As bathing suit season continues to lurk in our minds, the lumps and bumps you may have forgotten about while wearing cozy sweaters and forgiving jeans may be resurfacing in your consciousness. Don’t fret! Here are four nearly effortless ways to reduce cellulite and have you confidently strutting on the beach in no time.

H20

The secret to this tip, don’t sip your water; eat it! Yes, eating can reduce cellulite. Still don’t believe me? According to The Cellulite Solution by Howard Murad, M.D., eating foods high in water is a stronger way to reduce dimples than drinking it alone. So, go ahead, chow down on water-packed fruits and veggies such as cucumber, bell-pepper, grapes, plums, mangos, and his best recommendation, watermelon. Watermelon is about 90% water and has only 46 calories per cup! It helps maintains skin’s thickness. The fruit contains both vitamins A and C which are powerful antioxidants that fight off free radicals and prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin. This is essential to fighting cellulite.

Exercise

Aerobic exercise promotes fat loss, which in turn, reduces cellulite. However, there is one move that holds the secret to smooth skin: the lunge. Lunges build lean muscle in your butt and thighs. If you don’t have muscle definition in your lower body, jiggles and wiggles are bound to happen no matter how low your body fat percentage is. Just make sure you stay true to form for optimal cellulite sizzle. Your knees should always be in-line with your ankles. Never let them creep past your toes and keep your glutes engaged.

Three to four days a week try doing three sets of 12 to 20 reps of lunges on each leg. You will see results within four weeks!

Caffeine

Use stimulant-laced cream to tighten skin for hours. The caffeine in the lotion temporarily reduces water in your connective tissues and eliminates unwanted lumps and bumps. Look for creams that contain caffeine or aminophylline and theophylline.

To apply: Exfoliate skin with a loofah or soap scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and maximize the cream’s results. Aggressively rub in the lotion. Friction raises the skin’s temperature making it more responsive to the cream’s ingredients.

For ultimate results: Limit sodium consumption while using the cream and you will see results in less than a month!

Bronzer

For a quick fix, cover up imperfections with a self-tanner. We all know darker clothes are slimming, this same concept applies to skin! Bronzed skin reduces the appearance of cellulite.

To apply: Exfoliate skin then apply a self-tanning mist or lotion in a circular motion to reduce streaking. Then, use a hair dryer on a cool setting to set your new, healthy tan. Then, before you strut the streets apply a shimmery bronzer down the center of your legs to make them look leaner and longer.

 

-Emily Freeman