Cellulite – Do you have an orange peel butt?

I only buy a bathing suit every two years. You know why? The horror of looking in the mirror with the glaring lights overheard, in a skimpy bathing suit and worrying about my thighs and butt. Cellulite is a figure problem for most women, whether they are larger or smaller. It can be attached to the thighs, hips, buttocks and/or abdomen. There are ways to control those bulges and make your body more streamlined, and I’m here to help!

First, what exactly is cellulite? Trapped fat just under the skin, trapped between the fibrous tissues that anchor the skin to the deeper muscles. The fat cells expand and push these fibrous cords and create that “orange peel” effect. Women are much more susceptible than men to cellulite due to the higher percentage of fat we have in our body and where we store it. Also, women’s skin tends to be thinner than men’s; therefore cellulite appears more. So what can be done?

One of the most effective (and most expensive) ways is Candle. It’s relatively new, and actually has scientific studies to back it up. It costs approximately $1,000 to $2,000 for four to six treatments, and follow-up treatments are recommended for maintenance. The process uses heat, ultrasound, and massage all at the same time to work cellulite into submission. I’ve tried this (most places that offer it will let you try what it’s like) and it’s uncomfortable. However, for severe cellulite, it really is the best solution. But since most of us don’t want to spend THAT kind of money, I’ll move on to cheaper, easier, and certainly more convenient solutions.

1. Dry brushing with a natural bristle brush helps circulation and removes dead skin. This is good for lymphatic drainage and skin texture.

2. Oil massage also improves circulation and skin texture.

3. Exercise: aerobic exercise to reduce fat and work with weights to help tone muscles.

4. Decreased Dietary Fat – You should be getting about 25% of your calories from fat (try to make sure it’s things like olive oil and nuts).

5. Self-tanner: having some color will help hide cellulite. Helps even out skin tone and reduces the shadow effect of cellulite.

6. Gotu Kola – A natural herb that is said to help reduce cellulite in 80% of women (reduce, not eliminate). Take 30mg three times a day as directed for cellulite. However, I am not a doctor, please check with them first, especially if you have any medical issues.

7. Stockings to massage cellulite. I’ll be honest, I haven’t tried them. They are said to be super massagers and “stimulate microcirculation in the skin, relieve water retention and reduce cellulite.” It actually makes sense to me, so I think it might be worth a try if you have severe cellulite or have the money.

8. Proper Clothing: Okay, this isn’t exactly a cure-all, but DO NOT wear clothes that are too tight to accentuate your orange butt! I guess from my medical/nursing point of view, it’s not good for circulation either. However, it is not as attractive as finding clothes that fit you well.

9. Drink lots of water. A good healthy system needs to be flushed, circulated and hydrated.

What doesn’t work?

1. Most lotions and creams can help temporarily, but it will be just that – temporary. If it makes you feel good, or if it helps to massage your thighs (for circulation), go for it! Just don’t spend a lot of money.

2. Wraps. They work great for a few hours, but as soon as the water circulates through your body again, the inches come back. Again, if you like the feeling, go for it. But it is expensive and temporary.

3. Liposuction for cellulite: In general, and I mean in general, this will not get rid of it. Some surgeons are coming up with new ways to reduce cellulite with lipo. Again, this is an expensive solution, if it works at all.

My last comment to all of you is this; 90% of women have some cellulite. Yeah, we hate it, but don’t feel alone or like you have a horrible body because of it. Spend a little more time working on it, and your “orange butt” will be as smooth as a “baby’s butt”!