Memphis personal trainer, Tonya Tittle gives you 9 Natural Non-Surgical Remedies to get rid of or reduce stubborn cellulite.

Over the past 12 years we have had many women come to us with cellulite as one of the things about their body they dislike.  It seems to be one of those problems that plagues many women. Just think how many times you have seen remedies for cellulite appear in women’s magazines and websites, so this is a problem that persists.

Most sources agree that the dimpled appearance of cellulite occurs due to problems/imbalance in the connective tissue and fat in a person’s body but there are many theories about what may cause this imbalance. It seems that hormones, diet (Personally, I say nix the dairy & coke as they trap the fat pockets!!!), lifestyle and genetics all play a role but are not absolutes.  While those who are overweight tend to have a higher chance of getting cellulite, many thin women complain of it as well.   Below are natural remedies I’ve either tried myself or had trusted sources recommend. They should all help balance the connective tissue/fat in the body and address the many possible causes. Either way, these things are beneficial for other reasons too so they are worth a try!

1. Dry Brushing

This remedy is not based on scientific fact, but rather personal accounts. It feels great, helps stimulate blood & lymph flow in the body, and effectively opens up the pores on your skin. Other benefits of dry brushing include; tighter skin, cell renewal and blood flow. This also helps the lymphatic system release toxins and aids in digestion and kidney function. You’ll also notice a glowy, smooth complexion.

• Type of brush: The bristles should be natural, not synthetic, and preferably vegetable-derived. The bristles themselves should be somewhat stiff, though not too hard. Body brushes that have natural, semi firm bristles and a handle like the one pictured right is best.
• How often: This is something you can do once or twice a day. Your skin should be dry, so the ideal time is in the shower before you turn on the water. Just a reminder, don’t get the brush wet.  
• Direction: You should only brush towards the heart. Making long sweeps, avoid back and forth, scrubbing and circular motions. Start at your feet, moving up the legs on both sides, then work from the arms toward your chest. On your stomach, direct the brush counterclockwise. And, don’t brush too hard: skin should be stimulated and invigorated but not irritated.  

2. Consuming Gelatin

There are various health benefits to Gelatin, including:

• Gelatin supports skin, hair and nail growth
• It is good for joints and can help joint recovery
• Can help tighten loose skin
• Can improve digestion since it naturally binds to water and helps food move more easily though the digestive track
• Great source of dietary collagen (side note: collagen is too large to be absorbed by the skin, so those skin creams are pretty useless… get it internally and use coconut oil for lotion!)
• Source of protein (though not a spectacular one) but its specific amino acids can help build muscle

Gelatin is found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals and as a population, we don’t consume these parts as much anymore. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth, but for optimal immune function and weight regulation!   One theory is that the decline of gelatin containing foods in our diets has led to an increase in cellulite as we don’t have the needed building blocks for healthy connective tissue. Either way, it is another remedy that is good for other reasons and worth a try.   Here are 12 ways to use Gelatin.

3. Myofascial Massage

Cellulite forms in the superficial fascia, a layer of connective tissue below the skin that contains fat cells. Superficial fascia is fibrous and due to inactivity, injuries, and improper exercise, adhesion (scar tissue) in the fascia can form contributing to the bunched-up or rippled look of the skin. Some therapists are able to perform a type of massage called myofascial massage or myofascial release, which smooths this layer of connective tissue and can apparently also help with some types of muscle and joint problems that are related to imbalances in the fascia.

For those of us who don’t have access to regular massage, using a deep tissue foam roller (like the one pictured right) regularly works great as well. They help get rid of lactic acid from muscle soreness, and break up adhesion, in order to have the muscle/joints go in full range of motion. You could also use a racquetball or tennis ball. Here is a video tutorial I made that demonstrates use of a foam roller.

4. Coffee Scrub

Coffee scrubs can be beneficial in reducing cellulite as well. The massage and exfoliation benefits skin by stimulating blood/lymph flow and the caffeine in the coffee has a tightening effect. If nothing else, coffee smells great and this scrub will exfoliate skin:  

You will need:

• 1/4 cup coffee grounds
• 3 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil

Combine the ingredients to create a paste-like consistency (note that it will harden if cooled if you are using unrefined coconut oil). Store in a glass jar.

Massage in to skin for several minutes using firm pressure and wash as usual. Use 2-3 times a week. Results should be visible within a couple of weeks.

5. Dumbbells or Kettle-bells

Dumbbells or Kettle-bells are ways to workout and they are especially good for the hips/thighs/buttocks/stomach areas (don’t believe me? do a multi-joint dumbbell or kettle-bell workout and let me know how your thighs feel the next day!)   

Increasing blood flow to these areas can help remove cellulite and dumbbells/ kettle-bells are one of the most effective ways to build muscle and burn fat (both which help minimize the appearance of cellulite).

 6. Omega-3s

Another theory is that consumption of the wrong kinds of fats leads to an imbalance of the fatty acids that the body needs for smooth skin and tissue. There is  some evidence that consuming enough Omega-3 fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins will help reduce cellulite over time. Either way, Omega-3s and fat soluble vitamins are important for many other functions in the body, so it won’t hurt to try it! I recommend Metagenics click on pic below to get from our New E-commerce store- FREE shipping with every order.

7. Detox Baths

I love detox baths because they are relaxing, but yet another theory proclaims that toxin build-up in skin and fat tissues lead to cellulite. I couldn’t find any scientific evidence to back the toxin claim, but detox baths can be relaxing and great for the skin in other ways, so they are worth a try!   Here are three of my favorite detox bath recipes. 

Please note that with all detox baths, you may feel tired or lightheaded when you get out. I don’t recommend doing this while home alone or before going somewhere in case you are tired or need help.

Salt Detox Bath Recipe

This bath is great for soothing skin irritation, boosting magnesium levels and overall detoxing.

• 1/4 cup Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt
• 1/4 cup Epsom Salt
• 1/4 cup Baking Soda
• 1/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• Favorite essential oil if desired (about 10 drops)

Dissolve salt, epsom salt, and baking soda in boiling water in a quart size jar and set aside. Fill tub with warm/hot water and add apple cider vinegar. Pour salt mixture in and add essential oils if using.

Soak in bath for 30 minutes or as long as desired.

Clay Detox Bath Recipe

This bath is great for removing a lot of toxins as the clay binds to heavy metals and the epsom salts help pull a variety of toxins from the body while replenishing magnesium levels.

• 1/2 cup bentonite clay
• 1/2 cup epsom salts
• essential oils if desired (about 10 drops)

Dissolve the epsom salts in a warm/hot bath and add essential oils if desired. For the clay there are two options:

1. 1.  Vigorously mix the clay with a small amount of water in a glass until the clumps are mostly dissolved. Do not use metal for this! I mix with a plastic spoon in a glass jar. Add the clay mix to the bath and soak for at least 20 minutes.
   2. Mix that clay with a small amount of water to make a paste. Stand in the tub full of water and rub the clay mix all over your body to create a skin mask and let dry for 5 minutes before sitting down. This provides direct contact with the skin and effectively pulls toxins from the skin. Soak in bath at least 20 minutes or as long as desired. While soaking, use a wash cloth to scrub any remaining clay off the skin.

 Oxygen Detox Bath Recipe

This bath is especially helpful during illness as the ginger helps clear congestion or alleviate body aches. It can also be helpful for allergies or skin irritation.

• 2 cups (or more) of Hydrogen Peroxide
• 1 tablespoon dried Ginger Powder

Fill the tub with warm/hot water and add the hydrogen peroxide and dried Ginger Powder. Soak in tub for 30 minutes or as long as desired.

Notes:

• The warmer the water, the more powerful the detox effect will be.
• Any of these natural ingredients can be used alone or in combination for a cleansing effect.
• All recipes can be doubled or tripled but this will increase the detox effect.
• I recommend starting slowly with this or any health change.

Important: I am not a doctor or medical professional and the advice in this post is for informational purposes only. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, consult a doctor before adding anything to your health routine.

8. Moisturize Naturally (do within 5-10 minutes of bath or shower)

Just as detox baths may help remove toxins that can lead to skin problems (and maybe cellulite), constantly adding toxins back to the skin in the form of chemical-laden beauty products probably doesn’t help much! If you haven’t already, try using natural options for skin care and moisturizing. Simple coconut oil will work as an all-purpose moisturizer.

 9. Balance Hormones

Many sources agree that hormones play a large part in cellulite formation (one reason that women typically get it and men don’t) and that working toward proper hormone balance can help reduce cellulite.

Try some or all of these methods to help rid or decrease your cellulite. Treat yourself from the inside out 🙂

Energy Fitness trainers can help you get a tight and toned body with our 30 minute personal training sessions and our custom meal plans.

Not a client and want a Free Fitness or Nutrition Consult (value $87) or

interested in our Personal Training Services click here or call us 901-466-6242.

Check out our customized online training ($40-$80) here:  Online Customized Training

Interested in our Massage or Body Wraps? Click here.