CBD and cellulite: Tips and advice on how to combat orange skin
Do you suffer from orange peel? We know them all! Cellulite is a stubborn adversary, but luckily we have a few tricks up our sleeve to fight it. In this article, we take a look at what cellulite is, why it occurs and how it manifests itself. You'll also learn how CBD helps for healthier, smoother skin.
- What is cellulite?
- How does cellulite manifest itself and where does it occur?
- How is cellulite formed?
- How to remove cellulite?
- Does CBD help with cellulite?
- Products with CBD for cellulite
- Conclusion
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a condition in which fat cells accumulate under the skin and form uneven dimples or bumps, giving the skin a characteristic orange peel appearance.
This is a natural phenomenon that is not harmful to health, but is often perceived as an aesthetic deficiency. It complicates life for many women as the skin becomes less smooth, supple and soft to the touch. According to research, 80 to 90% of all women will experience cellulite during their lifetime.
Often cellulite becomes more visible as we age, when there is a natural loss of collagen and elastin, which causes a reduction in skin elasticity. This causes the skin to gradually thin, revealing the underlying structure of connective tissues and fat cells.
The degree of visibility of cellulite also depends on the amount of body fat, genetics and overall skin health. One common myth is that cellulite is only associated with being overweight. In reality, however, it can affect people of all body types and weights.
How does cellulite manifest itself and where does it occur?
The symptoms of cellulitis can vary according to its severity. A 2009 study divided cellulite into four grades:
- Grade 0: The skin is soft, with no visible signs of cellulite, even if it is compressed.
- Grade 1 (mild cellulite): the skin is slightly sagging or droopy. Roughness and dimples are not visible at rest, but appear when the skin is squeezed or muscles are tightened.
- Grade 2 (moderate cellulite): distinct orange skin that is visible even at rest, without compression.
- Grade 3 (severe cellulite): very pronounced orange skin, visible in all positions, whether standing, sitting or lying down. Bumps can be felt under the skin and can be painful to the touch.
Cellulite is most commonly found on the following parts of the body:
- buttocks
- thighs
- hips
- Belly
- calves
- arms
- breasts
How is cellulite formed?
The appearance of cellulite depends on various factors. As already mentioned, some women have a greater genetic predisposition to it, but it often appears at certain times of life due to specific triggers.
In addition to age and weight gain, these triggers include:
- Hormones: estrogen plays a major role in the development of cellulite. Higher levels of estrogen increase the likelihood of fat accumulation in certain areas of the body and water retention, which contributes to the formation of orange skin.
- Poor diet: an unbalanced diet full of fats, sugars, salt and processed foods such as cold cuts increases the risk of cellulite. These foods promote the accumulation of fats and toxic substances that interfere with blood circulation and the lymphatic system.
- Lack of physical activity: one of the most common triggers of cellulite. A sedentary lifestyle weakens muscles and slows blood circulation, leading to fat accumulation and cellulite formation. Movement is important to improve circulation and get rid of fat.
- Accumulated toxins: Toxins from unhealthy diets, polluted environments or beauty products (e.g. silicones or synthetic fragrances) contribute to cellulite by impairing lymphatic and circulatory function. If the body cannot eliminate toxins, they can accumulate in the subcutaneous tissue and form dimples.
- Unhealthy lifestyle: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also aggravate cellulite. Smoking interferes with collagen production and skin elasticity, while alcohol slows down the body's detoxification and metabolism, which increases fat deposits.
- Pregnancy: hormonal changes during pregnancy, weight gain and increased pressure on the circulatory system increase the risk of cellulite. In addition, higher estrogen production contributes to water retention and fat accumulation in problem areas.
- Wearing tight clothing and crossing your legs: Tight pants or leggings can restrict blood and lymph flow, which worsens the appearance of orange skin. Frequent crossing of legs while sitting also restricts circulation, which can lead to fluid and fat accumulation in problem areas.
How to remove cellulite?
It is important to remember that fighting cellulite takes time, patience and most importantly, perseverance. No method guarantees miracles overnight. The key to success is a combination of different approaches and consistent care of your body - so do not despair, take one step at a time and the desired results will come.
There are several ways to alleviate the symptoms of cellulite or eliminate it completely:
- Drink plenty of water: hydrate your body, strengthen skin elasticity and improve blood circulation
- Eat healthier: include foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in your diet, and limit your intake of sugars, salt and processed foods
- Exercise regularly: for cellulite, a combination of aerobic exercise (running, swimming, cycling) and strength training (squats, lunges, leg and buttock strengthening) is ideal
- Brush dry skin: to stimulate blood circulation and promote skin cell renewal, brush regularly, preferably before showering
- Treat yourself to a massage or lymphatic drainage: massaging your hands or using special massage rollers can improve lymph flow and blood circulation, while lymphatic drainage massage helps remove retained water and toxins
- Moisturise your skin: regularly use moisturisers or body lotions to improve skin firmness and elasticity
If you are suffering from a more serious form of cellulite, consider non-invasive treatments such as radiofrequency, ultrasound or laser. In some cases, injectable therapies can also be effective.
Does CBD help with cellulite?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant that is known for its potential therapeutic effects, including relieving pain, inflammation, anxiety and insomnia. In addition, CBD is extremely beneficial for the skin and is increasingly being used in cosmetics and wellness due to its unique properties.
To understand how CBD affects cellulite, it is necessary to explain how it works in our body. Cannabidiol binds to the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and proper functioning of the body, including vital organ functions. This system also affects the health and condition of the skin.
CBD has a triple effect on cellulite:
- Visually improves skin quality: according to research, CBD has antioxidant properties, which means it naturally increases the production of collagen - a key protein that keeps skin firm and supple. Collagen can also act as a preventative measure against cellulite by helping to reduce the risk of cellulite as we age. It also helps to hydrate the skin, thus affecting how visible cellulite will be.
- Promotes fat burning under the skin and weight loss: some studies suggest that CBD may affect the fat metabolism process in the body.
- For example, a 2016 study published in the prestigious scientific journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry found that CBD can promote the process of converting white fat into brown fat, which helps to break down fat faster. This is due to the fact that while white fat cells store energy, brown cells are metabolically active and burn energy.
- Another study (2019) reports that CBD could potentially regulate metabolism, appetite and energy balance through its action on the endocannabinoid system, which could significantly facilitate weight loss.
- The authors of the 2022 systematic study concluded that CBD has anorexigenic effects. This means that it may reduce appetite and thus contribute to weight loss. However, further research will be needed to definitively confirm these claims.
- Soothes inflammation. According to a 2015 study published in the scientific journal Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, CBD may help to dampen inflammation at the cellular level, which is key to treating a variety of inflammatory conditions, including cellulitis. Cellulite is partly caused by inflammatory processes in the subcutaneous tissue, which CBD's anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate, helping to reduce the accumulation of fat in problem areas. In addition, CBD's anti-inflammatory effect helps to reduce the pain that can be associated with cellulite.
Products with CBD for cellulite
The CBD market offers a wide range of products that can be an effective aid in the fight against cellulite.
Not sure which one to choose and how to use it? Then read on.
CBD creams and ointments
The best solution to get rid of cellulite with CBD is the topical application of a cream or ointment on the affected areas, which guarantees quick and direct absorption. For example, get our all-purpose hemp ointment with CBD and lavender, which soothes and regenerates the skin.
And above all, massage, massage, massage. Apply CBD ointment morning and evening on the affected areas and perform thorough massage movements. Don't be afraid to apply firm pressure.
Regular massage not only improves the circulation of blood and lymph in problem areas, which helps to break down fat cells and reduce skin irregularities, but also strengthens the structure and elasticity of the skin.
This type of product is for external use only.
CBD oils
CBD oil is a hemp extract that combines a cannabinoid extract from the cannabis plant and a carrier oil. In CBD oils, hemp seed oils (oils from hemp seeds) are the most widely used carrier oils.
For example, try these oils for cellulite:
- Hemnia Full spectrum CBD hemp oil with CBD 15%
- Hemnia Full spectrum CBD hemp oil in CBD concentration 30%
You can add a few drops of CBD oil to the cream or ointment with each massage. CBD oil is very suitable for removing cellulite because, like traditional essential oils, it can penetrate deeper than creams, right down to the subcutaneous layer (the deepest layer of the skin). But you can also massage with CBD oil alone.
It is also recommended to apply CBD oil just after brushing, which improves lymph flow and stimulates blood circulation. This gentle, tactile technique using a natural bristle brush is usually done with special strokes in a slow rhythm.
CBD oils can also be taken sublingually, if they are intended.
If you don't have time for regular massages and brushing, try supplementing your CBD oil application with body scrubs. The texture of body scrubs can help exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of cellulite by releasing excess water from the pores.
CBD teas and infusions
In addition to massages, consider drinking CBD-based herbal teas. You can either prepare them yourself from CBD flowers or resins, or simply add a few drops of CBD oil to green tea. This is because green tea also has antioxidant properties that are especially interesting for removing toxins and burning fat.
You can also support healthy skin and connective tissues with collagen drinks.
If you combine these tips, your cellulite will disappear much faster and your body will thank you.
To make CBD as effective as possible, maintain a healthy lifestyle: eat a healthy diet, drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day and exercise.
Conclusion
Cellulite is a skin problem that plagues almost every woman. It is most commonly found on the buttocks, thighs, hips, abdomen, calves, arms and breasts. Factors affecting the appearance of cellulite include genetics, age, hormones, improper diet, lack of exercise and unhealthy lifestyle.
CBD (cannabidiol) has recently proven to be an effective aid against cellulite. It promotes cell regeneration and collagen production, thereby improving skin firmness, elasticity and texture. Studies also suggest that CBD can affect fat metabolism, which contributes to easier burning of fat cells, thus improving the appearance of orange skin.
Products are available on the market in the form of CBD ointments and creams, CBD oils and CBD teas.
Author: Hemnia
Foto: AI, Shutterstock
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