Can a Moisturizer *Really* Combat Cellulite?
Do you have cellulite? If so, then you are not alone. Nearly every woman has some form of cellulite on her body, and it is often difficult to get rid of because it can be caused by a variety of factors like genetics or weight gain. In this article, we’re going to talk about what causes cellulite and how anti-cellulite products can help fight the condition.
Cellulite affects most of us. It’s normal, common, and perfectly safe. Understandably, you’re probably eager to know how to treat cellulite and if those creams you hear about really work. That’s what we’re going to find out now!
WHAT IS CELLULITE?
Cellulite is a thinning of the skin and fibrous tissue, which causes fatty deposits to form. These bumps are caused by a build-up of fat cells that push against connective tissues in your skin and create an orange peel-like appearance when pressure is applied. The condition can be inherited, or it may worsen with age as we lose elasticity in our skin.
Cellulite typically appears on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and stomach because they contain high subcutaneous fat levels (fat beneath the surface layers of your skin). It also appears around breasts because these areas have large amounts of estrogen receptors where there’s more sensitivity for hormones like testosterone that cause cellulite formation. Cellulite isn’t dangerous, but it certainly looks unattractive; this means that many people take measures to reduce the appearance of cellulite, as it can be embarrassing to have visible bumps on your skin.
Cellulite is caused by a build-up of fat cells that press against connective tissues in the skin and create an orange peel-like appearance when pressure is applied. The condition may worsen with age because we tend to lose elasticity in our skin.
HOW DO ANTI-CELLULITE CREAMS WORK?
Creams and lotions might not make your cellulite disappear overnight, but they can temporarily smooth and tighten your skin.
Anti-cellulite creams work by reducing the fluid that builds up in and around cells, making them less puffy. The creams work by improving circulation to these areas as well; this helps break down excess proteins and other fluids which may contribute to cellulite.
These products can also help reduce inflammation, so there is a reduced amount of pressure on your skin from the fat deposits or water retention.
ARE ANTI-CELLULITE CREAMS WORTH YOUR MONEY?
A cream can help, but you need to be consistent in order for it to work.
As Dendy Engelman of Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery explains, “A cream can help when applied religiously because the temporary effects they give are prolonged to daily effects, but if the cream is discontinued, most often the skin returns to its baseline appearance.”
However, it won’t show results if you do not have a diet that is low in fat and calories. For the anti-cellulite cream to work its best, one must follow a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercises and eating right.
For some people, this may be too time-consuming or difficult. For those who are more interested in quick fixes rather than long-term solutions, these creams will not help much when used alone but can provide an extra boost as part of your skincare routine (alongside moisturizing).
They can temporarily smooth and tighten your skin by filling in wrinkles which themselves could contribute to cellulite. The critical thing is consistent use over time; if you stop using them, the cellulite will come back.
Most anti-cellulite creams are pretty expensive, but because they last a long time and have many other benefits, you should not be too concerned about this. Some people find that it is worth the money to avoid looking older than your age or for those who want to feel more confident with their appearance.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CELLULITE CREAM
If you want an effective anti-cellulite lotion or serum, look for ingredients like caffeine, retinol, vitamin C, and shea butter.
“Caffeine causes the blood vessels to constrict and the fat cells to temporarily shrink,” says dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD.
Other great ingredients for their anti-cellulite effects include retinol, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and collagen.
It would help if you also tried to find a product that does not have many ingredients, which can confuse your skin or irritate the skin with sensitive acne-prone types of skin.
Try Truly’s Anti-Cellulite Bundle to smooth out those dips and hollows. The kit features a body mask and serum designed to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dimples.
OTHER WAYS TO COMBAT CELLULITE
- Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliation can help minimize the appearance of cellulite by removing the excess toxins and skin cells that can build up near your lymph nodes. Exfoliation should be done as part of a routine to help with anti-cellulite treatments.
It is also essential because it will allow any products you apply afterward to penetrate better into the skin. Exfoliate at least twice per week for best results!
Use a gentle formula like Truly’s Blueberry Kush CBD Body Scrub.
- Try dry brushing
Dry brushing boosts circulation and can aid in the elimination of toxins.
Exfoliation will also allow any products you apply afterward to penetrate better into the skin. Dry brushing should be done at least once per week for the best results!
- Exercise more
Get your body moving to combat cellulite. Aerobic exercise is best, but even a walk around the block will help.
It’s essential to give your body time to rest and recover between workouts, too, so set aside a day each week for that purpose! Use this as an opportunity to de-stress by listening to music or taking some much-needed “me” time while getting stronger at the same time! Exercise can also improve circulation, which helps with toxin elimination.
There is no one thing that a moisturizer alone can do to make cellulite disappear, but it might help reduce the appearance or severity of it by keeping your skin hydrated.
However, there are other methods you could use as well which may provide more benefits than just moisturizing on its own: dry brushing or exfoliating regularly and using an appropriate anti-cellulite product such as those above.
