Cellulite affects us all. No matter how different our bodies are, the plight of cellulite is shared by us all. Cellulite affects 80% to 90% of women. It is universally recognized, but with its shared sense of embarrassment. We know exactly what appearance of cellulite is like: dimpled, uneven skin on the thighs, buttocks, arms and other parts of our body. Various treatments and home remedies for cellulite on thighs and buttocks are available to help you treat cellulite.
Many people believe cellulite to be directly tied to body fat, and as a result they believe it can be eliminated through diet and exercise. While it’s possible to lessen the appearance of cellulite by losing weight, it’s impossible to eliminate it completely. This is because cellulite is not caused by having extra fat on the body. Rather, cellulite is a structural issue below the skin that can only be eliminated by going under the skin to “restructure” the area.
Cellulite can develop on the thighs and butts because the area naturally has more fatty tissue and the sign of cellulite. Other risk factors for the development of cellulite include:
- age
- estrogen
- family history
- tissue inflammation
- increased fatty tissue caused by weight gain
- loss of collagen
- poor circulation (a common issue in the legs)
- poor lymphatic drainage
- thinning epidermis (outer layer of skin)
In terms of your overall health, there’s nothing wrong with having cellulite. However, many people wish to reduce its appearance for which a number of remedies are listed here.
Home remedies for cellulite on thighs and buttocks
There are a number of home remedies and exercises that promise to do just that. These home remedies can easily be mended in your daily life as these ingredients are easily available. With long periods of application, these home remedies can cause wonders!
- Massage
Massage may reduce cellulite by improving lymphatic drainage. It can also help stretch your skin tissue. This may help stretch out cellulite dimples too and can be a quick cellulite fix.
Massage creams offer the same benefits, but the key component is the massaging process. You can’t apply a cream and expect these home remedies for cellulite on thighs and buttocks.
- Weight loss
Weight loss might also help some people to get rid of cellulite. Losing excess body fat may naturally reduce the appearance of cellulite but this might not work for all people. This is because anyone at any weight can have cellulite. It’s not restricted to just those who are overweight or obese.
If you do want to lose weight or tone your muscles, you may find that a healthy diet and exercise can help reduce cellulite on your thighs.
Take a look at our handy guide on how to choose the best workout leggings that hide cellulite.
- Dry brushing
This is one remedy that there may not be any scientific evidence that it works but that there is a lot of anecdotal support for. Either way, it feels great and helps stimulate blood and lymph flow in the body.
Dry skin brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is something you can — and should — be doing daily, even twice a day. Your skin should be dry, so the ideal time is in the shower before you turn on the water.
You should only brush towards the heart. Making long sweeps, avoiding back and forth, scrubbing and circular motions. Start at your feet, moving up the legs on both sides, then work from the arms toward your chest. On your stomach, direct the brush counter-clockwise. And, don’t brush too hard: Skin should be stimulated and invigorated but not irritated or red.
In addition to sloughing away dry skin on areas like knees, elbows and ankles, body brushing promotes tighter skin, cell renewal and blood flow. This also helps the lymphatic system release toxins and aids in digestion and kidney function. You’ll also notice a glowy, smooth complexion.
- Consuming Gelatin
Gelatin is largely composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many people don’t consume in adequate amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth but for optimal immune function and weight regulation!
One theory is that the decline of gelatin containing foods in our diets has led to an increase in cellulite as we don’t have the needed building blocks for healthy connective tissue. Either way, it is another remedy that is good for other reasons and worth a try.
- Coffee Scrub
Coffee scrubs can be beneficial in reducing cellulite as well. The massage and exfoliation benefits skin by stimulating blood/lymph flow and the caffeine in the coffee has a tightening effect.
You will need:
- 1/4 cup coffee grounds
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil (if you don’t have coconut oil at home, replace it with extra virgin olive oil)
- Mix everything together and form a paste. Use a little bit of this paste and firmly message for several minutes on the affected areas. Wash as usual. Don’t use it for more than 3 times per week. Continue this massage weekly until you get your desired results. Store the mixture in a airtight jar for further treatment.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a multi-purposeful solution to many complicated situations. Similarly, apple cider vinegar can be used to get rid of cellulite. The vinegar contains potassium, magnesium, minerals, and calcium. These chemical components decreases cellulite, eliminates toxins, and controls excess water around the thighs and stomach. Here’s how:
- 1 part of apple cider vinegar
- 2 parts of water
- Few drops of honey
- Mix the above ingredients, massage the mixture on the affected areas and leave for 30 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this twice a day and continue till you are satisfied with the result.
- Omega-3s
Another theory is that consumption of the wrong kinds of fats leads to an imbalance of the fatty acids that the body needs for smooth skin and tissue. There is some evidence that consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins will help reduce cellulite over time. Either way, omega-3s, and fat-soluble vitamins are important for many other functions in the body, so it won’t hurt to try it!
- Exfoliation
One of the reasons dry brushing is thought to be so successful at treating cellulite is because it also works to exfoliate the skin, making it appear smoother.
Exfoliation is important for general skin health and appearance as it removes dead skin cells whilst also stimulating blood flow. It should be a part of everyone’s general beauty routine, especially if you suffer from cellulite.
Whilst there are many different exfoliators available, one of the most popular methods is using coffee grounds. Not only does it act as a scrub but also stimulates dilation, plus it also contains antioxidants which could help with toxin removal.
If that weren’t enough, it will also save you spending money on expensive products! Always moisturise after exfoliating to nourish new skin cells.
- Foam Rolling
While you’re probably already foam rolling to recover from your workout, there’s a bonus: It could be one of the best home remedies for cellulite on legs. Massaging works to soften the fibrous bands of connective tissue that cause the dimpled appearance of cellulite.
A study found that patients who received 10 sessions of lymphatic massage (a similar technique) showed significant softening of the tissue. It’s likely because improving circulation via massage could keep collagen and elastin from breaking down, which would have an effect on the appearance of cellulite. There’s one catch, though: The study participants had to do four hours of lymphatic massage a day-so it’s not exactly a time-friendly solution.
- Top foods
If you want to treat the problem from the inside, you need to give your body the proper nutrition and provide it with the right foods to repair your body. Here’s the list of top 10 foods that serve as home remedies for cellulite on thighs and buttocks:
- Watermelon – high water content to hydrate skin
- Pineapple – anti-inflammatory, boost circulation, promotes collagen production to repair skin
- Blueberries – collagen protection
- Eggs – contains ingredient important in skin tissue repair
- Spinach – rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory
- Tomatoes – protects skin from sun and other types of damage
- Flax seed – healthy oil that helps skin retain water
- Brazil nuts – protects skin elasticity
- White tea – helps keep skin firm and smooth
Conclusion
Whilst appearance of cellulite won’t cause you any physical harm, if you find that it’s affecting your self-confidence, all is not lost. By getting clued up on the causes, preventative methods and home remedies for cellulite on thighs and buttocks, you’ll be able to banish those bumps in no time at all.
