Natural Home Remedies for Cellulite and Stretch Marks

Cellulite is a condition in which the skin has a dimpled, lumpy appearance. It usually affects the buttocks and thighs but can also occur in other areas including abdomen. Women experience cellulite more often than men, but both sexes may be plagued with the problem.

It occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin. Between 80 and 90 percent of women will probably experience cellulite at some point in their lives. It is also known as orange-peel skin, due to its texture.

Cellulite can affect both men and women, but it is more common in females, due to the different distributions of fat, muscle, and connective tissue.

Stretch marks, medically referred to as striae, are indented streaks on the skin that most often appear on the abdomen, breast, flank, hips, upper arms, buttocks and thigh. Stretch marks usually start out pink, red or purple and then fade to white and development a scar-like appearance as time goes on.

They are long, narrow streaks, stripes, or lines that develop on the skin. They occur when the skin is suddenly stretched and are extremely common. Everyone can develop stretch marks, although they tend to affect more women than men.

CAUSES OF CELLULITE AND STRETCH MARKS

A: CAUSES OF CELLULITE

Cellulite results from an interaction between the connective tissue in the dermatological layer that lies below the surface of the skin, and the layer of fat that is just below it. Generally cellulite is caused by the combination of many other factors include the following but not limited to;

1. Genetic factors

Genetic factors can be linked to a person's speed of metabolism, distribution of fat under the skin, ethnicity, and circulatory levels. These can affect the chance of cellulite developing. Certain genes are required for cellulite development

2. Dietary and lifestyle factors

Cellulite is caused by excess fats under the skin, if you consume food with large amount of fats you've high risk of developing cellulite. Also people who don't do exercises are most likely to develop cellulite.

Cellulite is more prevalent in people who have excess fat, but slim and fit people can have it too. It is more likely to happen after the age of 25 years, but it can affect younger people as well, including teenagers.

3. Hormonal factors

Hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development. Estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process.

One theory is that as estrogen in women decreases in the approach to menopause, blood flow to the connective tissue under the skin also decreases. Lower circulation means less oxygen in the area, resulting in lower collagen production. Fat cells also enlarge as estrogen levels fall. The fat deposits becomes more visible,  the fat under the skin protrudes through weakening connective tissue, the familiar dimpling effect results.

4. Age

Age also causes the skin to become less elastic, thinner, and more likely to sag. This increases the chance of cellulite developing.

B: CAUSES OF STRETCH MARKS

Stretch marks results from the rapid expansion or contraction of the skin, the skin consists of three key layers; Epidermis (the outermost layer), Dermis (middle layer) and Hypodermis (Innermost layer). Stretch marks form in the dermis, or middle layer, when the connective tissue is stretched beyond the limits of its elasticity. Other factors include the following but not limited to;

1. Rapid weight gain

 A lot of weight in a short space of time can cause stretch marks

2. Medical conditions

Certain conditions can cause stretch marks, such as Marfan syndrome and Cushing's syndrome. Marfan syndrome can lead to decreased elasticity in the skin tissue, and Cushing's syndrome can lead the body to produce too much of a hormone that leads to rapid weight gain and skin fragility.

3. Corticosteroid use

Prolonged use of corticosteroid creams and lotions can decrease levels of collagen in the skin. Collagen strengthens and supports the skin, and a reduced amount can increase the risk of stretch marks.

4. Pregnancy

Between 50 and 90 percent of women who are pregnant experience stretch marks during or after birth.

5. Puberty

Rapid growth is typical in young people going through puberty. This can lead to stretch marks

NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR CELLULITE AND STRETCH MARKS

The following are some natural remedies that can be used at home for treating cellulite and stretch marks. You can select any of these remedies depending on your preference

1. Irish/ Round potatoes

They are rich in vitamin B6, C and minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium & Zinc, also potatoes contain catecholase enzyme which reduce dark sports, blemishes and acne scars. The following are functions of vitamins and minerals found in round potatoes;

• Vitamin B6: Improve new cell formation
• Vitamin C: Boosts collagen production which helps to maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
• Potassium: Hydrates and moisturizes the skin
• Magnesium: Fights with free radicals that cause wrinkles
• Calcium: Protect skin top layer and help for skin healing
• Zinc: Heals and protect damaged tissues.

Apart from vitamins and minerals functions, round potatoes help for removing dead skin cells and impurities from the skin. Also potatoes has mild bleaching properties that reduces the melamine production, lower hyper pigmentation and lightes the skin effectively. Therefore round potatoes brighten and improve your skin, and also are known to reduce wrinkles and removing cellulite and stretch marks.

How to use?

(a) Take some fresh Irish potatoes

(b) Wash with clean water and cut into small pieces (about 1/2 inch)

(c) Take a piece of irish potato and rub slowly to the affected part of your skin for few minutes and leave for at least one hour.

(d) After one hour wash the rubbed area of your skin with warm water

(e) Do the above procedures twice a day for at least one month

NB:

Your skin will recover after a month or more

2. Lemon juice

Lemons provide a dose of the free radical fighting antioxidant vitamin C, which helps keep skin even-toned and helps boost the body’s immune system.

It is also act as an antioxidant, astringent, stimulant, hydrator, and also help aid in fighting dandruff and a dry, itchy scalp. 

It can be used as a skin astringent as it helps motivate your pores to close and your face to tighten resulting in smoother skin. Lemons have antiseptic qualities which help exfoliate dead cells and aid in fighting dandruff and pesky flakes. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities can also help soothe skin irritations affiliated with dandruff.

How to use?

(a) Prepare a fresh lemon juice

(b) Smear the mixture to the affected part of your skin and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes

(c) Wash the smeared part of your skin with warm water

(d) Do the above procedures twice a day for a month or two.

NB:

Your skin will recover after a month or more

3. A mixture of Lemon juice and cucumber juice

When cucumber juice mixed with lemon juice will produce a combined benefits from both lemon and cucumber. As I explained above about the benefits of lemons for healthy skin, also cucumber supports healthy skin. Cucumber water can help for smoothening your skin from the inside out. Staying hydrated helps your body to flush out toxins and maintain a healthy complexion. Cucumbers are also high in pantothenic acid or vitamin B-5, which has been used to treat acne. Therefore the following mixture will have a combined benefits from both lemon and cucumber.

How to use?

(a) Prepare a fresh lemon and cucumber juices

(b) Mix these two juices with the ratio of 1:1

(c) Smear the mixture to the affected part of your skin and leave it for 15 minutes

(d) Wash the smeared part of your skin with warm water

(e) Do the above procedures twice a day for a month or two.

NB:

Your skin will recover after a month or more

4. A mixture of Sugar, Almond oil and Lemon juice

Sugar and Almond oil/olive oil scrubs keeps your skin soft and supple. Olive oil has Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids that naturally moisturize the skin. Brown sugar removes dirt and unclogs the pores.

Also smearing sugar on your skin helps to maintain the oil balance. Sugar contains two important components, glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid. These components help to maintain perfect oil balance in the skin, therefore your skin will not be too dry or too oily.

They will not allow your skin to become too dry or too oily. So all you are left with is a healthy and radiant glow.

Also sugar protect your body against toxins, sugar scrubs cleanse your skin and prevent toxins from attacking your skin cells.

Photo: Brown sugar

Photo: Almond

Photo: Almond juice

How to use?

(a) Mix sugar, Almond oil and little lemon juice

(b) Apply the mixture in (a) above to the affected part of your skin and leave it for at least 15 minutes

(c) Wash the applied area of your skin with warm water or you may take shower.

(d) Do the above procedures for a month until you recover.

5. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is anti-inflammatory that helps your skin to resist revages of time, also have high antioxidants that help to fight off free radical damaging your skin. Free radical can cause different skin problems including dark patches, dull skin, skin aging, stretch marks and cellulite.

Cocoa butter have high fatty acids and hydrates your skin well (It moisturize your skin), also contains oleic, palmitic and stearic acids that nourish your skin.

Also cocoa butter help to get rid of skin irritations such as eczema and dermatitis. Many women claim that the regular use of cocoa butter keeps stretch marks away during and after pregnancy.

How to use?

Firstly you should prepare your cocoa butter, If you've cocoa beans you can prepare your cocoa butter at home, it so simple i will show you how to prepare. But if you don't have cocoa beans you may buy it from the available shops arround you. For preparing your cocoa butter at home follow these steps;

(a) Clean the dried cocoa beans with fresh, cold water to remove unwanted residue and air dry.

(b) Roast the cocoa beans at a temperature between 100 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit for about 90 minutes. Be sure that the heat is applied evenly among all of the cocoa beans.

(c) Cool the beans quickly to room temperature with a fan to prevent scorching.

(d) Use a hammer to lightly tap the cocoa bean to remove the inner nib (the part of the cocoa bean that is inside the shell) from the outer shell. The outer shells of the beans will already be loosened from roasting.

(e) Place the crushed cocoa beans in a sieve with a bowl underneath. Gently press and shake the cocoa beans so that the nibs fall through the sieve into the bowl below. The shell will be too large to pass through and will remain on top.

(f) Grind the cocoa nib into "cocoa liquor" with a grinder. The heat from the grinder will melt the fat in the nibs, turning the powdery nibs into a liquid.

(g) Extract the cocoa butter from the cocoa liquor by passing it through an extrusion, expeller or screw press for a more commercial grade cocoa butter. Alternatively, strain the liquor through a cotton cloth to filter out the cocoa butter.

(h) After you've prepared your cocoa butter then Smear the affected part with Cocoa butter for at least twice a day until you recover.

NB:

Your skin will recover after a month or more.

6. Olive oil

Olive oil has many skin and health benefits, has high ability of resolving many skin diseases. Research also proves that applying olive oil to the skin can prevent signs of photo-aging and sun damage. Olive oil contains antioxidants that fight free-radical damage and an ingredient called squalene, which is extremely hydrating. For such benefits of olive oil can also reduce stretch marks and cellulite.

How to use?

(a) Apply a little oil to the affected part of your skin and start massaging gently in circular movement for few minutes.

(b) After massaging leave for 30 minutes so that important vitamins such as Vitamin A, D and E will penetrate in the skin. Also massaging help to improve blood circulation on the affected area, that later cellulite will disappear.

(c) Do the above procedures twice a day for at least one month until you recover.

NB:

Your skin will recover after a month or more

7. Aloe Vera

It has high ability of resolving many skin diseases, It contains compounds called polysaccharides that encourage skin repair and new skin cells to set up shop, it also contains a pain reliever called carboxypeptidase, which may be why aloe vera is so soothing.

Also aloe vera helps to hydrate the skin without that post-application greasy feeling, it helps to lock moisture into the skin, while also acting as a glue that makes the top layer of skin cells stick together, ultimately smoothing and softening your skin.

How to use?

(a) Take some fresh aloe vera leaves

(b) Wash them with clean water

(c) Cut leaves to reveals mucus or waxy material

(d) Smear aloe vera waxy material to the affected part of your skin and leave for 15 minutes.

(e) Wash the smeared area with warm water

(f) Do the above procedures twice a day for at least one month until you recover.

NB:

Your skin will recover after a month or more

8. Physical Exercises

Since cellulite occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin, then on resolving this condition physical exercises matter. Most people with cellulite are fat and most are women, therefore physical exercises help to reduce fat in the body at the same time reduce cellulite and stretch marks.

9. Water

Water help human body to function properly, People with cellulite or stretch marks are advised to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Water in the body aids to soften skin and remove stretch marks and cellulite.

The above remedies can be used at home to treat your cellulite or stretch marks, for best performance follow all procedures effectively.

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Posted by: Lusubilo A. Mwaijengo