The latest spring and summer fashion puts female curves in the limelight. To make them come out well, the body needs some work. About 90 percent of all women suffer from cellulite to some degree. Expensive treatment generally is very effective, but the effects are only short-term. To maintain the results, regular costly appointments with a specialist are a must. Luckily, there are some alternative ways to combat cellulite at home.

Exercise

Regular exercise is how you burn fat and tone your muscles, which makes them stand out better. The less fat you have, the less your cellulite will be visible. Before rushing to the gym, know that a good walk or bike ride will do. If you are looking for specific anti-cellulite exercises nonetheless, check out this video.

Drink water

Cellulite is a matter of bad circulation. That’s why it is important to drink water, as this stimulates the removal of toxins from your body. Try to get at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Enjoy herbal tea

Some herbal teas contain plants with anti-cellulite properties, for example stinging nettle, orthosiphon, thyme, lime or guarana. Green tea or rooibos tea are excellent alternatives if you don’t like the taste.

Get a massage

Massaging the cellulite areas on your body in firm circular motions is another way to improve circulation and stimulate toxin removal. Look for someone with strong hands or do it yourself. For optimal effect, do it three times a week and use an anti-cellulite cream or essential oils.

Quit smoking

As we all know, smoking is detrimental to your circulation. It leads to clogged arteries and therefore contributes to poor transport of toxins and fluid retention, both of which are underlying causes of cellulite.

Relax

What’s that got to do with it I hear you thinking. Well, stress causes your adrenaline levels to rise and this has an effect on your muscles and skin. In short, your muscles withdraw blood from the skin to prepare them for action. In doing this, they disrupt nutrient and oxygen transport to the skin. Yoga is an excellent way to relax and work your muscles at the same time.

Eat right

An anti-cellulite diet consists of fresh food bursting with antioxidants. Limit your intake of saturated fat and sugar. Sugar is not only bad for your waistline, but also reduces vitamin C absorption. Vitamin C is needed for the creation of collagen and elastin, which support the body’s tissues. Next to sugar and fat, shy away from coffee, tea and other caffeine-rich products. They have a negative effect on your circulation because they narrow blood vessels.

Take a contrast shower

After 3 minutes of hot water, turn the faucet to cold for about 20 to 30 seconds. This is called one cycle. Turn the shower back to hot temperature and repeat for as many hot and cold cycles as you like. This so-called contrast shower stimulates blood and lymph circulation, helping the body to detoxify.

Get a tan

Tanning is not exactly a solution to cellulite, but it helps to camouflage your orange peel skin as cellulite is much more visible on pale skin. Apply some self tanner at home or take a trip to the tanning salon for a more professional finish.

As always, prevention is better than cure. By living a healthy and balanced lifestyle you can greatly reduce that cellulite on your arms or thighs. It’s so much cheaper than buying the latest wonder cream or anti-cellulite supplement that has a short term effect at best. Honestly, I am sure you can think of better ways to spend your money.

Alyssa