Cellulite Solutions: What Really Works to Smooth Out Your Skin?

Cellulite is something nearly all of us deal with at some point. You know, that dimply, lumpy appearance you might notice in areas like your thighs, hips, and butt? Some people describe it as having an orange peel texture or even looking a bit like cottage cheese. 

But where does it come from? Why do almost all women get it no matter what weight they are? And can anything be done about it?

There are a few causes that can be contributing to your cellulite, and once you understand exactly what’s going on, the good news is that there are steps you can take to greatly minimize it (if not eliminate it completely).

WHAT CAUSES CELLULITE AND HOW DO YOU GET RID OF IT?

Cellulite happens when fat deposits push through the fascia, a connective tissue that connects the skin to your muscles. This creates a bumpy appearance on the surface of your skin.

This can happen for a few different reasons, and in order to fix the problem, you need to understand what’s causing it. 

Cellulite is most commonly caused by a combination of the following factors:

ENLARGED FAT CELLS

One of the main reasons women are more prone to cellulite than men is because we naturally have more alpha-2 receptors in the fat cells around our lower body. These receptors signal the body to store fat as a reserve for pregnancy, ensuring there is enough fuel for a baby. Your body doesn’t care if you actually want to grow your family or not. And yes, these alpha-2 receptors stay high for women even after menopause. Lucky us!

When these fat cells enlarge—whether due to being overweight, consuming too much energy, or hormonal changes—they can contribute to the formation of cellulite. It's important to note that we don't actually gain more fat cells; instead, existing fat cells simply shrink and expand.  Hormonal factors, such as pregnancy, menopause,insulin resistance, Hormone Replacement Therapy, and hormonal birth control, can further exacerbate this condition by promoting additional fat storage.

Cellulite Solution: To decrease fat, focus on lowering insulin levels, as insulin is the fat storage hormone. This can be achieved by adopting a low-carb diet and/or taking the Ultimate Berberine, a natural supplement from Magnolia Wellness known to help regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance.

Additionally, consume foods rich in DHA, such as sardines, lamb, and eggs. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that interacts with cell membranes and receptors, sending signals to your body to increase fat oxidation and release stored fat. This helps in reducing the size of fat cells and minimizing the appearance of cellulite.

LOOSE FASCIA

Imagine fascia as a layer of Saran wrap under your skin, keeping everything in place. When your fat cells get bigger, it stretches out this wrap, leading to an overstretched and sometimes broken-down fascia. Fascia is rich in collagen, which gives it the strength and structure needed to support the tissues underneath.

If you've been on a rollercoaster of dieting or had significant weight fluctuations, chances are your fascia isn't in its best shape. To make matters worse, unhealthy weight loss methods don't address the key player—growth hormone. This anti-aging hormone is essential for maintaining all the proteins in your body, including those in your hair, skin, nails, and yes, fascia. And if you don’t fix the growth hormone factor, you won’t get rid of the cellulite.

When it comes to reducing cellulite, a healthy liver is your best friend here because it helps trigger growth hormone production. So, if you want to tackle cellulite effectively, focus on keeping your liver happy and your fascia tight.

Cellulite Solution: Maintain a healthy liver to support growth hormone production and overall fascia health. This includes reducing alcohol consumption, limiting your sugar intake since it is metabolized in the liver, and using castor oil packs to support liver function. Engage in activities that promote fascia health, such as foam rolling, yoga, myofascial release, and stretching exercises. Ensure a diet high in collagen-boosting foods like bone broth and meat to maintain the integrity of your fascia.

ATROPHIED MUSCLES

Cellulite isn’t just about the fat; it’s closely linked to your muscles too. Underneath your skin lies a superficial layer of fat (subcutaneous fat), and right beneath that, you have muscles. When these muscles aren't properly toned, they begin to atrophy, meaning they shrink and weaken.

Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, plays a significant role here. High levels of cortisol can be particularly destructive to muscles. It keeps insulin levels high, which promotes fat storage, and lowers growth hormone levels, which are crucial for muscle maintenance and repair.

Many women spend hours at the gym doing butt and thigh exercises, hoping to tone their muscles, but often without success. Unfortunately, machine workouts just don’t cut it. The lower part of your body contains around 90 different muscles, and an effective workout that will visibly reduce cellulite needs to engage all of them. The solution? Multidimensional or three-dimensional workouts that activate every muscle group, ensuring comprehensive toning and strengthening.

Cellulite Solution: Incorporate multidimensional workouts that target all the muscles in the lower body. Aim to walk 45-90 minutes a day. Do lunges, squats, and learn how to walk backwards (safely). If you are healthy and in shape, consider sprinting, which involves running as fast as you can in 10-second bursts, mimicking how children play. Sprinting is one of the best exercises you can do to burn fat and restructure your body composition, but don't overdo it. All it takes is 3-5 sprinting bursts integrated into your walk. 

Additionally, reduce environmental stress and. Vitamin D can help lower cortisol levels, so ensure adequate sun exposure or consider supplementation.

CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

When you think of cellulite, think inflammation. They go hand in hand since inflammation is a major underlying cause. Chronic inflammation leads to an increase in macrophages and lymphocytes, which contribute to the development of cellulite.

But why are we so inflamed? One of the biggest culprits of inflammation is the consumption of vegetable oils, also known as seed oils. Just one plate of food cooked in vegetable oils (like canola) can keep your body inflamed for up to 4.5 months. These oils gunk up your cells and receptor sites, causing persistent inflammation and, consequently, more pronounced cellulite.

Inflammatory foods create an environment where your cells are under constant attack, leading to the degradation of connective tissues and worsening the appearance of cellulite. There’s no way around it—tackling inflammation is key to achieving smoother, firmer skin.

Cellulite Solution: Cut out the polyunsaturated fats found in vegetable oils and industrial seed oils from your diet, and instead consume healthy fats like butter, ghee, tallow, coconut oil, avocado, and olive oil. Additionally, consider acupuncture as it helps to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. 

STAGNANT LYMPH

Another critical yet often overlooked factor in the development of cellulite is poor lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system, which is the end of the circulatory system, plays a crucial role in removing toxins and waste products from your body. When this system becomes sluggish or stagnant, it leads to the buildup of fluids and toxins right below the skin's surface, exacerbating the appearance of cellulite.

The superficial layer of skin, directly beneath the surface, relies heavily on efficient lymphatic circulation to maintain its health and elasticity. Without proper stimulation of blood flow and lymph movement, the skin becomes more susceptible to cellulite. 

The crossover between the vascular system and the lymphatic system means that any blockage in lymph flow can severely impact overall circulation and detoxification processes. Addressing stagnant lymph through stimulation of circulation and enhancing lymphatic drainage is essential not only for reducing cellulite but also for supporting overall health and well-being by ensuring your body's natural detox systems are functioning optimally.

Cellulite Solution: One effective method is rebounding on a trampoline, which encourages lymph movement and improves blood flow throughout the body. Additionally, getting professional Lymphatic Therapy Treatments can significantly help in reducing fluid retention and promoting detoxification, leading to smoother skin and less visible cellulite.

ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR CELLULITE AT MAGNOLIA WELLNESS

Many women resort to drastic measures in their battle to get rid of cellulite, but these solutions aren’t worth the pain and expense. Methods such as lasers, surgeries, injections, and topical lotions that promise quick fixes don't provide long-term results because they fail to address the root causes of cellulite. 

For a more effective approach, book a Lymphatic Therapy Treatment at Magnolia Wellness. Our LymphStar Pro Machine enhances traditional Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), delivering results equivalent to five manual treatments in just one session. This advanced technology stimulates lymphatic flow more efficiently, offering a powerful and lasting solution for reducing cellulite, alleviating inflammation, and improving overall health—helping you both look and feel better.

To learn more about the many benefits of getting a  Lymphatic Therapy Treatment from our practitioners here at Magnolia Wellness, click here.