What is cellulite and how to fight it

First of all, stay calm. Cellulite is normal, even though current beauty standards might suggest otherwise. The first thing to know is that it is completely common for cellulite to appear on a woman's body after puberty. This is because women's fat is generally distributed on the thighs, hips, and buttocks: the most common areas for cellulite. As we age and lose skin elasticity, cellulite becomes more evident and can appear in more areas.

The fact that it is normal and we should accept it does not mean we shouldn't take care of ourselves, especially since cellulite, as we will see now, can get worse and may be a warning that some of our habits are not as healthy as they should be.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is the name given to the irregular deposits of fat that women, in particular, tend to accumulate around the hips, belly, thighs, and arms. It has an orange-peel appearance and usually starts to form during puberty, but it is not always evident at that age. It is exactly the same as other fat accumulations in the body; that is, it is subcutaneous fat located beneath the skin. It is situated between the fibrous connective cords that tether the skin to the underlying muscle. As fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin, while the long, tough cords pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling.

What causes cellulite to appear?

The causes can be very varied, or rather, we can say that what causes cellulite is the interaction of several factors.
On one hand, hereditary factors are undeniable. Skin type and the natural tendency of our metabolism have a strong hereditary component.
On the other hand, the main cause is hormonal. Cellulite usually appears during puberty. At this time, hormonal changes lead to greater fat accumulation, which causes poor circulation and the appearance of the dreaded dimples.
Finally, lifestyle is fundamental. Lack of physical exercise, a diet too rich in fats and fried foods, and especially a lack of hydration and elasticity in your skin can significantly aggravate the appearance of areas with cellulite.

What consequences can it have?

The problem can arise when there is fluid retention, and the consequence is that the area becomes swollen due to a lack of drainage. The fibers harden and metabolism becomes more difficult, worsening the orange-peel skin. If we gain weight or lead a too-sedentary life, cellulite can worsen and may even become painful, with the area feeling warm. Therefore, it is important to take care of yourself.

What can we do to fight and improve it?

There are 3 fundamental factors to improve cellulite and not experience it as something negative on our body but as something completely normal, which does not stop us from feeling good about ourselves.

Nutrition

The first one is nutrition: We remind you in all our tips that everything you eat and drink is reflected in your skin. Both in the skin of the face and in the rest of the body. Therefore, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats is your great ally. In addition, drinking plenty of water is essential to reduce fluid retention and achieve a better appearance for your skin, which gains elasticity. Enemies: alcohol and sweets. Haven't you noticed that after overdoing either of these two things, your legs feel heavier? Anything that hinders circulation causes cellulite to increase.

Physical activity

Another important factor in your anti-cellulite crusade is physical activity. Your legs, arms, and abdomen need to move if you want to feel them lighter and with the best possible appearance. Circulation plays a fundamental role in this equation, so we must activate it. Walking, swimming, running—these are some of the best sports you can do. But in reality, practice the sport that makes you happy, because that is the only way to ensure you won't quit in a month.

Massages with vegan cosmetics

Finally, daily massages with respectful and efficient cosmetic products, that is, organic and vegan ones. We'll tell you about some ingredients that we find essential to include in your anti-cellulite product:
First, vegetable oils that prevent skin flaking, increase skin elasticity, and provide antioxidants: some examples could be sesame, St. John's wort, or calendula oil. On the other hand, oils that stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, such as coffee bean oil, ginkgo biloba phytoextract, or orange essential oil. Finally, oils with decongestant, reducing, and firming properties like fennel oil. In other words, an anti-cellulite product should hydrate, firm, drain, and stimulate circulation.

It is essential to perform an upward massage with circular movements for it to be effective, and of course, we must be consistent and do it every day after showering. Or even twice a day to truly feel the results on your own skin.

Lastly, at Herbera, we also recommend exfoliating the skin of the entire body once every one or two weeks. Exfoliation will manage to remove dead cells, activate metabolism, and consequently also fight orange-peel skin.

We invite you to visit our body products section so that you can truly care for, pamper, and love the skin all over your body ❤.