beauty
3 Step cellulite solution for smoother thighs and healthy looking skin
More than 90 per cent of all women are reported to have cellulite. The good news is that by living a balanced lifestyle and following a comprehensive skin care program, the appearance of cellulite can be significantly improved.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a non-medical term used to describe the fat deposits under the skin that are characterised by a dimpled or orange-peel effect. The skin is connected by strands of fibrous tissue to deeper tissue layers and compartments that contain fat cells. When fat cells increase in size, these compartments bulge and create the dimpled appearance on the skin, especially around the hips, buttocks and thighs. It is thought that genetics, hormones, lack of exercise, an unbalanced diet, pregnancy and ageing, can all contribute to the cellulite problem. More than 80% of women have cellulite – often called “orange peel skin” for its dimply texture – regardless of their weight or physique. Whether slim or overweight, nearly everyone is affected.
What causes cellulite?
In women, the connective tissue that surrounds the warming and protective fat cells of the subcutis is naturally softer and looser than in men. Hormones like oestrogens promote the elasticity of the connective tissue, which helps the skin adapt to changes such as pregnancy or during hormonal fluctuatioons such as mestruation, menopause or through the influence of the pill. In such cases, water retention can intensify the presence of cellulite. There is a also a genetic predisposition for cellulite. Whether dimples appear on our thighs, hips or arms can be inherited. But an active daily routine with specific exercises can lead to more firm connective tissue.
What can I do to reduce cellulite?
No anti-cellulite cream works by application alone. The greatest success can be achieved by a holistic approach: a balanced diet, ample exercise, soothing massages and natural skincare products that include the active ingredients of the birch tree, for example.
- Eating the right food can help your skin to become firmer. Really this comes down to making sure you consume a well-balanced diet, with a focus on fresh fruit and vegetables from organic or biodynamic sources and unprocessed foods. Your body’s acid-alkaline balance is also important as it plays a key role in the functioning of your connective tissue. Remember to eat foods rich in capillary strengthening antioxidants such as berries, cherries and grapes. If your capillaries are strong your blood can flow freely to the fat cells and reduce cellulite forming.
- Physical exercise combats cellulite by stimulating blood circulation and fat burning. When it comes to exercise, aim for regular and sustainable physical activities. Never miss an opportunity to walk rather than take the car or elevator. Well-trained muscles in your legs and bottom make your skin tissues firmer.
- Drinking ample fluids is part of a healthy diet. It’s best to drink two to three litres of water containing minerals and trace elements every day. Not only does this refreshment serve to quench our thirst, it also helps to flush out harmful deposits from our body. Liquid food supplement containing birch leaf extract can support this process.
Your three-step plan to smoother thighs
1. Gently exfoliate your skin
Be cautious of harsh exfoliants which can disturb the skins regeneration rhythm and damage its protective barrier. Birch Body Scrub stimulates circulation and eliminates toxins via the skin, gently massaging away only dead skin cells. When used regularly it may help to reduce the signs of cellulite, leaving your skin feeling silky, cleansed and ready to receive oils and lotions. Birch Body Scrub contains organic birch and beeswax, carnauba wax and castor-oil plant wax which create soft wax pearls; to detoxify the skin and support the skins regenerative process.
2. Massage troublesome areas
Massaging with Birch Cellulite Oil can help to smooth skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Birch is well known for its purifying and detoxifying effects, the plant encourages metabolic activity and the excretion of fluids. In fact, results from an independent trial conducted by a team of German dermatologists showed that Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil can effectively improve the skins texture, elasticity and smoothness after just 28 days1. This oil also contains organic rosemary leaves, to stimulate circulation and metabolism; organic ruscus (butchers broom) traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects; apricot kernel oil, as a rich source of fatty acids; wheatgerm oil for its soothing vitamin E; and jojoba oil to nourish and keep skin smooth and supple.
3. Support your lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is a specialised network of connective tissues that control your body’s waste removal system and fat metabolism. You can help stimulate your lymphatic system by drinking lots of water to flush out toxins, aim for at least eight glasses of pure water daily. Adding Weleda Organic Birch Juice, a lymphatic cleanser, to your water will cleanse your system and leave your skin looking clear and healthy. Do these two or three times a day for three to six weeks to cleanse the system.
1 (Source: Results from 20 women, as compared to the initial skin condition, DC Derma Consult GmbH 10/2003)
