminate. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, fat or salt, as well as caffeine and alcohol. And don’t forget to drink at least two litres of water a day to help out harmful toxins.
Fluid-flushing vegetables and herbs are also wroth including in your diet. Good choices here include celery, dandelion leaves, fennel, tarragon and parsley.
Brush up - ‘Dry skin brushing is one of the most effective exfoliating treatments for skin with cellulite,’ explains Dr Murad. As well as removing old, dead and dying cells around your body, it increases the blood flow to the affected areas and stimulates the lymphatic system’s ability to remove built-up toxins.
The best time to brush is before you shower or bath, when skin is dry. Using a natural-bristle body brush or an exfoliating mitt, work all over your body in long sweeping strokes. Start at your toes and move upwards, always brushing towards the heart. Begin gently, especially if you have delicate skin, and avoid broken or irritated skin. The aim is to induce a pink healthy glow. You can increase the pressure as your skin becomes used to the new sensation, When you have finished, have a bath or shower, dry well and moisture with a light body oil such as jojoba or aloe vera.
Try these …
- Sprinkle seaweed on salads, soups and stir fires to give your metabolism a boost.
- Help to remove toxins by eating liver-cleansing foods, such as artichokes, ginger, garlic, dandelion leaves and grapefruit.
- Eat oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Drink green tea – it’s full of antioxidants that can help to eradicate the free radicals that can damage fat cells, causing them to degenerate and appear as cellulite.
- Include fresh fruit, such as apricots, blueberries, raspberries, oranges and apples in your diet, as well as cleansing vegetables including tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, beetroot and celery.
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