Show off your smooth legs this summer

If you have cellulite – those lumpy, bumpy, dimply areas of skin that often resemble cottage cheese or orange rinds – you’re not alone. Nearly 9 out of 10 women have some degree of cellulite on their thighs, buttocks, bellies and arms. Today, women spend millions a year on anti-cellulite treatments ranging from fancy creams to risky surgery. With so many products and procedures out there, it’s downright dizzying to try and figure out what really works.

What exactly is cellulite? Cellulite occurs when pockets of fat push up against connective tissue underneath the skin. This bane of many women’s existence is seen much less frequently in men. That’s because female skin tissue is thinner and less porous; therefore, when fat cells push up, they’re more noticeable.

While there is no known cure to completely banish cellulite, there are ways to help minimize its appearance, so you can don your bathing suit and head to the beach with confidence.

Secret Weapons to Fight Cellulite

Cellulite and Diet

Avoid Too Much Salt and Sugar

By eating a healthy diet, you can help reduce cellulite. First, avoid too much sugar, which gets stored in fat cells and causes them to expand. Second, limit salt intake, since sodium causes fluid retention, making cellulite appear even worse. Consume no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar each day, and stay away from foods containing more than 200 mg of sodium.

Drink 8-10 Glasses of Water Daily

Water helps flush out toxins that hide in the fat layers beneath the skin and make cellulite lumps even more visible. Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Hydration also works to plump the skin and make it look less lumpy.

Kelp

Kelp contains fucoxanthin, a xanthophyll compound found in green plants with chlorophyll, which helps the body burn fat. Studies show that ingesting kelp can help facilitate a 5-10% loss in body weight, thus reducing the appearance of cellulite. Add kelp to your diet regimen.

Cellulite and Topical Creams

Aminophylline Cream

This cutting-edge anti-cellulite cream contains the organic compound aminophylline, also used in many inhalable asthma drugs. When applied topically, this compound helps break down fat in cells so it can burn easier. Aminophylline cream, available online for about $40 a bottle, should be applied to the affected area on a daily basis. To supercharge this treatment, add vitamin C, which helps to build collagen. Make sure you get 75 mg of vitamin C each day. One kiwi or a cup of strawberries will do the trick.

Retinol Cream

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that reduces the presence of free radicals responsible for the breakdown of collagen. Retinol helps maintain skin smoothness and makes cellulite bulges less visible.  Look for 100,000 IUs of vitamin A per 2-ounce jar. For best results, use 100% retinol cream with added vitamin A, C and E.

Non-elastic Underwear

Elastic underwear pinches on the cellulite, exaggerating its appearance. Switch to non-elastic undergarments made of smooth fabric with an invisible edge. You’ll create even pressure on the skin, increase blood flow, and prevent fat from being pushed up and deposited in unwanted areas. Thongs and capri-length undergarments that reach just below the knee are also good choices.

The Truth Behind Top-Selling Cellulite Products

Most anti-cellulite products promise miracles in no time. But how many of these actually deliver? Here’s what you need to know:

Non invasive Devices:-

Massage devices: - Cellulite develops because fibrous connective bands between the skin and fat pull the fat to the surface, creating a rippled skin appearance. By creating friction, you can loosen or soften those bands temporarily. Massage helps by stimulating circulation and draining excess fluids. When the fat cells aren’t as “full,” the lumps appear smoothed. Try a massage product with battery-powered rollers.

Acoustic wave therapy devices like X- wave: - Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) is a new painless treatment for reducing cellulite and making skin look smoother. It was originally developed in Europe where research proved that acoustic waves are effective in correcting connective tissue which dimple skin and increase skin's elasticity by stimulating collagen production.

This new treatment uses pressure waves which penetrate through the skin and underlying fat to smooth out dimples and firm skin. AWT can be used on most problem areas such as stomach, thighs, buttocks, or arms.

The procedure consists of a 30 minute session and patients usually need six treatments to notice successful results. Check with your dermatologist for details.

Diuretic Herbal Supplements

Diuretic herbal supplements DO NOT work. While they may reduce fluid buildup and make fat cells appear smaller for a very brief period of time, you’re basically only getting more expensive urine as they flush through your system. What’s more, these supplements can negatively impact your digestive system and other parts of the body.

Caffeine Creams

Caffeine creams DO work. Caffeine works on the spot by breaking down fat cells, making skin smoother and less lumpy. The caffeine actually dehydrates the area where the cellulite is, tightening and firming the skin for a temporary smooth appearance. When purchasing these products, examine the ingredients, which are always listed in order of concentration. You want to choose a product with about a 5% caffeine concentration. Caffeine creams typically range in price from about $20-$100.

The bottom line: There’s no permanent cure for cellulite, but there are ways to reduce its appearance. Don’t throw your money away on expensive products or treatments. Try one of these affordable, effective secret weapons first.

---

·