With Summer holidays on the horizon and bikini season just around the corner, it is time to bare all. If like us you are feeling a little anxious about getting into a bikini and have a couple of weeks until you have to, try our tips for giving bumpy skin the shove.
Cellulite, a common and harmless condition affects up to 90% of women, there is no known cure, however there are many factors that can contribute to cellulite. Laura Jones, an Acupuncturist and TCM practitioner here at Content explains that in Chinese Medicine one of the main causes of cellulite is a weak digestion. ‘When digestion becomes impaired, waste products and toxins accumulate in your system and are deposited as cellulite on the legs and thighs. The Liver and Kidney, the body’s two detoxifying organs, if not functionally optimally, can also contribute to the formation of cellulite – these two organs can become weakened through stress, smoking, alcohol, excessive consumption of sugar and caffeine, overwork and inadequate rest – all of which will affect the body’s ability to eliminate waste products and toxins, and affect skin-tone.’
So with this in mind and holidays looming try our tips to get you feeling bikini ready and banish the ‘orange peel’ skin.
CONTENT TIPS:
SUPERCHARGE YOUR DIET – A diet high in dairy, sugar and processed foods can contribute to the appearance of cellulite due to a build up of excess toxins that cannot be broken down by the liver. Try to include a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, lean protein and healthy fats. For the perfect mid-week detox recipe we like Earthsprout’s ‘Crystal Cleanse Pad Thai‘ – this colourful dish is packed full of vital nutrients to restore and cleanse the body.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS – Pollution lead to a build up of toxins that can cause fluid and fat retention in the bodily cells, blocking lymph drainage and reduce circulation. We don’t have control over everything we are exposed to but you can reduce the toxins you ingest by switching to organic foods and avoiding pre-packaged food. Making the switch to natural and organic skincare will help simplify what you put on your body too.
RELAX – Excess stress can use up valuable nutrients that are used to repair connective tissues and can cause excess amounts of the hormone catecholamine, which has been linked to the appearance of cellulite. To help relax the mind and body, we love Lotus Wei Quiet Mist – perfect to help shift a busy mind and promote feelings of clarity and peace.
MOVE IT – A sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol can all affect the connective tissue causing fat tissue to be deposited towards the surface of the skin. Daily exercise will help to reduce fat, improve muscle tone, boost circulation, sweat toxins and help to improve lymphatic drainage. We like to choose from our Top Five Healthy Pursuits to help shift toxins as well as increase overall fitness. To detox and cleanse your system from the inside, try adding green powders to your daily juice or smoothie – we like Super Greens Organic Powder to alkalise the body and boost antioxidant levels.
GENETICS – Unfortunately sometimes in just in your genes. But keeping hormones balanced may prevent or improve the appearance of cellulite
ANTI-OXIDANTS – Include plenty of anti-oxidant rich-foods in your daily diet such as berries, red and orange peppers, broccoli, Acai, Black Rice Bran, green tea, tomatoes, green powers, and citrus fruits. Anti-oxidants help to protect against free radicals, which can cause damage to skin cells and contribute to cellulite. We like to add Amazing Meal Original to our daily green smoothies.
POLISH – Body scrubs, exfoliating brushes and bath salts can help to improve circulation and reduce signs of cellulite. We like to use the Nathalie Bond Peppermint and Eucalyptus Body Scrub to help remove dead skin cells and stimulate skin renewal, encouraging radiant, healthy and silky skin. This works well with the Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil which when used daily, can help to improve skin’s texture and smoothness by stimulating the body’s own regulating and regenerating process.
DRINK UP – Herbs such as meadowsweet and elderflower can help to reduce fluid retention and clear a build up of toxins from the body. We like the Content Cleanse Tea – perfect after a weekend of overindulgence and to help detox the body pre-holiday.
Whilst there is no magic cure for getting rid of or preventing cellulite, following the above tips will may help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and encourage silky, smooth skin. A build up of toxins, a poor diet and lack of exercise are key factors, and avoiding these as much as possible, will not only help to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but will also have a positive affect on your general health and well-being.
WE LOVE:
Try body-brushing everyday before you shower to improve circulation and help with the removal of waste products and excess fatty deposits in our body. We like to use the Hydrea London Natural Body Brush, made from FSC Certified Beechwood, it is suitable for all skin-types and can be used for wet or dry body brushing. We have been using it for 10 minutes daily before showering and noticed impressive improvements in skin tone.
VIEW OUR CELLULITE TREATMENT HERE
