Cellulite: A surprise discovery

[Angelasherell]

One of the things I just discovered today, just 4 days shy of a month on Atkins is the reduction of my cellulite.

My research into cellulite over the years often stated that you could minimize it with exercise and diet but if you were predisposed to get it, you had to learn to deal with it. I have always exercised: aerobics and weights and have managed to lose 5 or 6 lbs with a reduced calorie and low fat diet. However there was never a significant change in my cellulite. My hope was that after losing 30 lbs it would be less visable.

Let me tell you how thrilled I am after just 5 lbs and 30 days to have my cellulite began to fade. In as much as I have been motivated by the energy and the weight loss, I am more motivated by the possiblility of getting rid of my cellulite .

Given the choice of losing 30 lbs and still having the cellulite or losing 15 lbs and not having the cellulite, I would take the later.

Anyone else have expereince this?

[2big4mysize]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

yep losing weight helps take the pressure off the tissue. the way female skin is attatched to the underlying muscle is what actually gives the cellulite appearance the area between the network of connective tissue strands puckers out from the pressure of the big fat cells in that area. as those fat cells get smaller the pressure goes down and they don't poke out as much making the skin look smoother. if you take a balloon and blow it up inside one of those mesh fruit bags you can see what is happeneing and as you delate the balloon the puckering smooths out..

[jsj0305]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

Yes! This has happened to me, too!!! DH calls them "dents" not cellulite. I have had a MAJOR reduction in my dents! I love Atkins!!!!

That's a great way to explain in 2big!!

[atkinsagain]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

Yes, I'm happy to report a major reduction in mine!

[Analog6]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

Yes, and don't forget that massage lessens cellulite by helping to break down big fat cells into smaller ones. I use a nylon loofah and have a good 5 min massage in the shower.

Those expensive cellulite creams don't reduce it, it's the rubbing it in that does it!

See this thread http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ad.php?t=23816 about streatch marks and skin brushing (my extract below).
used skin brushing when I lost a lot of weight in the 1980s. I used a nail brush (you have to find one that is right for your skin). I used to dry brush before I showered, using a circular motion, very gently on sensitive areas. You can even do your face if you are extra careful. A fine dust will appear on your skin, this is the top layer being rubbed off. It is absolutely ESSENTIAL to moisturise after the shower. You can just use any old cream but you MUST do it. You skin will look better, and feel fabulaous, if you do it regularly - I used to do it twice a week.

This is the reason cellulite creams work - because you massage the skin. It is the massage that breaks up the fat in the cells, not the 'magic' potion you pay all that money for.

Now I use a nylon loofah thingy in the shower (it is made of a knitted nylon stiuff in a frilly rosette thiung on a string - I buy it in the supermarket). I get wet, turn the water off, squirt some liquid wash stuff (mine's a non-soap one due to skin itchies) on the loofah, and rub myself all over for 5 mins or so, using that circular motion. Then rinse. It feels really nice, and I have hardly any cellulite and only the faintest of stretch marks., even though I'm still pretty fat. Replace your loofah every couple of months.

[cypressgirl]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

I have hardly any cellulite and only the faintest of stretch marks., even though I'm still pretty fat.

The part about being fat is just not right, Odille! I am glad to read your info though because after two 10+ pound babies, the ol' tummy just isn't what it used to be, ya know??

[kkat55]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

Bumpity, Bump, Bump

A great thread on losing cellulite and skin brushing.

I got my brush today and am ready to improve my immune system, skin tone, lymphatic system, etc.

[theredhead]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

I carry most of my weight in my hips and thighs and have always had a lot of cellulite. I haven't lost all the weight I need to yet, but I've seen a noticeable improvement in the cellulite. Thank goodness!

[angelstar]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

I'm a firm believer of dry brushing after seeing my mentors pics. Heidi!!!! come out and flaunt ur piccies!!

I've got a brush and use it everyday b4 showering and moisturise afterwards. I've definately noticed a reduction in my celulite.

[kkat55]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

Does it take a while to adjust to the brushing? I've used mine a few times and barely rub it on my skin, yet it seems very uncomfortable. I got the Prima brush that is made for skin brushing so it should be the right one.

[angelstar]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

It might feel itchy/uncomfortable at first but you get used to it. I scrub abit harder on the problem areas. Just go lightly, I start at my fingertips and go up my arms to my shoulders and my neck, then start at my feet and work my way up each leg, then my bum and work round my tummy ( I scrub really hard in the last 2 places!) then up my sides and around my breasts.

[kkat55]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

Thanks, Angelstar!!

[aquaryus]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

Funny, I stumbled on this thread after I noticed my thighs weren't as 'cottage cheesey' as usual while shaving my legs last night.. I didn't recognize my upper thighs.. LOL! I think someone ran off with the heavier ones in the middle of the night! It's amazing how much smoother they are after just losing 28 pounds..

[Adena]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

Great info everyone -- thanks. So which is better, dry-brushing or wet? I started it last night, and decided to only do one side so I can compare! (I figure I have plenty of time to catch the other one up...!)

Also, I noticed last night an added benefit... my arm muscles got really tired from brushing for so long, so they got a workout, too! What's a good length of time -- 5 minutes per area?

And I'm with you, Angela... I want to be smooth! I have this photo I found of a girl in a magazine. I think it's a Hanes ad. She's wearing "boy shorts" underwear and a bra and laying in bed. She is beautiful, and even though she's full figured, she's so perfectly smooth. Yes, yes, I know... she is probably air-brushed. But for me, that was a great example of someone who can still have some meat on her (as I suspect I always will and am okay with), but have a beautiful body.

[sadie147]

Re: Cellulite: A surprise discovery

Dry brushing is far better than wet...and it's VERY important you use a natural brush..rather than a synthetic one as it can scratch the skin and do damage.

detailed instructions can be found here:

http://www.centeru.com/library/handoutDrySkin.php

http://www.womenfitness.net/beauty/s..._for_detox.htm

There are pictures of a natural brush on the bottom of this site (i got mine at walmart for about $5)

http://dragonflyherbals.com/dryskin.html


If you google 'dry skin brushing' you will get back a ton of hits.

I've done it for about a year now..I have no idea whether it is what has helped me with cellulite, or the lymphatic system or if that is just hype, but i can say that it does wonders for your skin, and is really energizing.