Skincare Advice For Cellulite

Cellulite forms on your body when fat is caught between bands of connective tissue.  The Lifestyle approach to cellulite reduction includes exercise, proper diet, your secret weapon (the mind-body connection) and cellulite treatments.  The puckering from the connective tissue and fat creates a lumpy appearance on the skin.  Therefore, any complete cellulite treatment plan must include proper care for the skin.

There are two things to consider when examining your skin with regards to cellulite, namely circulation and elasticity.

Circulation

Cellulite is stubborn.  It forms on your body and seems to stick there.  By increasing the circulation to that are, you have a better chance of seeing big changes.  Some of the ways to increase circulation include:

-Devices: There are handheld machines that increase circulation to cellulite prone areas.  Regular use of these devices may help you to get rid of cellulite.

-Exercise: Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise is probably the best way to get circulation into your cellulite prone areas (hips, thighs and buttocks).  Aerobic exercise causes an increase in blood flow to the muscle groups involved in the activity.  Aerobic exercise also helps to burn fat.

-Creams, Lotions and Gels: Some creams, lotions and gels that are formulated to get rid of cellulite have ingredients that stimulate circulation.  It's a good idea to massage these creams and lotions in vigorously.

-Exfoliation: Exfoliating the areas of skin with either a loofah, exfoliating lotion or glycolic pads brings circulation to the area and prepares the skin for anti-cellulite topical treatments.

Elasticity

You want your skin to maintain as much elasticity as possible.  By taking proper care of it, you can reduce cellulite and have beautiful smooth skin.

-Topical Treatments: There are a number of creams and lotions that help to get rid of cellulite and maintain the integrity of the skin.  These creams also moisturize the skin.

-Hydration: Drink lots of water.  By drinking water, you keep both yourself and your skin hydrated.  This contributes to good elasticity.

-Exercise: Exercises that strengthen and tone the muscle that is underneath your skin will make your skin look smoother and more elastic.  Picture a balloon and think of your muscles as air.  If the balloon loses air (your muscles), the balloon (your skin) sags.

-Diet: Eat foods that contain fiber.  This includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  If you are leading an active lifestyle, you need to replenish your muscles with carbohydrates.  People that eat mostly protein and few carbohydrates tend to lose muscle tissue (think: deflated balloon).

-Suntan Lotion:  This is probably one of the most important things you can do to maintain the elasticity of your skin.  If your skin is exposed to the sun, even for short periods of time, the collagen will break down and your skin will sag.  This will make your cellulite look even worse.  You need to apply a full spectrum UVA UVB sunscreen every morning to the areas of your body that are exposed to sunlight.  Keep some in your purse to re-apply during the day.  Remember, the sun is hitting your skin even when you are driving.

Courtesy of http://www.cellulitetips.com