How to get rid of cellulite

Cellulite is something that plagues many women, especially at this time of year when we get ready to flaunt our bodies on the beach.

Around 90% of the population suffer from the dreaded cellulite and whilst some search for that quick fix to treat cellulite, the truth is they don’t really work. It takes time and effort to reduce the look of cellulite and chances are if it’s hereditary, it’s never going to fully go.

Cellulite is quite simply fat that sits underneath the skin, the orange peel look it has is because it is forced up against the connective tissue, that's why you get a bumpy effect.

Factors that increase the amount of cellulite you have

• Bad diet
• Rapidly losing weight and gaining it back
• Lethargic metabolism
• Not doing much exercise
• Hormone changes
• Not keeping your body hydrated
• The amount of body fat you have
• It can be more prevalent with certain types of skin

Reduce the cellulite you have with our guide

Exercise to get rid of cellulite

As we mentioned earlier cellulite is fat, and the best way to get rid of it is with exercise. Things like HIIT, running, power walking, cycling, etc, will help you burn the fat off your body. But the amount of body fat you have overall plays a part in how much cellulite you have, so it might take a lot of fat loss to see a difference in the reduction of cellulite.

You'll not only want to use cardio to help burn fat, but toning exercises too, things like resistance pilates, weight training and isometric exercises will all help to tone your muscles and make your body stronger. The more muscle your body has the more efficient your body is at burning calories, so it's more likely that you'll have less body fat.

How to get rid of cellulite naturally

Nourish your body with the food you eat

A healthy diet is essential for living a happy and energised life, it can also help to keep cellulite at bay too. You need to ensure you're eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and ensure you get enough fibre to encourage healthy bowel movement which is the easiest way to remove toxins and waste from the body.

Get your body moving

We’ve talked about that above, increasing your physical activity is great for your overall health so try your best to fit in wherever you can.

Target your lower body with compound movements like squats

Don’t eat these foods

Well, you might find it pretty difficult to cut them out altogether, but keeping a check on eating these foods will help ensure that you don't have legs and bum that are covered in cellulite.

These foods are likely to increase the cellulite on your body, things that are high in salt, food high in sugar, fried foods, alcohol.

Brush your skin

Not with your hair brush, but invest in a body brush. Using it dry can help with circulation which prompts the removal of toxins which can improve the look of cellulite.

Keep hydrated

Drinking water has plenty of beauty and health benefits, it can even improve the look of cellulite as being hydrated improves the look of the skin. It also encourages the body to get rid of any excess fluid it might have.

Hydration is vital for overall health and wellbeing

Eight myths about cellulite

Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi reveals the myths about cellulite that we need to know the truth about.

If you’re slim you won’t get cellulite

Everyone is at risk of getting cellulite, even super slim body types. It's things like weight fluctuations, age and sun damage that can all impact cellulite.

It’ll only affect you when you’re older

Reality is, cellulite can start to show at any age, but as we age the skin becomes less firm which can increase the visibility of cellulite.

You can reduce it with cream

We've seen them across the beauty market for years now, but in reality they're not going to have a lasting effect. They're simply a temporary fix and the best way to reduce it is reducing the fat on the body, exercising and eating well.

Don't expect a quick fix to work in the long run

Men won’t get cellulite

In reality, men can get, it's just more common for women to have it. This is all to do with the fact that women's bodies are designed to hold on to fat, whereas men are more likely to burn fat.

Clothing can reduce cellulite

As well as creams to reduce cellulite, there are clothes available that claim to reduce the look of cellulite. But in fact, it could make it look more prominent.

Tanning reduces cellulite

Darker skin makes cellulite look less visible, but the reality is if you're using sunbeds to get that tan it can actually make cellulite develop quicker.

The best thing to do is fake tan, we love how applying fake tan can make cellulite less obvious.

We love the Sunkissed range for a natural glowing look, Lucy Mecklenburgh swears by the stuff and we all know how good she looks in a bikini.

There’s the new Sunkissed Brozed Instant Tanning Gel (£4.99), which is available in cool and warm skin shades. It works with your skins undertone colour to help develop a natural-looking tan and the aloe vera and vitamin E help to keep the skin moisturised. Or try the new Sunkissed Rapid Tan (£3.99), the new formulation develops within just one hour of application and delivers a long-lasting, natural looking tan.

Liposuction is the procedure to help

Liposuction might reduce the amount of fat in the body, but it doesn't necessarily distribute it evenly which can lead to cellulite looking worse. However, a treatment like Cellulaze could be a better option for reducing the look of cellulite.