The skin is the largest organ in our body. Therefore, we should always take care of our skin as well as we can.
Despite all efforts, creams, and treatments, it can still happen that men and, increasingly, women get (or have) weak connective tissue. And the notorious orange peel skin, also known as cellulite, develops.
In this article, we explain how you can effectively counteract cellulite and your skin's aging process.
What is Cellulite, and Why Does it Form?
We all have fatty tissue under the skin. It accumulates in different places in men's and women's bodies. Usually, for women, the legs and hips are more affected. Fat deposits are more likely to get in the abdomen area in men.
You should know that the fat layer under the connective tissue is generally more explicit for women than men. The connective tissue consists of elastic collagen fibers that run parallel in women's bodies and cross-shaped in men's. Because of this, female skin can stretch faster.
Ad
Women's skin is ready for pregnancy and childbirth and always remains softer and more elastic than male skin. After that, dents, cellulite, or stretch marks appear because the connective tissue can expand quickly and significantly.
That is why the secret of a firm and smooth skin is, first and foremost, muscular connective tissue. Because everything depends on it, you can also keep your skin healthy with a balanced diet, creams, lotions, or nutritional supplements.
When we reach a certain age - and we're not talking about midlife or retirement age, we're talking about the mid-20s - the natural aging process of our skin begins. Our skin owes a large part of its elasticity to collagen, a structural protein. Collagen forms a scaffold to provide the body's strength and structure, bind water, and keep skin elastic.
However, from the mid-20s, collagen in the connective tissue decreases, which results in wrinkles and skin dents. In addition, skin loses its elasticity and is no longer as taut as before. Moisture and water can therefore be absorbed less, and the skin becomes dry or cracked.
While we cannot stop or prevent our natural aging process, we can slow it down.
Luckily, there are some helpful tips on countering cellulite, stretch marks, and weak connective tissue.
Best Tips Against Cellulite
Tip 1: A Healthy and Balanced Diet
What does that mean - to have a balanced diet? Our skin and all other organs can only work correctly with enough vitamins and minerals, so it's vital to have a supply. A poor or high-fat diet can quickly lead to nutrient deficiencies and affect skin or health in general.
Only with a balanced diet does your connective tissue receive the nutrients it needs to keep your skin elastic and young. The best recommendation you can get - is to eat lots of vegetables and fruits, nuts, whole grains, vegetable oils, and drink enough water. Moisture is also essential for tightening the connective tissue. It would help if you drank at least 1.5L a day to stay healthy.
Which foods should you eat?
Vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, lysine, and B3 should be on your plate in nuts, fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, and healthy fats.
Which foods are better to avoid?
The most important is to avoid alcohol and nicotine, animal products (like fatty meat), and processed foods that contain sugar. These foods work against what you might want to achieve. Try to include less of these foods in your diet.
When it comes to nutrition that can firm connective tissue, you should eat foods that promote collagen production, not reduce it. Sugar, for example, can encourage collagen breakdown and thus hurt our connective tissue.
Ad
Stay away from cigarettes! In all aspects, they are pure poison for the body and health.
Tip 2: Sport and Exercise
It is not a secret that physical activity is the key to happiness. Sport promotes blood circulation, and oxygen can easily and quickly get into the cells. It keeps the skin and connective tissue firm and elastic over the long term.
Additionally, the muscles use more energy through movement and exertion. It means that the body's fat cells are attacked and reduced at a certain point. In areas with no built-up muscle, fat cells can spread fast.
Try to fit exercise into your daily schedule as often as possible.
Ad
The perfect combination of activities for tight connective tissue is muscle and endurance training. For example, you can go jogging, cycle, or try some yoga to get a variety of physical activities. Swimming in cold water is also great for tightening connective tissue and building muscles.
Tip 3: Beneficial Skincare Routine
Skincare is not about using high-priced beauty products and putting additional strain on the skin. We advise you to invest in a good sunscreen and pay attention to the following points.
Start taking hot-cold contrast showers. Pour the hot water first, and massage your thighs and hips with the showerhead. If you have an adjustable showerhead, regulate the massage level or a single thick and focused stream. Then switch to the cold shower and start with your right foot. Work your way up slowly, then switch sides. Always make sure not to put too much strain on your cardiovascular system. Afterward, you can apply a soothing skincare product (although skin creams only have a superficial effect).
Also, massages stimulate blood circulation and can thereby strengthen your connective tissue. If you buy a massage sponge or brush, you will have the contrast shower, massage, and peeling at once. Of course, you can also let your partner pamper you and give you an excellent massage.
Tip 4: Not Too Much Sun
Sunbathing is pleasant and stimulates the production of Vitamin D3. But be careful: too much UV radiation can harm your health. The rays can reach the deepest skin layers and promote the formation of free radicals. Therefore, ensure adequate sun protection and do not stay in the blazing sun for too long.
Tip 5: Dietary Supplements for the Skin
Doing sports and eating a balanced diet is not always easy. Without stressing yourself, do your best to keep this state permanently. It influences all life areas and goes far beyond a firm and healthy complexion.
Ad
However, if you still have trouble concentrating on these points, you can also try dietary supplements. They support natural bodily functions and help you reach your goal efficiently. Our GLOW is specially developed for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Biotin, selenium, and zinc positively affect collagen formation and help maintain a healthy complexion. The valuable combination of these nutrients fits perfectly to strengthen your connective tissue and support its natural function.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-cellulite-pictures-causes-myths-and-treatments
- https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/cellulite-exercises
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cellulite-exercises#exercises-for-cellulite
Disclaimer: This article is a collaborative effort of the CLAV editorial team, created on the current literature base. All our publications are supplemented with passion and expertise for naturopathy and a healthy lifestyle. Our medical experts approve all texts before publication. Please Note: Dietary supplements are no substitute for a balanced, healthy diet or medical advice.
DE-ÖKO-006
