About 80-90% of women have cellulite¹. In other words, it’s super common and super normal—and truly nothing to be ashamed of!

However, maybe you’ve been examining some self-care routine ideas and are wondering exactly what kind of strategies or routines could help reduce or eliminate cellulite. You want to feel confident in your skin, but find your cellulite is holding you back. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to examine what cellulite is, as well as how you can potentially eliminate it.

Cellulite doesn’t pose any risk to your health or well-being. Rather, it’s usually just a problem for some people appearance-wise. Cellulite develops when fat presses against the connective tissue, which creates a dimpled appearance beneath the skin. Usually, this shows up on the back of the thighs and buttocks. Yet, it may also appear on the hips and abdomen.

Research further shows that cellulite may happen due to a combination of reasons such as genes, hormonal disorders, or endothelial dysfunction². It often appears after or during adolescence, pregnancy, or menopause.

So, how do you get rid of it? Let’s take a look!

Luckily, there are various ways to reduce and eliminate cellulite. In fact, when examining self-care routine ideas, you may have come across a few of these strategies. The truth is that many of these methods have ample benefits beyond cellulite. 

1. Exercise

Research has demonstrated how regular exercise can reduce fat and improve body composition, potentially contributing to the elimination of cellulite³. However, these same researchers noted that it wasn’t identifiable as per exactly what type of exercise was more effective.

So, what should you do? Well, many different types of exercises have significant benefits when it comes to your health. Thus, a balanced and daily routine is likely best. This may mean weight training three times a week, walking daily, and stretching every second day. You may also want to throw in every few weeks a quick interval session to reap the benefits this type of exercise has on your heart health and energy levels.

In particular, resistance training increases muscle mass, which can help reduce fat and tone the entire body⁴. Make exercise a regular routine in your life, and be patient. This type of intervention takes time to make changes, particularly when it comes to eliminating cellulite.

2. Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage helps your lymphatic system do its job. In other words, this type of massage can encourage the drainage of fluid, which may make cellulite less prominent. In fact, studies show how dysfunction of the lymphatic system may result in increased cellulite and its appearance⁵.

Surprisingly, these massages can take place as frequently as every second day. Discuss your options with your lymphatic drainage massage therapist to determine the best course of action for you and your body.

3. Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is a simple and at-home remedy that can help eliminate cellulite. Similar to lymphatic drainage massage, this method applies slight pressure which allows your lymph system to drain properly.

For this strategy, purchase a dry brush and use it for five to 10 minutes each day. Perform circular motions with the brush. Apply light but sustained pressure. The goal isn’t to damage the skin but gently encourage the movement of your lymph fluid.

4. Dietary Changes

Cellulite is more likely to occur due to the increasing storage of fat in the body. Furthermore, your body is better able to eliminate toxic build-up and dysfunction when it is supplied with adequate vitamins and minerals, which is obtainable through a healthy and balanced diet.

Consider cutting out processed and pre-packaged food items. These tend to be high in calories and low in nutritional content. Instead, opt for whole foods, like veggies, fruits, dairy products, and meat. Additionally, increasing your fiber intake, such as by eating more vegetables and fruits, can help your body eliminate toxins and waste that much easier.

5. Infrared Sauna Sessions

Regular infrared sauna sessions are well-known to help decrease and eliminate cellulite. Infrared light has shown promise in treating conditions like lymphedema, which is evidence of how infrared technology can help improve lymphatic drainage⁶.

Exposure to these wavelengths encourages the elimination of toxins and can even help burn fat. Infrared saunas may also promote collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of cellulite⁷.

When it comes to using an infrared sauna or an infrared sauna blanket (such as those offered by HEALiX Infrared), it’s always best to start with a 15 to 30 minute session, then gradually build from there. Once you become acclimated to the heat, you may be able to do 60 minute sessions which can have major positive impacts on your health.

With any infrared sauna session, make sure you hydrate well before, during, and after. Wear loose clothing or even a bathing suit to ensure you don’t get overheated. You may also want to make the most of your session by meditating at the same time. This way, you can truly relax and soak up even more benefits!