How to Get Rid of Cellulite & Loose Skin
Two of the most common skin problems, particularly among older women, are the development of cellulite and loose skin. Skin is more susceptible to looseness as it loses its elasticity, which happens quickly past age 50. Any weight gained or lost is more likely to leave stretch marks or loose skin. Cellulite is a common development of pockmarks on the skin created by fat deposits underneath the skin, which become inflamed and press against one another, forcing visible bumps on your skin. Fortunately there are some things you can do to prevent and get rid of cellulite and loose skin.
Eat a reduced-calorie diet featuring at least three to five servings each of fruits and vegetables each day. Vegetables are high in vitamin A and promote the production of collagen, which is essential to your skin's elasticity. Both fruits and vegetables also will help you build a diet filled with high-water-content foods that will help you lose weight.
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Exercise three to five times a week. This helps both cellulite and loose skin in different ways. Exercise helps improve the skin's elasticity and pliability and also helps develop new muscles for your loose skin to attach to. The sweating you do while exercising also helps release toxins from your body, which contribute to your cellulite and can aid in its recession and removal when expelled from your body.
Apply moisturizing cream twice daily, preferably one that applies topical nutrients to your skin, including vitamins A, C, E and aloe vera.
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Massage your cellulite. Moving the fat deposits helps improve the flow of blood and nutrients into your cells and can help break down your cellulite.
Consider surgery to remove excess loose skin. Procedures such as a "tummy tuck" are common and can instantly remove excess skin, although a slight scar may linger after the operation.
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References
- Dover, J. S., Orringer, J. S., Alam, M. (2014). Body Shaping, Skin Fat and Cellulite E-Book: Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series. United Kingdom: Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Tokarska K, Tokarski S, Woźniacka A, Sysa-Jędrzejowska A, Bogaczewicz J. Cellulite: a cosmetic or systemic issue? Contemporary views on the etiopathogenesis of cellulite. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2018;35(5):442-446. doi:10.5114/ada.2018.77235
- Luebberding S, Krueger N, Sadick NS. Cellulite: An evidence-based review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2015;16(4):243-256. doi:10.1007/s40257-015-0129-5
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Cellulite treatments: What really works?.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. ZELTIQ CoolSculpting System 510(k). Published September 24, 2015.
- Zerini I, Sisti A, Cuomo R, et al. Cellulite treatment: A comprehensive literature review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(3):224-40. doi:10.1111/jocd.12154
Writer Bio
Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.