7 Ways to Reduce Cellulite

Try these natural tips for preventing or reducing that dimpled, orange-peel look on your thighs and other body parts.

Load up on anti-oxidants

Include plenty of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet, such as acai and other berries, red and orange fruits and vegies, and citrus fruits. Antioxidants are your number one defence against free radicals, which cause damage to skin cells and can contribute to cellulite formation.

Go green

Drinking green tea can help reduce the signs of cellulite. Green tea has been found to be effective for increasing energy expenditure and assisting with weight loss. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent free radical damage. Drink about three cups of green tea a day.

Healthy fats

Replace saturated fats with healthy omega-3 fats such as oily fish, flaxseed and fish oils, and nuts. These help with blood circulation. Poor circulation reduces the body's ability to deliver nutrients to skin cells, causing them to clump together, which can compound cellulite problems.

Exercise

Regular exercise is vital. It burns calories to reduce fat, boosts circulation and can help disguise cellulite by increasing muscle tone under the skin. Exercise also improves lymphatic drainage, which carries toxins away from cells. If drainage is sluggish it will contribute to cellulite.

Cut out toxins

A build-up of toxins in the body can affect the dermis and contribute to cellulite formation. Remove or limit toxins such as tobacco, alcohol, coffee and heavily processed foods containing high levels of sugar and chemical additives. Make sure you drink plenty of water.

Use herbs

Try herbs. Dandelion leaf tea helps reduce fluid retention, as well as helping to flush toxins from the body. You can also use dandelion leaves in salads or fresh juices. Ginkgo biloba, a herbal preparation from the dried leaves of the ginkgo tree, helps boost circulation.

Skin care

External treatments such as coffee scrubs can improve circulation and reduce signs of cellulite. Use a coffee scrub twice a week. Moisten your skin under the shower, turn the water off, rub coffee granules into the affected areas for a few minutes, then rinse off.