Minimize Cellulite Yourself

Alright ladies, let's talk about cellulite. A subject dreaded even more than fat, many of us have learned that, no matter how many fancy lotions and potions we buy, the little ripples and dimples aren't going anywhere.

Cellulite is found in women of any age, ethnicity or weight, in good health or bad. It's estimated more than 90 percent of females will develop cellulite in their lifetime.

How does this happen? We think that taking good care our skin, body, and general health would be enough to stave off the breakdown of skin tissue that turns into cellulite, right? If only it were so. The cause of cellulite is unknown, though experts speculate that cellulite appears when excess estrogen weakens connective tissue, and fat begins to collect in bulges under the skin.

Another cause of cellulite may be genetics - if your mother and grandmother had cellulite, chances are you could too. Of course, most women are not resigned to this fate, and will try almost anything in the quest for smooth, youthful skin.

Playing off this need, the health and beauty industry offers an endless array of anti-cellulite products and treatments. A number of dietary supplements, creams and procedures claim to magically vanish the unsightly texture of cellulite. Unfortunately, most of them don't do anything to change the positioning of fat under the skin, and any that do work provide only temporary results.

More invasive measures some women take to stop cellulite include liposuction and laser treatment accompanied by either suction or massage. Liposuction might seem like a solution at first, but the fat under the skin will eventually replace itself. The procedure can actually worsen the appearance of cellulite, as it causes further damage to the skin's connective tissues.

Laser treatments, although approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are time-consuming (multiple sessions are required), expensive (over $2,000), and any benefits are again, only temporary.

Physicians and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) conclude that cellulite is just something that happens to most women, and nothing will get rid of it permanently. That still doesn't mean you have to live with cellulite though.

Good self-health measures will help firm the skin and discourage cellulite from increasing:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Even though cellulite is not fat storage, the more weight you put on, the more cellulite there will be.

• Eat well. Get plenty of healthy-skin nutrients such as vitamin A and essential fatty acids. Reduce dietary sources of estrogen, or xenoestrogens, such as soy.

• Focus your workouts on your legs and buttocks. Regular exercise and strength training, especially in potential problem areas, will encourage firmer skin and a decrease the appearance of cellulite.

• Don't smoke. Connective tissue is one of the many body parts that suffers from a smoking habit.

It's essential that you love your body and treat it well! Relax often to reduce stress and release all negative thoughts about your body. Trace your cellulite worries back to the source: ad campaigns for companies who exploit your fears and desires for profit. Loosen their grip on your ego, loosen your ego's grip on your emotions, and embrace your body as the physical vessel your beautiful soul needs to carry out your purpose in life. Love Your Self!

If that's not enough for you, as loving yourself takes time and practice if you're out of the habit, be confident that men do not notice cellulite the same way women do. Women focus on cellulite until their view is hugely distorted; for some women, cellulite or another "flaw" is all they see when they look in the mirror. Whereas men are usually too consumed by the whole glorious view of you, and feeling lucky just to get a glimpse, rather than focusing on any of your self-perceived flaws. Remember, so many women have cellulite that many men simply consider it normal and will still find you insanely attractive.

If you want to reduce the appearance of cellulite, the first step is to accept your body as it is. Next, take measures to improve and maintain your overall health. Remember that you're not alone, and most women feel the same way about their thighs as you do (those ads are everywhere!). But cellulite doesn't have to take you out of the game, or even force you into hiding inside loose, oversized clothing.

Feeling healthy on the inside is the best way to look healthy on the outside, and a smile that's wide and bright always makes a bigger impact than a little cellulite.

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