Creams, massage, body wraps, detox baths… the list of tips on how to get rid of cellulite can really go on forever. Some of these methods are affordable, whereas others can literally cost you thousands of dollars for just one session. Let’s be completely honest from the beginning: you can lather your body with all of the anti-cellulite products in the world, even the most expensive, and you still won’t be orange peel-free. Although many products help reduce the appearance of cellulite by making your skin more toned and firm, it is impossible for a lotion to completely combat those dimples if you keep packing up on McDonald’s and drinking Coke after Coke. In addition to this, if you sit on chair for eight hours straight every day while working, drive or take a cab home (also sitting, of course) and end the day by treating yourself to your favorite candy while watching your soap opera on your couch or bed without getting your butt up besides going to the bathroom, you are still never going to be cellulite-free. You love going out clubbing with your girlfriends on the weekend, drinking martinis and coming home in the wee hours of the morning (you only live once, right?)? There you go, another two huge mistakes you are making that are getting you one step closer to developing more cellulite instead of getting rid of it. There are many steps and life changes that you have to make in order to have picture-perfect thighs, legs and buttocks. We wish that there was a super cream out there that you could just slap on and make everything go away, but that’s simply not the truth. Instead, you can choose to lead a healthier life altogether and benefit from glowing, gorgeous and smooth skin all year long (not only when summer comes around and you start panicking about how you are going to look with a short dress). The real questions in this case are: Can you get rid of cellulite? Is it possible to make it disappear completely, or can you just reduce it? Most importantly, if you can, how do you do it and what do you have to know? To better understand the entire phenomenon, let’s go over some key facts and stats about cellulite to see how the situation really is.

Almost ALL women have it

Yes, you heard us right. There are way more women out there suffering from the same dimpled demon as you than you think. Studies have proven countless times that over 90% of women indeed have cellulite, with some research pointing out a 95% figure. You will be surprised to find out that even the skinniest ladies have cellulite, so know that you are not alone. Besides fat built up under the layer of your skin, one of the most common causes for cellulite is genes. Yep, that means that if your momma had cellulite, you are prone to developing it. Don’t blame her though, she probably inherited it from her mother, as well.

Aside from this, cellulite can also be the result of a slow metabolism, hormone modifications or skin color / thickness. In the end, though, body fat, lack of exercise and hydration remain the main culprits for this pesky problem. Generally speaking, loads of information can be found about cellulite, but not all of them are reliable. Which are true and which are false?

Cellulite Myths

Creams cure cellulite – Can you get rid of cellulite with creams? Of course not, at least not completely. One of the greatest myths regarding cellulite out there is that there are topical over-the-counter creams that can help you get rid of that cottage cheese on your thighs. Even though anti-cellulite products that contain retinoids are known to make your skin look better, they will not help you fully overcome cellulite if you carry out an unhealthy lifestyle.

Liposuction is the answer – A huge no-no! Liposuction has absolutely no positive effects on cellulite. Even more so, there are numerous cases out there in which liposuction made the cellulite look even worse. Like we said earlier, cellulite is caused by the buildup of fat under the first layer of your skin, whereas liposuction works way deeper. Do not ever count on liposuction for getting rid of cellulite.

Tan makes cellulite disappear – We all love caramel-colored skin that looks as if it has been freshly kissed by the sun. We either hit the beaches and soak up the sun naturally, or opt for tanning booths to get our skin this color. While many women out there believe that tanning will leave your skin free of cellulite, this statement holds no truth whatsoever. Even though it might seem like the cellulite is gone, it just appears that way for a temporary period of time. In the long run, tanning can actually increase the appearance of cellulite by causing damage to your skin and making it thinner.

Cellulite will be gone if you lose weight – Shedding some extra pounds definitely plays an important role when it comes down to answering the life-long question: “can you get rid of cellulite?”. Nevertheless, you can’t expect to follow just one step to have perfect skin. Unfortunately, in some situations, women who have drastically lost weight have noticed an increase in the visibility of cellulite on their body. Always take more than one step and work to get your skin perfect.

You cannot get rid of cellulite – Wrong again! When asking can you get rid of cellulite, of course the answer is yes. It is not a permanent problem for anyone, no matter how severe your situation is. Even though it might take long weeks of hard work and sometimes a trip to a laser therapy clinic, you can enjoy cellulite-free skin. It all depends on you; there are many steps you can and have to combine to achieve your goal. Get motivated!

Cellulite Facts

Exercising is critical – Yes, yes, yes. For some of you it might be great news, while others may feel it’s a nightmare; whether you like it or not, you have to exercise in order to get rid of cellulite. The good part is that exercising will not only help you eliminate cellulite, but it will also aid you in preventing its development in the future. There are many workout plans out there that focus specifically on battling cellulite, or on key areas (thighs, stomach, arms, butt, legs etc.). It is mandatory that you exercise regularly in order to look and feel fantastic. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, or at least as many times during the week as your schedule allows you to.

Age is a key factor – Unfortunately, studies have proven that cellulite worsens as you grow older. This is due to the lack of estrogen produced by the female body as it ages, which is the most significant hormone for a healthy circulation. If you don’t have a healthy blood flow, new collagen will not be produced as much and your skin will also face damage. Sorry, mommies, you are going to have to work extra hard to fight off that cottage cheese appearance.

Fat increases cellulite – Even though slender ladies also have a chance of developing cellulite, most women who suffer from it are slightly overweight or even obese. Seeing as cellulite is caused by fat building up under your skin, the fatter you are, the more likely you will be to have cellulite. You can focus on losing weight, but also make sure to tone up your muscles as you do so. Try a combination of cardio and strength exercises to keep that fat away for good.

Laser therapy helps – Yes, it has been tried and tested. Laser therapy actually has positive results on your skin for many scientific reasons. For women out there who possess the necessary budget (meaning a few thousands of dollars), laser therapy can be an alternative for getting rid of cellulite. Even though the condition will not be permanent if you don’t maintain your weight, the results are so amazing that it is hard to believe they are true.

Diet is essential – We will never stop telling you how important a healthy diet for enjoying great skin. Cut off the junk food and start taking in those wonderful leafy greens and fruits. This also means that you have to drink the necessary amount of water – at least eight glasses daily – in order for your body to be well-hydrated.

So… what can you do to get rid of cellulite?

There is no one single way out there that works like magic to get rid of cellulite for good. Instead, you can mix a series of methods for delightful results. Drink more water, eat healthily, working out, get enough sleep, stop smoking and drinking alcohol, cut down on junk food… It may seem like a handful at first, but you will get used to them and it will all be worth it in the end. Best of luck!

Photo credits: Fitpersona.com, Imgkid.com.