Cellulite is peculiarly a woman's problem. It doesn't affect men very often because their collagen is angled differently to women's, so the fat cells don't squeeze their way through the collagen, which is the cause of cellulite. A formidable foe it might be, but there's no need to give up on the fight against it just yet. Naturally, the best way to avoid cellulite in the first place is exercise and healthy eating, but there are other powerful secret weapons to use against this nagging beauty problem that afflicts almost all women. Here are some of them: Tone your muscles: Building up and toning the muscles in the areas of your body affected by cellulite will help to smooth out the area and make the cellulite less prominent. Pilates and yoga are wonderful ways to tone and stretch your body, making your skin look smoother and improving the general functioning of your body. Dry brush your skin daily: Brushing your skin for just five minutes a day can help remove the cellulite quickly and stimulate blood circulation in your skin. It will also help to remove the toxins and promote a healthy blood flow in your skin. Start brushing from your feet and always move upwards. Brush towards your heart to help revive circulation. Cut down the toxins: Toxins coming from junk food, alcohol and smoking top the list. The excess fat and fluid that is trapped under your skin could be a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle. Smoking, excessive drinking and a bad diet can aggravate the problem. Use cellulite creams: Opinion seems to be divided on the effectiveness of creams in treating cellulite, but studies have shown that creams that contain retinol, a form of vitamin A, are effective. A twice-daily application of a cream containing retinol was shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite within six months. Yes, you need to be patient. Lose weight: Finally, losing weight will reduce the amount of fat pushing up against your skin and reduce the appearance of dimples. Eat healthy foods: Eating healthy food will help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and keep you fit with glowing healthy skin. Add more nuts, beans and fish to your diet for protein and berries and green tea for antioxidants. This will encourage the production of collagen and smooth out the bumps of cellulite. Try slimming bath salts: Slimming bath salts that contain laminaria, seaweed and Epsom salt are thought to be an aid to slimming and reducing cellulite. The salts can help to draw toxins from the body, making your skin soft and smooth. Take these baths at least once or twice a week for 15-20 minutes to melt down your cellulite. Remember this bath will only help, if you combine it with healthy lifestyle, exercising and healthy eating. Anti-cellulite detox drink: Mix 1 cup of cold or warm water, 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, one teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a slice of ginger root (you may add some honey if you want). Consume this drink once a day for a week. Cayenne pepper and ginger root are great for improving circulation and boosting the metabolism, leading to improved blood flow and reducing the appearance of cellulite. Drink plenty of water: Drinking water helps to flush the toxins from your body and will encourage the release of stored fluids, including those fluids being stored in the form of cellulite. Coffee scrubs: Make a paste of coffee grinds and warm water or olive oil. Rub into the affected areas while in the shower. The effect of massaging and caffeine will help promote healthy flow of blood and lymphatic fluid, as well as aid tissue repair. You may use sugar or salt instead of coffee grinds and mix it with olive oil, coconut oil or grape seed oil.
