How to prevent cellulite?

Cellulite is a condition that occurs when fat cells under the skin become trapped between the connective tissue. Cellulite is especially common in women and does not mean that you are overweight, thin or unhealthy. There are many things you can do to prevent or reduce the appearance of cellulite, but you may be wondering how effective cellulite massage is.

Cellulite massage can improve the appearance of cellulite by draining excess fluid, toxins and other chemical wastes in the body, redistributing fat cells, increasing blood circulation and plumping the skin. However, cellulite massage does not completely cure cellulite. The effect of massage on the appearance is usually not permanent and in most cases repeated treatments are required.

There are various devices used for cellulite massage, but not all of them are effective. Many people use foam rollers - hard, tubular pieces of foam - in the hope that they can break down fat. But according to the American Council on Exercise, foam rollers will not improve the appearance of cellulite. There is also not enough evidence that things like hand-held vibrating massagers or dry brushing - brushing your dry skin with a soft-bristled brush - also don't have much effect against cellulite, especially in the long term.

One product that shows some promise is endermology. This FDA-approved device lifts, stretches and rolls the skin, moving fat and helping to reduce cellulite. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it has shown mixed results. Even when improvement is noticed, this usually disappears within a month, unless treatment is repeated.

What else can you do to prevent or reduce cellulite?

Although it is not possible to completely eliminate cellulite, you can control some of the factors that influence its appearance. To prevent or reduce cellulite, you can try the following:

- Exercise regularly. Although it does not eliminate cellulite, it can make your skin look smoother by strengthening the muscles in the fatty areas under the skin. Try a three-pronged plan consisting of a healthy diet, fast exercise, and movements that shape your muscles.

- Avoid processed foods. Eat fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Foods containing simple or "refined" carbohydrates such as bread, sweets and fizzy drinks add calories. This leads to fat in areas prone to cellulite.

- Lose a few kilos. You may be thin or chubby, you may have cellulite. But excess weight usually makes it more noticeable. If you are overweight, the best solution is to lose a few pounds. Try to be slow when trying to lose weight. Strict dieting can make cellulite look worse. If you have lost a lot of weight, it may appear in areas where your skin is sagging. In this case, consult your doctor.

- Stop smoking. Every breath you take affects the blood flow to your skin. Your skin becomes thinner and more prone to sagging. This makes the folded connective tissues underneath more prominent. Ask your doctor about the most suitable method for you to quit smoking.

- Massage the cellulite area daily. Spend a few extra minutes in the shower or when applying lotion. Massage increases blood flow and removes excess fluid, which can make the dimples less noticeable for a while.

- Hide your cellulite with self-tanner. If you have fair skin, self-tanner can work well. Dimples are less visible on dark skin. First do a gentle body scrub, then only apply self-tanning lotion to the areas with cellulite. Then spray self-tanning spray all over your body. Avoid a real tan. It damages your skin and makes cellulite look worse.

- Wear support stockings. Modern support stockings are not like the thick, sagging things your grandmother used to wear. If you wear them often, your skin can look more even because they prevent fluid storage from cellulite. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose the right grade.