What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a condition where the normal fat is pushed beyond connective tissue bands that tighten regularly, leaving a dimpled or oatmeal-like texture on the skin's surface. It is more commonly seen in women in regions of the thighs, hips, buttocks, and, to a lesser extent, on the breasts, abdomen, and upper arms. The extreme forms of cellulite can point to certain metabolic issues.
What Are the Grades of Cellulite?
There are three grades of cellulite. They are:
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Grade 1: While standing or lying down, the skin is smooth but, when pinched, shows a dimpled configuration.
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Grade 2: While standing, the skin appears dimpled and smooth when lying down.
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Grade 3: While standing or lying down, the skin is dimpled, and by pinching, dimpling is exaggerated.
Though the cellulite is not physically painful, it can be emotionally distressing and diminish a woman’s self-esteem in profound ways.
What Causes Cellulite During Pregnancy?
The exact cause is not known, but there are some contributing factors, such as genetics, hormonal changes, weight gain, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, skin elasticity, dehydration, alcohol, and smoking.
Genetics
If the cellulite was present before pregnancy or family members do have it, it is assumed that it might become more pronounced with pregnancy. If the cellulite is part of DNA, not much can be done about it. Cellulite can be related to genetic variations that affect collagen production and skin elasticity. Some individuals, due to these genetic factors, can be more prone to cellulite development during pregnancy.
Hormonal Changes
Cellulite is more commonly seen in women during other high-estrogen periods, puberty, when taking birth control pills, and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy.
Weight Gain
During pregnancy, weight gain is normal, but it should be maintained as obesity in pregnancy can lead to pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Cellulite can also affect women who are overweight.
Poor Nutrition
Certain foods promote cellulite, as they are linked to metabolic disorders. Sugar, sodium, unhealthy fats, and empty carbohydrates lead to cellulite formation. Foods that cause water retention or lead to swelling or inflammation can exacerbate cellulite and add discomfort to pregnancy.
Lack of Physical Activity and Dehydration
Some factors promote cellulite formation, such as a static lifestyle or a job requiring more sitting or standing for hours, leading to water retention, fat accumulation, and a lack of muscle tone. Due to dehydration, there can be thinner and weaker skin as it prevents the body from metabolizing toxins in fat cells, and thinner skin is more prone to cellulite.
Skin Elasticity and Age
In women, skin elasticity is lost after giving birth at the age of thirty-five; therefore, the cellulite can push into the dermis layers and become more pronounced.
What Are the Cellulite Treatments to Be Avoided During Pregnancy?
There are a bunch of treatment methods for cellulite to be avoided, as it is considered harmful for the baby as well as the mother and might have long-term effects as well.
These include:
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Oral intake of medicines using caffeine and other substances will help reduce cellulite. However, these medications are not recommended during pregnancy.
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Laser or thermal treatment should be avoided as it increases the temperature of the body region to get rid of cellulite, which might be risky during pregnancy.
How to Get Rid of Cellulite Naturally During Pregnancy?
There are various ways to get rid of cellulite naturally to minimize the risk of pregnancy. These include:
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Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to take care of cellulite manifested in the body. It is one of the safest ways to take care of it, and pregnant women should not perform strenuous exercises.
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A healthy diet should be followed to care for cellulite during pregnancy.
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Dry brushing is one of the natural remedies for reducing cellulite during pregnancy. Dry brushing is done by gently brushing the skin with a soft-bristle brush upward toward the heart. This will help to stimulate lymphatic drainage and exfoliate the skin, and blood circulation. Over time, this will reduce the appearance of cellulite.
What Are the Tips to Avoid Cellulite?
The tips to avoid cellulite are:
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In the diet, Omega-3 fatty acids can be included, as this acid in the body will help to bind the cellulite effectively. Therefore, flax seeds can be included in the diet.
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During pregnancy, carbohydrates should be avoided. It should be consumed only as required.
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The chances of cellulite occurrence can be reduced by eating lots of vegetables, berries, and seafood, as water retention is another problem that worsens cellulite.
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Eat healthy foods and start exercising.
How to Prevent Cellulite during Pregnancy?
There are several ways to prevent cellulite during pregnancy, such as staying fit and healthy. They are:
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As the salt is acidic and dehydrates the body, it is advised to avoid adding salt, which will remove cellulite.
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Cellulite formation should be kept minimal by staying hydrated, as it flushes toxins from the skin.
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Light cardio exercises, like walking and low-impact aerobics, can tone the body. Exercise will also tone the muscle tissues and reduce cellulite.
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It is essential to keep the weight under control, whether pregnant or not.
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It is advisable to eat healthy foods like fresh vegetables and fruits.
How to Reduce Cellulite Post Pregnancy?
Cellulite treatment can be started after the recovery from delivery. Topical cream should be avoided when breastfeeding the baby. A strict diet should be followed, and exercising regularly is essential to reducing cellulite. There can be a negative impact on self-confidence due to cellulite post-pregnancy but with a healthy lifestyle, cellulite formation will reduce over time.
Conclusion
Cellulite appearance might disappear after the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state, mainly if a healthy lifestyle includes diet and exercise. Proper hydration is essential to reducing the appearance of cellulite. Smoking and excessive alcohol should be avoided, as these habits can worsen cellulite. In severe cases, it is advisable to consult a cosmetic surgeon for non-invasive or surgical treatments like laser therapy or liposuction.
