Cellulite is a troublesome problem faced by many women, regardless of their body weight or age. It manifests as irregular subcutaneous lumps, most commonly found on the thighs, buttocks, hips and abdomen. The resulting deterioration in the skin’s appearance is a frequent cause of psychological distress. Fortunately, such changes can be effectively alleviated using natural products, particularly essential oils.
The best essential oils for cellulite
Cellulite is caused by impaired microcirculation and excessive permeability of blood and lymphatic vessels. Accumulated metabolic waste products cause cells to swell, resulting in the appearance of unsightly dimples and lumps. Reducing cellulite is possible by improving circulation and stimulating the breakdown of fat tissue. We can effectively support this process using selected essential oils, which regulate blood circulation and have anti-oedema properties. They also strengthen the skin tissues, moisturising and firming them. The effectiveness of a particular product also depends on how it is used.
So, which essentialoilsare bestforcellulite and how should they be used?
Grapefruit essential oil
Grapefruit essential oil is a beneficial preparation for the skin with a wide range of effects. It removes free radicals and slows down the skin’s degenerative processes. It improves capillary integrity and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
A Chinese cupping massage using grapefruit essential oil is particularly effective in combating cellulite. It can be carried out in a few steps:
- To ensure good glide, add 5–15 drops of grapefruit essential oil to 25 ml of your chosen carrier oil (maize, soya, sweet almond, sunflower seed or grape seed oil),
- press the cup against the skin, creating a slight vacuum that draws in the skin’s surface,
- perform circular movements.
The massage should last approx. 15–30 mins. A series of 10–20 treatments, carried out at 2-day intervals, will bring about a visible improvement in the condition of the skin.
Orange essential oil
Orange essential oil improves skin tone and firmness. It warms the skin, stimulating microcirculation in the tissues.
Orange essential oil can be used for a home body wrap treatment. Add 5 drops of orange essential oil and 5 drops of another anti-cellulite essential oil, such as lemongrass or grapefruit, to 20 ml of carrier oil. Massage the mixture into the skin affected by cellulite, then wrap the area in cling film and leave for 30 minutes. The thermal insulation created in this way will effectively enhance the warming effect of the essential oil on cellulite. After removing the wrap, take a warm shower. Once the oil has been applied to the skin, you must avoid exposure to the sun for 12 hours.
Lavender essential oil
Among the versatile properties of lavender essential oil is its use in treating skin conditions. It is successfully used to treat acne and atopic dermatitis. Thanks to its ability to help remove excess water from the body, it is also a highly valued essential oil for treating cellulite.
A bath with added lavender oil has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and the whole body. Add around 10 drops of lavender oil and a chosen emulsifier, such as honey, milk or bath salt, to a bath filled with water at a temperature not exceeding 38°C. A 10–15-minute bath is a wonderful calming and relaxing treatment, with the added benefit of its anti-cellulite properties.
Cedarwood essential oil
Another natural remedy for preventing water retention in the body is cedarwood essential oil. By supporting the body’s water-lipid balance, it helps reduce swelling and improve skin tone.
Cedarwood essential oil can be used to make an anti-cellulite body massage oil. To do this, add 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil to a tablespoon of base oil, such as hazelnut oil. During the massage, gently pinch the areas of skin affected by cellulite to improve blood circulation and break down fat tissue. The effect of the essential oil on cellulite can be further enhanced by using a body brush. Skin coated with the oil can be wet-brushed, or the mixture can be rubbed in immediately after dry brushing. Stimulated by a vigorous massage, the skin will absorb the oil’s active ingredients more effectively.
Juniper essential oil
Extracted from juniper berries, juniper essential oil has a positive effect on the body’s water balance. It also has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, helping to reduce stretch marks.
You can use juniper essential oil to make a homemade coffee or sugar scrub. To do this, mix half a glass of sugar or ground coffee with a tablespoon of oil (e.g. coconut, argan or macadamia). Add up to 5 drops of juniper essential oil to the mixture. Apply the resulting paste to areas affected by cellulite and massage the skin for a few minutes. For best results, repeat the treatment 2–3 times a week.
Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass essential oil, also known as citronella oil, prevents swelling, warms and firms the skin, whilst stimulating circulation in the blood vessels.
Lemongrass essential oil works particularly well during intensive massages designed to act as lymphatic drainage. This type of treatment helps to loosen compacted fatty tissue and accelerate metabolism within the tissues. The blend used for the massage is made from 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil mixed with a carrier oil of your choice, such as grape seed or sweet almond oil. One tablespoon of oil is sufficient for a single session. Apply the mixture to areas affected by cellulite and massage for a few minutes. You can perform gentle lymphatic drainage yourself at home using a Chinese cupping glass, a massage glove, a massager with protrusions or a coarse brush.
Cypress essential oil
Cypress essential oil is extracted from the cones, needles and twigs of the Italian cypress. It possesses antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral properties. It regulates circulation and the body’s water and fat balance. Its anti-cellulite effect is due to its ability to strengthen blood vessels. This is why cypress essential oil is one of the most popular natural substances used in the treatment of varicose veins and broken capillaries.
Cypress essential oil can be used for massages, baths and compresses to combat cellulite. A mixture made from a tablespoon of your chosen carrier oil and a few drops of cypress essential oil can be used both for rubbing into the skin and for a relaxing bath. Importantly, using this mixture will also help in the fight against varicose veins.
Essential oils for cellulite – natural ways to reduce ‘orange peel’ skin
It is possible to combat cellulite using essential oils. The active ingredients they contain have a broad spectrum of effects that help reduce ‘orange peel skin’; amongst other things, they improve the integrity of blood vessels, stimulate microcirculation and boost metabolism within the tissues.
The key factor is not only choosing the right preparation, but also the method of application. The essential oils listed here for cellulite can be successfully used interchangeably in the recipes provided. The effectiveness of a particular treatment can be enhanced by using a blend of two or more oils. Lemongrass oil blends well with juniper and lavender oils. Cedarwood oil, on the other hand, works well in combination with cypress oil. When combating cellulite, consistency is paramount. Once we have tested various methods of eliminating it and identified the one that works best for us, we should apply it regularly and with the appropriate frequency.
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