Wrinkled and unpleasant cellulite is genetic and, unfortunately, there is very little that can be done for it to go away forever. However, you can wage a war against this blemish on the back of the thighs and be successful in making it go away temporarily, or making it look a little less visible. Here are some tricks worth trying.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Massages, Creams and Cosmetics
Step 1. Massage your cellulite away
In theory, by massaging the back of the thighs, you may be able to optimize circulation in that part of the leg. Improved circulation can decrease the puffy and embarrassing appearance of cellulite.
- You can massage the area using your fingers if nothing else is available. Rub the back of your thighs in firm, circular motions for 5-10 minutes a day. Cover the entire area affected by cellulite.
- You could also try a massage soap. These soaps generally have small bumps or protrusions that help stimulate blood flow and break down solidified fluids beneath the skin's surface. Many also contain exfoliants, which remove dead cells and toxins, and caffeine, which firms the skin.
Step 2. Use a scrub
Like massages, a gentle scrub can stimulate better circulation and get rid of toxins from your thighs.
- Look for exfoliants that contain natural abrasives, such as ground coffee, sugar, and salt. They are generally considered delicate and safe for use by most people.
- In particular, scrubs containing ground coffee can help firm the skin thanks to caffeine.
- For best results, choose one that also contains an oil, such as avocado or vitamin E, so your skin can be enriched and hydrated.
Step 3. Try a cellulite serum or cream
Firming serums and creams can be found in virtually any supermarket or hypermarket, in the section dedicated to health and beauty. Many question the true effectiveness of these treatments, but others claim to have noticed a reduction in the blemish within a few weeks of use.
- Most anti-cellulite serums include ingredients designed to firm the skin, including lotus leaf extract, coenzyme 10, and L-carnitine.
- Apply the product daily for best results. You may notice changes after a week or two.
- Remember that some of these creams and some of these serums contain small doses of stimulants, which can have unexpected side effects if used too frequently. Some also think that these products cause swelling, not shrinkage, thus generating an effect that is only temporary.
Step 4. Hide cellulite with a self-tanner
If you can't get rid of the anything but aesthetic cellulite on the back of your thighs, you may be able to disguise it by carefully applying a lotion or other self-tanning product.
- Apply the self-tanner of your choice to all legs. Do not use it only on the back of the thighs, as doing this will cause the skin to appear loosened and will only draw attention to the area.
- Although dark, tanned skin can mask the appearance of cellulite, you should still apply a thin layer of self-tanner so that your skin looks natural and healthy.
Step 5. Consider a home remedy
By searching online, you can find a variety of natural and home-made creams that claim to make cellulite go away. If you try one of these home methods, opt for a version that hydrates the skin while exfoliating and stimulating circulation.
- A home remedy that can be found in almost every corner of the internet involves the creation of a scrub based on ½ cup (125 ml) of ground coffee, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of granulated white sugar, 2-3 tablespoons (30- 45 ml) of olive oil, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of glycerin and 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vitamin E oil. Combine all ingredients until they are evenly mixed.
- Wash the back of your thighs with warm water to open the pores. Use your hands to apply the scrub to the back of the thighs, directly on the cellulite, and scrub firmly for 5 minutes.
- Wrap your exfoliated legs with cling film to preserve moisture and warmth. Leave on for 10 minutes before removing the film and rinsing the scrub off your legs. Finish with your favorite moisturizer.
- Coffee contains caffeine and antioxidants that can expel some toxins from the body, which are responsible for rippling cellulite. It can also improve blood flow.
- Sugar is an exfoliant that can help clear pores.
- Olive oil, glycerin and vitamin E oil can hydrate and protect the skin.
Part 2 of 6: Diet and Exercise
Step 1. Eat a diet rich in fiber and protein
As with any other type of fat, getting rid of unwanted cellulite on your thighs starts with a balanced diet full of foods that can help you shed fat cells.
- Fiber, which can be obtained in large quantities from whole grains, fruit and leafy vegetables, regulates the body and helps get rid of waste and toxins through the intestines.
- Protein, which can be found in meat and nuts, can help repair broken and damaged collagen and connective tissues. As a result, your skin becomes firmer, and the puckered and wrinkled cellulite on the back of the thighs will be reduced. In general, lean protein sources, such as fish, are preferred over fatty protein sources, such as red meat.
- You should also avoid saturated and trans fats as much as possible. In particular, forget about junk food, such as oily fast food, french fries, and sweets, as junk food tends to be full of trans fats.
Step 2. Consume the right amount of calories
In order to get rid of cellulite, you need to burn fat. In order to do this, you need to burn more calories than you consume.
- Determine your ideal weight based on your Body Mass Index, or BMI.
- If you train 3 or 4 times a week for at least 60 minutes, multiply your target weight by 15. If you don't exercise, multiply it by 13. If you exercise for an hour a day, or more, multiply it by 20 The result will be equal to the number of daily calories you should aim to consume.
- Pay attention to the amount of calories you consume at the end of a week. Subtract the number of daily calories you should consume from this amount to figure out how many calories you should cut from your diet to lose weight and shed fat.
Step 3. Drink lots of water
Drinking more fluids will help your body eliminate toxins and fats, so cellulite all over the body will be reduced, including cellulite that collects on the thighs.
- Water can also improve the strength of collagen and connective tissues in the skin, making it much firmer. This can help reduce the wrinkled look of the collagen and create a smoother surface on the back of the thighs.
- You should try increasing the amount of water you drink every day. The optimal amount for the human body is 8 x 250ml glasses per day, but most people don't follow this advice. Increase your intake to this ideal amount if you haven't reached it yet. If you already drink this amount of water, consider adding 1 or 2 extra glasses.
Step 4. Take a hike
Any type of walk or other form of cardiovascular exercise will still be beneficial. Cardiovascular exercise improves circulation, allowing you to burn more fat overall.
- Other simple types of cardiovascular activity include jogging, swimming, and skipping.
- Try to engage in cardiovascular exercise a few times a week for best results.
- If you plan to get rid of excess cellulite on your thighs by walking, try to do it for 45-60 minutes every night six times a week, giving yourself a day off. Go at a brisk pace, but still walk at a speed that suits you. Continue with your shoulders straight and looking straight in front of you, but slow down if your legs stiffen or if you feel nauseous or out of breath.
Step 5. Try dedicating yourself to strength training
In addition to the exercises that get your blood pumping, those that can help build the muscles in your thighs tone your legs and minimize the appearance of fat that collects in this area.
Effective strength training will generally target the thighs and lower body. There are many different types of exercises you could try, but only a few are explained to you in this article
Part 3 of 6: Specific Exercise - Thigh Lift
Step 1. Lie on your back with your legs slightly raised
You should lie down on your belly. Raise your legs, starting at a point a little higher than your knees, so that your feet are about 10cm above the ground.
Your neck and head shouldn't be flat on the floor, but you shouldn't unnaturally bend them back either. Keep your head slightly up, still looking down, and fold your arms in front of you for the duration of the exercise
Step 2. Bend your knees
Slowly bend your knees as you keep them off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds the first few times.
- Afterward, you should try to hold this position for 15 seconds.
- The knees should not be particularly perpendicular to the floor.
Step 3. Slowly stretch your legs
Gradually straighten your knees, stretching your legs as you go. Finish by lowering your stretched legs to the floor.
Repeat approximately 10 times during each routine
Part 4 of 6: Specific Exercise - Pony Kick
Step 1. Lean on your elbows and knees
Your forearms should be flat on the floor and your shins should also be almost flat on the floor.
Keep your head, neck and back in a natural position. They should be straight without stiffening, and your back should curve slightly down towards your front half
Step 2. Slowly raise your left thigh
You should try to lift your left thigh about 45 degrees. The knee should be bent and the heel should be facing up.
- Keep your back straight as you raise your leg.
- Hold this position for 5 seconds.
Step 3. Lower your leg and repeat
Slowly lower your left leg to return to the starting position. Once lowered, raise it again in the same way.
This exercise should be repeated at least 5 times during a one-legged set
Step 4. Repeat after switching legs
When you are done exercising the left leg, repeat the same steps using the right one.
You should lift your right leg the same number of times you lifted your left one
Part 5 of 6: Specific Exercise - Pretend to Sit
Step 1. Stand close to a wall
You should stand straight, with your heels spaced approximately 12 inches from the wall.
The feet should be spaced apart, roughly the width of the shoulders
Step 2. Slide the body onto the wall
Drop your body back and down simultaneously until you hit the wall. Your posture should resemble the position you would take to sit in a chair.
In other words, the thighs should be perpendicular to the floor
Step 3. Maintain the sitting position before standing up
Stay in this position for 30-120 seconds. When you finish, carefully stand up to return to the starting position.
You may need to use your arms to help stabilize yourself against the wall as you return to the starting position
Part 6 of 6: Medical Tricks
Step 1. Take a look at laser treatments
Laser therapy melts fat by acting on the lymphatic system, from which it can be eliminated.
- Remember that results may vary, but are generally minimal and only temporary.
- Laser treatments can help reduce the amount of fat under the skin and thus make the skin appear firmer, but they will need to be repeated every few months to maintain this aspect.
Step 2. Forget about liposuction
This operation is occasionally considered to get rid of cellulite, but it is an expensive surgical procedure that can actually make the problem worse instead of improving it.
Liposuction tends to remove the deep layers of fat. The fat linked to cellulite tends to settle directly under the skin, however. When these deep layers of fat are removed, your skin and the underlying fat no longer have any "buffers" to dampen the effect and appearance of the blemish. As a result, the wrinkling can get worse
Step 3. Consult your doctor
If you are still concerned about cellulite on the back of your thighs, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss other healthy ways to remove it.