Can essential oils help reduce Cellulite?
Although the answer to this question is not well defined, for now we can mention that most of the anti-cellulite products available on the market have at least one natural extract among their ingredients.
Commercial products to treat cellulite work by increasing microvascular flow, inducing lipolysis, restoring the structures of the dermis and connective tissue; and preventing damage to connective tissue caused by free radicals.
However, most of the active molecules in these products are inefficient, since they cannot penetrate the skin, because it has natural properties that act as a barrier.
The ideal delivery system would be to treat the deeper layers of the skin using painless, biodegradable and easy-to-use self-administration alternatives.
So, getting closer to a fair answer, we could say that essential oils can help reduce, and also prevent cellulite, since they can easily penetrate the skin tissues and then gently work on them thanks to their natural origin.
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But… What is cellulite?
In short, cellulite is a skin condition that causes changes in its appearance, with a texture similar to orange peel skin.
This usually occurs near the buttocks, upper legs, abdominal area and upper arms, due to the expansion of the fat lobes out of their connective framework and into the dermis.
Cellulite can become a pathologically complicated condition that is associated with decreased microcirculation, edema, excessive growth of adipocytes, oxidative stress, ongoing inflammation, and dramatic changes in the extracellular matrix.
It is estimated that 90% of women over 20 years of age suffer from cellulite, and only 2% of men.
On the other hand, estrogen and blood flow decrease as a woman advances in age, which produces an increase in the size of fat cells, which in turn causes an expansion in fat deposits.
What causes the appearance of Cellulite?
Although the exact causes are unknown, over time, speculations about the complex nature of cellulite, which include various factors involved in its appearance, development, and exacerbation have been reported.
Cellulite, therefore, is believed to be a multifactorial condition in which it occurs is thought to be mainly associated with:
- Vascular deficiencies in lymphatic drainage and microvascular circulation, which causes edema in the subcutaneous tissue.
- Abnormal fat deposit located in the subcutaneous tissue.
- Chronic inflammatory process.
- Structural cause: gender-dependent architectural differences in subcutaneous tissues and changes in connective tissues.
- Physiological factor: a normal physiological state that maximizes adipose retention to ensure adequate caloric availability for pregnancy and lactation in post-adolescent women.
Essential Oils to help reduce Cellulite naturally
Although the way to permanently eliminate cellulite has not been found yet, there are some alternatives that can help reduce its appearance and also prevent it.
Essential oils can naturally help reduce the appearance of cellulite by massaging the affected areas.
The essential oils to be used must contain the necessary properties to help reduce cellulite and improve skin quality. Some of hese include:
Coffee essential oil: Stimulates circulation and firms the skin. Coffee essential oil is also useful in helping to reduce and prevent free radical damage, one of the main causes of premature skin aging.Â
Grapefruit essential oil: It is one of the essential oils that are said to improve blood flow and decrease inflammation. Besides, grapefruit essential oil promotes body cleansing and removal of toxins and excess fluids. Â
Juniper berry essential oil: Juniper oil provides important benefits for the skin, because it helps to release toxins, increases metabolism and prevents accumulation of unwanted fluids and salts in the body. Therefore, it acts indirectly as a complement for treatment against cellulite, due to its depurative properties.
Geranium essential oil: It helps to firm and contract muscles, thanks to its astringent properties. In addition, geranium oil helps to tone the skin and prevents the appearance of sagging.
Cypress essential oil: Cypress oil, helps eliminate excess salt and water that produces fluid retention in the body. In addition, it stimulates circulation, which influences the increase in blood flow, reducing cellulite appearance.
Lemon essential oil: Lemon oil exhibits lipolytic activity. Lipolysis breaks down fats or lipids in the body to remove unwanted fat tissue deposits.
Fennel essential oil: It can act similar to estrogen in our body, helping to improve blood flow to connective tissues, which benefits skin elasticity and firmness.
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How to apply essential oils to reduce Cellulite
Essential oils must be diluted in a carrier such a lotion or vegetable oil (grape seed, almond, apricot kernel, coconut oil, etc.), before to be applied on the skin.
Also, a patch test is recommended to avoid allergies or other unwanted reactions.
An essential oil blend can be formulated for better results. For example:
Massage oil blend for Cellulite:
- 10 drops Coffee oil
- 12 drops Grapefruit oil
- 8 drops Fennel oil
- 2 tbsp Almond oil
- 2 tbsp Grape seed oil
Perform a regular massage routine, preferable after shower, along with other skincare methods, such as dry brushing.
Exfoliation is also very helpful, as these will increase blood flow and turn over the fat cells, thus, diminishing the appearance of uneven and sagging skin.
Last but not less, consistency is essential in natural treatments to obtain optimal and long-term results.
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Kudos to the writer for providing such a comprehensive guide to essential oils and cellulite reduction. I appreciate the inclusion of safety precautions and the emphasis on individual differences. Thank you for sharing this invaluable information.
Thank you so much for your words! We are happy to share those benefits with you.