Skincare

You are what you eat. We’ve all heard it said, and for good reason. A nutritious diet is directly connected to overall good health, including healthy, glowing skin. Avoiding greasy and sugary foods is a great start to a clear complexion, but there are some organic foods that are absolute beauty boosters to the skin.

What Are Organic Foods?

Organic foods are grown under specifications deemed to be healthier, safer, and better for the environment and animals. An organic food has not been subjected to:

• Hormones
• Chemicals
• Genetically modified organisms
• Antibiotics
• Artificial additives

Meats and dairy products can be organic too.

Organic meats and dairy come from animals farmed without hormones, antibiotics, and inhumane treatment. Organic farming includes the most natural and pure techniques possible.

Benefits of Organic Foods

Organic foods and products are not only good for you, but help the environment as well. Organic farming has a smaller environmental footprint. It doesn’t pollute air or waterways, nor promote soil erosion. Soil quality is actually improved as a result of organic farming.

United States consumers spent $47.86 billion on organic foods in 2018, and sales are increasing each year as more is learned about the benefits of eating organic. While the benefits vary depending on soil, fertilizer, and environmental factors, there are many, including:

• Healthy fat – Organic products have up to 50% more omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy, unsaturated fat everyone needs.

• Plentiful Antioxidants – Many organic foods have higher antioxidant levels than conventionally produced products.

• More Flavorful – Organic veggies just plain taste better. The natural sun, moisture, and fertilizer produce a more robust taste for many.

Which Organic Foods Promote Growing Skin?

Organic foods are nutritious and helpful to our whole body, but there are some that specifically work wonders on the suppleness, elasticity, and healthful glow we see every day. Here are the top six organic foods that can change the look and feel of your skin.

1. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are full of vitamin E, which works wonders on the skin and hair. It keeps skin looking and feeling fresh. Hair regains its youthful luster and strength. Bell peppers also contain carotenoids, which are antioxidants that reduce wrinkles around the eyes and decrease the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Bell peppers can be added to a salad or spaghetti sauce, or dishes like pizza, or sliced and eaten fresh.

2. Oysters

Oysters have massive amounts of zinc. Approximately three oysters provide a full day’s supply of zinc. zinc helps skin cells renew and repair. Oysters also promote good skin metabolism and moisture. They also contribute protein and iron to the body.

Eat oyster fresh, steamed, or even grilled. Top them with peppers and cheese or just a little salt and lemon.

3. Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are insanely high in selenium. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Selenium delays the effects of aging and improves skin elasticity. It is an antioxidant, so it fights free radicals of the skin. Brazil nuts protect the skin from harmful UV rays as well as aid in cellular growth and repair.

Throw a few brazil nuts into a salad or just pop a few in your mouth as a quick snack.

4. Pumpkin

Pumpkins have all sorts of goodies that skin love–vitamin E, potassium, selenium, and zinc, to name just a few. Pumpkin is so good for your skin; pumpkin facials exist to treat dark spots and uneven skin. Pumpkins are rich in copper, iron, and magnesium, which combat inflammation and smooth and soften skin.

Pumpkins are so versatile that you can find them in both sweet and savory dishes. Make a pie, or roast pumpkin pieces in the oven with squash and onions.

5. Yogurt

Yogurt has lots of calcium, protein, lactic acid, and B vitamins. Lactic acid not only reduces the visibility of wrinkles, but works to prevent new lines from forming. B vitamins in yogurt, such as riboflavin, hydrate skin and protect the cells from free radicals. Used in a facial, organic yogurt is a wonderful exfoliant.

Most people eat yogurt right out of the cup, but it can also be stirred into sauces or mashed potatoes.

6. Kale

Kale is definitely the media’s darling when it comes to antioxidant-rich foods, but the wealth of vitamin A found in kale makes it great organic food for your skin too. It promotes cell growth and repair which keeps skin looking fresh and healthy.

Throw some kale in your salad or pot of boiled greens for a traditional meal, or get creative and blend it with your berries for a nutrient-packed smoothie.

Which Organic Foods are Bad for my Skin?

Not all organic foods are created equally. At least not where skincare is concerned. Some foods, no matter how clean and ethical their production, can wreak havoc on your skin. Here are a few organic foods that can cause problems with your complexion.

Bananas

Bananas are a wonderful healthy food choice in moderation, but they are packed with sugar. One banana has around three teaspoons of sugar. That’s about the same as half a chocolate bar! Less ripe bananas have less sugar. One small consolation for banana lovers.

Corn

Corn is considered an American classic, but it also has a darker side. While many people consider corn a veggie, it’s actually a grain.

Grains have a notoriously high glycemic index, which means they make your blood sugar spike quickly. A large portion of U.S. corn products are associated with genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, as well.

Alcohol

Yes! There is organic alcohol. It is produced with organic grapes and fruits, but alcohol of any kind can be devastating to your skin. While there is evidence that an occasional glass of red wine can have benefits to the skin, overindulging in alcohol on a regular basis is extremely harmful to skin and the body by dehydrating and altering hormone levels.

Eating organic can significantly cut down on the amount of chemical residue your body is holding. Organic foods are also more nutrient-rich and therefore better able to provide the building blocks for good skin.

It’s important to remember that each person’s skin is different, and what affects one person doesn’t cause the same problem for someone else.

Tune into your body and the reactions your skin has to what you eat and use that as your guide to healthy organic eating. Your skin and the rest of your body will thank you.  

Crepey skin isn’t pretty to look at, and it tends to worsen over time. What is crepey skin? It’s an age-related problem where the skin becomes thinner, wrinkled, and more fragile. 

It earns its name because the appearance and texture resemble that of crepe paper. Wrinkles are most likely to show up on your face and neck, but crepiness can affect the skin on any part of your body, including the face, hands, arms, and neck. 

To tackle the problem of crepey skin, you first have to know what causes it.

The Origins of Crepey Skin

Aging is the most significant risk factor for crepey skin, but you’ll develop it at an earlier age if you spend lots of time in the sun. 

Crepey skin comes from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

The first is the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which gives skin its firmness and resistance to sagging and wrinkles. 

Sun exposure plays a crucial role in collagen and elastin breakdown since UV rays from the sun damage these proteins. Exposure to the sun is a leading cause of skin wrinkles, laxity, and age spots too.

The second factor that contributes to crepey skin is fat loss. 

With age, people lose subcutaneous fat, the layer of fat that lies directly underneath the skin. The loss of fat thins down the skin and makes it look less youthful. 

Look closely at photos of yourself 20 years ago. You probably had fuller cheeks than you do now. Over the years, you lost subcutaneous fat due to aging.

Plus, if you went on a diet and lost weight, the rapid loss of weight may have damaged the elastin that keeps your skin resilient and caused your skin to look crepey. 

The most common area for crepey skin to show up is around the eyes since the skin is thinnest. The same can happen to other areas of your body, not just your face. 

It’s also common to have crepiness involving the neck, hands, and arms. Finally, the lack of moisture contributes to crepey skin. If you look at crepey skin, it seems dehydrated and moisture-deprived.

Certain risk factors increase the risk of developing crepey skin or cause it to show up earlier in life.

Some of these factors include:

• Being over the age of 40

• Having genetically light-colored skin with little melanin

• Not wearing sunscreen for sun protection

• Having specific health problems, like an underactive thyroid or diabetes

• Being female

• Rapid or extreme weight loss or repeated weight gain and weight loss

• Being malnourished or eating a nutritionally inadequate diet

• Smoking or using excessive alcohol

Home Treatments for Crepey Skin

Using an intense moisturizer consistently can modestly improve crepey skin’s appearance by plumping it up, but it won’t address the underlying issue of collagen and elastin damage. 

Using a moisturizer that contains retinol, like this one, can help your skin produce new collagen and elastin, but it can take up to six months for these products to make significant improvements to skin texture.

Even more powerful are prescription-strength retinoids used to treat acne and aging skin. The downside of prescription retinoids is they often cause redness and peeling when you first start using them. Retinol creams and lotions are less likely to cause severe skin irritation.

Skin creams and moisturizers that contain vitamin C, an antioxidant, are also beneficial, although vitamin C is very unstable.

Unless it comes in a dark bottle and is stored in a dark place, it will quickly lose its potency.

More Advanced Treatments

If you use retinoids or retinol-based treatments and moisturizer for at least six months and don’t get significant improvement, you have other options. 

Let’s look at some treatments that are backed by science. If you decide to get these treatments, talk to a board-certified dermatologist. They are up on the latest treatments for aging skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can also improve the appearance of crepey skin. A dermatologist applies a thin layer of a chemical, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or glycolic acid, to your skin.

These peels’ mild acidity causes the top layer of skin to peel during the days after the procedure to reveal the healthier skin underneath.

 Chemical peels are also effective for lightening skin discolorations, improving scars’ appearance, and softening fine lines.

Most of the peels a dermatologist does are superficial peels that only remove the surface layer of skin. These peels won’t improve deeper wrinkles or skin laxity. 

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons also offer deeper peels that address these issues, but the risks are more significant, and the recovery time longer.

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Laser Treatments

Fractional laser treatments use light energy to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis and can be quite useful. The downside is the downtime, where your skin is red and peeling, and you may feel like hiding the lasered areas until they heal. 

Different types of laser treatments are available for treating various skin conditions, so talk to a dermatologist about your best option. 

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Best Body Lotion for Aging Crepey Skin

Crepe-less Crepey Skin Firming Cream

A quick search on Amazon by top reviews revealed Crepe-less Crepey Skin Firming Cream.

TreeActiv Crepey Skin Repair Treatment

TreeAtiv offers a crepey skin treatment in the form of a nourishing moisturizer that claims to improve skin elasticity, diminish wrinkles, and boost collagen production. It can be used on the face, neck, chest, legs, and arms.

It’s Coconut Oil based and on Amazon has a lot of positive 4 out of 5 Reviews.

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Eye Cream for Crepey Skin

Crepe Erase has a full line of products designed to improve crepey skin on the arms, legs, neck, eyes, face, and body.

Preventing Crepey Skin

The best way to protect against crepiness and to slow skin aging is to wear sunscreen every time you go out, whether it’s sunny or cloudy. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that filters out UVA and UVB rays. 

I never leave the house without my SPF 30 Olay Moisturizer.

Wearing sunscreen regularly is the smartest thing you can do to prevent premature aging. Kick bad habits, like smoking and excessive alcohol that can age your skin.

Applying sunscreen and avoiding habits that damage and age your skin will go far toward keeping your skin youthful.

The Bottom Line

Crepey skin is a frustrating problem, but one that has solutions. Start with the most straightforward approach, like using a retinoid or retinol-based cream or lotion and regular moisturizer and sunscreen.

If that doesn’t help, talk to a board-certified dermatologist about chemical peels or laser therapy.

References:

Laser Ther. 2014 Mar 27; 23(1): 49-60. doi: 10.5978/islsm.14-RE-01.

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Jul; 3(7): 32-43.

Most people enjoy turmeric’s benefits by adding it to recipes, but can applying a turmeric skin cream slow skin aging? 

Video

Turmeric contains many bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study presented at a meeting by the American Academy of Dermatology, turmeric extract reduces the visible signs of skin aging. 

Turmeric is a spice popular in Indian and Thai cooking. However, it’s also well known for its potential health benefits. One of the best known are curcuminoids with anti-inflammatory activity.

For the study, 89 middle-aged women applied a cream containing turmeric to one side of their face and another cream with niacinamide, but no turmeric, to the other twice daily for 60 days.

This type of study, called a split-face study, makes it easier to see the two creams’ differing effects. 

Beforehand, the researchers took close-up photos of the women’s faces and repeated the photographs every four weeks until the end of the study to monitor skin texture changes. 

The results?

When they compared the results, the side of the face exposed to the turmeric cream showed a 15% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles relative to the side that got the cream without turmeric. 

The turmeric was also better for lightening areas of increased skin pigmentation.

A subsequent study looked at the effects of turmeric cream versus a control cream on 105 Asian women’s skin using a split-face analysis. 

Since Asian women have more pigment in their skin, they’re prone to developing hyperpigmented areas and sunspots relative to Caucasian women.

This study found that the side of the face that got turmeric cream fared better than the turmeric-free cream side. 

By eight weeks, the turmeric treated side showed a 14.6% reduction in hyperpigmentation. The skin looked lighter, smoother, and healthier.

How Turmeric Fights Skin Aging 

Why might turmeric slow skin aging? Research shows turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both play a role in skin aging. 

When you expose your skin to the sun, ultraviolet rays create free radicals that damage the proteins, collagen, and elastin, that keep skin firm and youthful. The antioxidant activity of turmeric may fight the oxidative damage that hastens skin aging.

How to Get the Benefits of Turmeric for Skin Aging 

You could buy a moisturizer and add turmeric powder to it, but it’s unlikely this would be effective since the particles wouldn’t be in a form your skin could absorb. Also, turmeric has a distinct yellow-orange color that would frighteningly color your face! 

Fortunately, you can buy moisturizers and skin creams that contain turmeric in a form your skin can absorb and won’t color your skin.

Some people also add turmeric oil to moisturizer, like this one, although it’s unclear whether this will have the same benefits as a cream formulated with turmeric.

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Other Benefits of Turmeric for the Skin

Turmeric isn’t just a one-trick pony. 

Dermatologists say that turmeric may help some inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, too, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but check with a dermatologist to make sure turmeric is right for your skin.

You can buy a variety of anti-aging skin creams that contain turmeric online similar to this one. Look for one that has turmeric high in the ingredient list to make sure it contains enough to offer benefits. 

Anti-Aging Skin Care Guides

• Six Organic Foods to Help Your Skin Glow (And Three to Avoid)
• What Causes Crepey Skin and What Can You Do About It?
• Can Topical Turmeric Slow Skin Aging?
• 10 of the Best Anti-Aging Foods to Keep You Looking Younger
• To Botox or Not to Botox, That is the question
• How Do I Get Rid of Cellulite?
• Why Women Over 50 Should Take Up Dry Brushing
• Anti-Aging Skincare Routine for Winter

In addition to genetics, the type of food you eat can play a significant role in whether you can age gracefully and maintain a youthful appearance. 

Here are several of the best anti-aging foods to Keep You Looking Younger.

For example, diets high in fat and sugar content will lead to poor health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and they will make you age faster. 

Therefore, if you want to look younger for longer – and promote your overall health and wellness – you need to eat a healthy diet that offers anti-aging benefits.

1. Sesame Seeds 

It would be best if you had calcium to maintain strong, healthy bones. However, dairy products aren’t the only source of calcium. Sesame seeds are very high in calcium. 

Sesame seeds also contain essential minerals – like fiber, iron, and magnesium, promoting healthy bones. Many people sprinkle sesame seeds on salads. However, they make a great healthy snack on their own too.

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2. Pineapples 

Eating pineapples can help improve the strength and elasticity of your skin, making you look more youthful. 

That’s because pineapples contain a vital mineral that activates the prolidase enzyme needed to produce collagen. 

Collagen is what improves the strength and youthfulness of your skin. 

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3. Dark Chocolate 

Dark chocolate isn’t just a decadent treat! It offers some significant anti-aging benefits too. 

For example, dark chocolate contains an ingredient called flavanols. Flavanols promote better circulation and improved blood flow to the skin. Flavanols can also protect your skin from damaging effects of sun exposure by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 

If you are trying to lose weight and reduce carbohydrates, consuming dark chocolate in moderation will help you fight your sugar cravings.

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4. Blueberries 

Another right way to reduce skin damage from sun exposure is to consume a high amount of antioxidants. 

Blueberries contain more antioxidants than most other fruits. Blueberries are also high in Vitamin C – which can prevent wrinkles by improving the firmness of your skin. It can also repair damaged skin cells. 

Unfortunately, blueberries also contain a high amount of sugar, which is terrible if you have problems with high blood sugar or are worried about getting diabetes. 

Therefore, you should eat around one-half cup of blueberries each day to get the maximum skin benefits while minimizing your sugar intake.

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5. Pomegranate 

Many people eat pomegranate to fight aging by making their skin look and feel younger.

Pomegranate is a popular ingredient in many health shakes and smoothies. That’s because pomegranate contains high levels of ellagic acid and punicalagin. 

Ellagic acid can help repair damage to skin cells. 

Punicalagin is another ingredient that will boost collagen production. As mentioned earlier, collagen will make your skin firmer and look younger. 

You can buy pomegranate juice to drink. However, you can also buy seeds to put in salads and other food recipes.

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6. Spinach 

If you haven’t noticed by now, keeping your skin healthy and smooth is key to looking younger. Spinach is a vegetable that contains high amounts of beta-carotene – which provides essential nutrients to keep your skin healthy and firm.

Spinach also has phytonutrients that can repair damaged skin cells from sun exposure and antioxidants that will help your body feel healthier and age better. 

If you are a salad eater, you can replace iceberg or romaine lettuce with spinach to get those vital nutrients.

If you aren’t a salad eater, you can add spinach as an ingredient to many foods like pizza and sandwiches.

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7. Kale 

Kale is another excellent source of phytonutrients. 

If you aren’t a big fan of spinach, you might like kale as a lettuce replacement in salads and on sandwiches to promote better skin elasticity. 

Kale is also a good source of chlorophyll, a super nutrient known to block the harmful effects of many chemicals that can lead to cancer. 

The nutrients found in kale can help firm up loose skin and reduce wrinkles – making you look more youthful.

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8. Watercress 

One of the best defenses against aging is promoting the circulation and delivery of crucial minerals and nutrients throughout your body. 

That’s because you will improve the oxygenation of the skin, making it healthier and firmer. Watercress is known to increase circulation throughout your body. 

A lot of people eat watercress in salads. 

However, it’s harder to find in stores than other vegetables like spinach and kale. Therefore, you might have to shop at specialty health food stores to find watercress.

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9. Papaya 

Papaya is one of the best-known foods for boosting skin elasticity. The fruit has several essential vitamins and minerals, and lots of antioxidants are vital to making your skin look smoother and firmer. 

For example, papaya contains Vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. You will likely have to go to a store that specializes in healthy foods to find papaya.

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10. Avocado 

Finally, your skin needs proper nourishment to stay healthy, just like the rest of your body. 

Avocado contains high amounts of Vitamin A and B – making it one of the best anti-aging foods for nourishing and moisturizing your skin. 

You can eat avocados as a snack by themselves – or turn them into a dipping sauce to taste with something else.

In short, one of the best ways to age gracefully is to eat healthy foods that contain nutrients known to reverse the effects of healthy aging and skin damage from years of sun exposure. 

Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium needed to keep your bones healthy and strong. 

You can improve the elasticity of your skin by eating pineapples and papaya. When it comes to healing damaged skin, you should eat dark chocolate, blueberries, spinach, and kale. 

You can make your skin look younger by eating pomegranate and watercress. Lastly, avocados are a great way to keep your skin nourished and moisturized.

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As a midlife woman, currently age 48, I’m battling the decision about getting botox or not. I’m not too concerned about the forehead wrinkles, but I’ve been told, they deepen if I don’t get the botox.

Let’s look at some Pros and Cons of Getting Botox

Con: Botox Changes Your Face

This is one of the things I’m most afraid of. When I had my blephoraplasty (eye bag and droopy eye lid removal), my face changed. I suddenly had these great big eyes I never had before, even in my younger years.

My friends didn’t recognize me. I went back to our big work convention and people I’ve known for years didn’t know me. Of course, this was a drastic change.

Would I do it again? Yes. For sure. I love the result and I’ve gotten used to my new face.

With botox, however, I don’t know if my forhead wrinkles bother me enough to take the risk. Maybe just not yet.

Nobody wants to wake up and Look like the Joker from Bat Man!

Pro: When Done Right, Nobody Knows You Had Work Done

OK, so when done right, nobody might realize you had anything done. That’s when you know cosmetic improvements are a job well done. You should look rested, more youthful, but not like you had plastic surgery.

When someone looks at me today, they wouldn’t know I had my eyes lids/bags done. They look natural. That’s what I would hope for with botox.

Con: Eyebrows May Droop

OK, we ‘ve all seen it. That woman that looks like her eyebrows are glued on and maybe not even in the right spot. They are frozen.

This is one of my fears. In the video above, the woman talks about her experience prior with botox where her brows and forehead were pushed down.

Botox injections cause muscle to not move and if the muscles that pull up are not strong enough, the eyebrows can droop.

In a week or two, this look may return to a more natural look by springing back up. Additional botox may be necessary to bring the brows back up.

Someone with droopy lids or excess skin like I had before my eye surgery is not a great candidate for botox in this area as the eye may droop further.

Con: Bruising Can Occur

I think with the right professional and the right needle, this can be preventative. I think for me, I’d want just a little bit of time before a big event to allow this to heal.

If there is bruising, many doctors suggest the use of Arnica Cream or Vitamin K Cream.

Icing before and after, I’m told, to constrict the blood cells, can often reduce bruising as well.

Con: Can Cause Headaches or Flu Systems

Temporary after affects from botox can be headaches and flu like systems. These are generally improved day over day and are gone within a few days.

Pro: Can Improve Headaches

I don’t really have a problem with headaches myself, but I’m told that people with migraines can see a significant improvement in their headaches after receiving their botox injections.

Cons: Feels Weird

So video after video of women having botox, I hear them say how freaky it is to not be able to move their forehead. Yeah, that just sounds weird. That being said, most of these women look great and said they would do it again.

Pros: Looking Better

Well, let’s be real. This is the reason we entertain it in the first place. Fewer wrinkles lead us to looking younger and more rested. If the desired results are there, I think botox could be a wonderful solution for many midlife women (and men too!).

Cellulite is a common condition in which lumpy dimples appear on the skin. It typically occurs on the thighs and buttocks but can also affect other areas. Cellulite happens when fat deposits beneath the skin push through connective tissue.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. [Affiliate Disclosure]

Who Gets Cellulite?

This condition affects about 80-90 of women and is quite common among women between the ages of 40 and 60. There are many proposed natural remedies for cellulite, many of which have temporary effects.

Nonetheless, having an active lifestyle, avoiding smoking and adopting a low-fat can help reduce the occurrence of cellulite.

Other names used for cellulite include cottage-cheese skin, orange-peel skin, the mattress phenomenon, and hail damage.

Both men and women can be affected by cellulite. However, it’s more common in women because of the way their connective tissue, muscle, and fat is distributed.

Cellulite occurs in varying grades of severity. Grade one (mild) cellulite is characterized by an orange-peel skin appearance. The skin has one to four superficial depress as well as a slightly sagging appearance.

With grade two (moderate) cellulite, you have five to nine skin depressions of medium depth. The skin is moderately sagging and has a cottage-cheese appearance.

Grade three (severe) features a ten or more depressions and severely sagging skin with a “mattress” appearance.

Causes of Cellulite

The root cause of cellulite has yet to be discovered. However, it seems to be the result of the interaction between the subcutaneous connective tissue and the fat layer beneath it.

The connective tissue and fat under the skin of women are arranged vertically. Cellulite appears when the fat protrudes through the connective tissue in the dermatological layer.

On the other hand, men’s subcutaneous connective tissue is structured in a crisscross pattern, which the lower occurrence of cellulite in males.

Many other factors are associated with the likelihood of developing cellulite.

1. Age and hormonal factors

Hormones greatly affect the occurrence of cellulite. Some of the hormones that take part in the process of cellulite production include prolactin, thyroid hormones, noradrenaline, insulin, and estrogen.

According to one theory, as menopause draws nearer for women, estrogen levels decrease. As a result, there’s a decrease in blood flow to the subcutaneous connective tissue. Limited circulation interferes with oxygen supply to the area and leads to a reduction in the production of collagen.

Moreover, as the level of estrogen diminish, fats cells expand. Fat deposits become visible as subcutaneous fat protrudes and pushes through the connective tissue and causes the appearance of lumpy dimples.

Additionally, your skin becomes thinner, less elastic and more prone to sagging as you age. The likelihood of cellulite therefore also increases.

2. Genetic factors

Some people are more genetically predisposed to cellulite development than other people.

Some of the genetic factors that vary from one person to another are circulatory levels, distribution of fat beneath the skin, and the speed of metabolism.

These are among the factors that influence your likelihood of developing cellulite.

3. Lifestyle and dietary factors

It’s a myth that toxins cause cellulite. Nonetheless, you can reduce the occurrence and severity of cellulite by adopting a healthy lifestyle: eating a proper diet and exercising regularly.

People who consume too much salt, carbohydrates—and not enough fiber—have a greater chance of developing more cellulite.

Furthermore, cellulite is more prevalent among people who stand or sit in one position for extended period, people who fail to exercise regularly and people who smoke.

Wearing tight undergarments that interfere with blood circulation to the buttocks is also a risk factor for cellulite formation.

However, it is important to note that even if cellulite is more prevalent among individuals that have excess fat, fit and slim people can also get it.

The chances of developing cellulite increasingly markedly after the age of 25, but teenagers and young adults can develop it too.

Getting Rid of Cellulite

Many therapies and remedies for cellulite have been proposed, but none have been supported by concrete scientific evidence. Many of these techniques have been reviewed by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), which has found that some of the remedies can be effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Let’s take a look at the treatments.

Procedures for Getting Rid of Cellulite

1. Acoustic wave therapy. In this method, the specialist uses a handheld device that emits sound waves. It requires numerous sessions.
2. Laser treatment. This remedy may improve the appearance of the affected area for 12 or more months. The procedure involves the insertion of a small laser probe beneath the skin. A laser is fired into the tissue to break it up. It can also result in increased collagen production which thickens the skin and consequently reduces the appearance of cellulite.
3. Subcision. The dermatologist inserts a needle beneath the skin and breaks up bands of connective tissue. According to the AAD, results can last at least two years.
4. Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release. In this method, the dermatologist uses a device with small blades to cut the bands of subcutaneous connective tissue. As this happens, the underlying tissue moves up and occupies the spaces beneath the skin and improves the appearance of cellulite. Results may last up to three years. However, the data on the success of the procedure is limited.
5. Carboxytherapy. The doctor inserts carbon dioxide beneath the skin. While the method might be effective, the side effects include discomfort and bruising after the procedure.
6. Enermologie. In this case, the dermatologist lifts the skin using a vacuum-like device. Even though the device has been approved of as safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there’s no solid evidence of its effectiveness.
7. Ionethermie cellulite reduction treatment. In this treatment, special clay or mud is used to cover the affected area. The specialist then wraps plastic around the clay or mud and passes an electric current through it. It has yet proven to be successful.
8. Radiotherapy. The specialist aims to use heat to reduce the cellulite; the results are often temporary.
9. Laser-assisted liposuction. This treatment removes a little fat. However, this usually results in more dimpling. There’s no evidence showing that this method is effective.
10. Ultrasonic liposcuplting. This procedure targets and eliminated fats but there is no evidence supporting its effectiveness.

Medications and Creams for Getting Rid of Cellulite

Some creams and medication are proposed because of their interaction with fatty acids. Caffeine creams are used because they dehydrate cells and make them less conspicuous.

Retinol thickens the skin and improves the appearance of cellulite, but it takes a few months for results to be apparent. Researchers have also proposed medications that boost circulation and improve cell metabolism.

Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of Cellulite

Besides procedures and pharmaceutical methods, there are many natural cellulite treatments that have been proposed. Let’s take a look at a few.

1. Exfoliating coffee scrub

Among the most effective methods of exfoliation is scrubbing using coffee grounds. This method eliminates dead skin cells, allowing healthy cells to grow in their place. You can stimulate circulation by massaging this scrub, which tightens loose skin resulting from cellulite.

Mix 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil, three tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup coffee grounds to form a paste. Firmly massage the paste onto the affected area for several minutes and wash as usual. Do this no more than thrice weekly.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural remedy for many conditions, including cellulite. It contains calcium, minerals, magnesium, and potassium, all of which reduce cellulite, remove toxins, and regulates excess water around the stomach and thighs.

Mix a few drops of honey, two parts of water and one part of apple cider vinegar. Massage the mixture onto the affected area and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes before using lukewarm water to wash it off.

Do this twice daily until you achieve the desired results.

3. Staying well-hydrated

Water is a potent therapeutic agent and detoxifier. Drinking about eight glasses or two liters of water every day is incredibly beneficial as it strengthens your immune system, eliminates bodily toxins and helps give your skin a healthy glow. It may also help with reducing the appearance of cellulite.

4. Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is effective in stimulating circulation, removing dead skin cells, and allowing for the growth of new, healthy skin cells. It is among the most affordable methods of stimulating lymphatic draining, detoxifying the skin, restoring the skin’s healthy glow, and remedying cellulite.

Using a natural bristle brush, brush yourself from your feet to your shoulders. You can brush circular motions as you move up, especially on the stomach area.

Dry brush for five to ten minutes twice daily before taking a shower or going to bed. As the name suggests, it’s important that both the brush and your body remain dry as you brush.

5. Juniper oil

Juniper essential oil does a great job of reducing the body’s fluid absorption. This effect can be quite useful for treating cellulite. Mix 10 drops of juniper oil and 1/4 cup of olive oil then gently rub the mixture onto the affected areas for about ten minutes.

Apply this mixture twice daily for 30 days or until your skin becomes firmer and smoother.

6. Daily moisturizing

In addition to helping improve the appearance of cellulite, daily moisturizing also makes your skin softer and smoother. It should be a daily habit despite the season.

Natural moisturizers are generally preferable to chemical infused ones.

Coconut oil is one of the best natural moisturizers as it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is high in saturated fats.

Massaging it on your skin after showering daily can make your skin firmer and improve the appearance of cellulite.

7. Tangerine oil

Tangerine oil is another essential oil that is highly effective in removing toxins from your skin. Like other similar oils, it cuts down fats and stimulates circulation, thus reducing cellulite.

Mix five drops of tangerine oil and one tablespoon of olive oil and massage them on the cellulite for ten minutes. Apply the mixture twice a day and stay away from direct sunlight for at least an hour after application.

8. Omega-3

Together with fat-soluble vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids boost the immune system. As a result, omega-3 smoothens the skin tissues and gradually reduces cellulite. Fish such as Salmon are an excellent source of omega-3.

Alternatively, you can consume one teaspoon of cod liver oil syrup or one cod liver oil capsule daily.

9. Seaweed

Like coffee grounds, seaweed is a natural exfoliating agent. Among the benefits of massaging seaweed onto the affected areas of your skin include detoxification and activation of blood circulation. It also improves your skin health by eliminating cellulite and making it firm and smooth.

Mix a few drops of essential oil, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of sea salt and three tablespoons of ground seaweed. Rub them onto the affected area for ten minutes before your shower. Apply moisturizer after the shower. Apply it for one week until you achieve the desired result.

10. Stable hormones

A healthy lifestyle and balanced diet result in stable hormones. In addition to ensuring your body is fit, stable hormones also help prevent and curb cellulite. Make sure your meals are colorful by introducing a wide variety of fish, lean meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables.

Exercise regularly and learn to manage your stress in a healthy way. Such a lifestyle is highly likely to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Check out Lori Ballen’s Method to The Keto Diet.