Let’s talk cellulite – yep, that dimpled, orange peel-textured skin that shows up on your thighs, backside, abdomen and arms. Let’s be real, we all have it (especially in really bad lighting in unfair dressing rooms—Yes, you know the ones). Over 80% of women have it, and don’t worry: men do too.
The good news is that it’s purely cosmetic. Cellulite is not harmful, or a sign of a medical condition. But it can be incredibly difficult to get rid of and can actually be related to other bodily functions. Let’s break it down, literally.
What is cellulite?
TL;DR: There isn’t one answer.
There are a few things that contribute to the formation of cellulite, but no one specific cause that can be pinpointed. Your genes, body fat percentage, skin thickness, and age can all contribute to your predisposition for cellulite.
Cellulite definitely starts to show up as we age, thanks to less elasticity in the skin. Women tend to get cellulite more often than men based on the balance between estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When that hormone harmony is disrupted by hormone-altering circumstances like pregnancy, PCOS, puberty, etc., cellulite results.
Other factors include:
- Poor diet or unhealthy lifestyle
- Toxins building up in the body
- Weight gain
- Lack of physical activity
So, while cellulite is pretty hard to avoid – luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your skin firm, smooth, and glowing.
How to treat cellulite
Infrared
Infrared sauna sessions are one good way to reduce cellulite. Exposure to light at red and near-infrared wavelengths encourages the body to detoxify and get rid of fat as well as to rebuild collagen connective tissue. Collagen is key to helping skin elasticity, which reduces the accumulation of cellulite.
*Shameless HD Plug* With a session in our Infrared Saunas or Sauna Blankets, your body is able to sweat out toxins that can cause skin to look dull, tired, and wrinkled.
Lymphatic Drainage
Blocked lymph nodes means your waste removal system is not working at its finest, which directly affects the skin.
Finding ways to stimulate the lymphatic system is the ultimate way to strengthen the immune system, re-energize the skin, and expedite your body’s natural detoxification process.
Exercise
Of course, diet and exercise can help too. Experts recommend lots of cardio and weight training to help reduce the appearance of cellulite because it reduces body fat that may be stored under the skin. But getting too obsessed with fat burning can be dangerous. Instead, opt for an exercise program that balances aerobic, cardiovascular exercise with strength training and endurance. Choose an exercise program that combines aerobic exercise and strength training.
Biohacking
Don’t wait to invigorate. Using topical remedies to both stimulate the lymphatic system and the skin can be helpful to reduce the overall appearance of cellulite.
Some treatments include:
HOT TIP: Dry brush before an infrared sauna session or before a shower to promote exfoliation and a deeper, more intense sweat.
Get a DOSE and start zapping cellulite with our Infrared Sauna and lymphatic drainage massage – available at our Williamsburg location.
