Cellulite is the name for harmless skin dimpling that usually appears on the legs, buttocks, stomach, and back of the arms. Although men aren’t immune to it, women are more likely to experience it. At the root of the condition are connective cords that bind to skin and muscle between accumulating fat cells. While fat cells push up against the skin, these cords pull down, creating the surface dimpling. Though little more is known about the cause of cellulite, essential oils have been shown to assist in reducing the appearance of dimpling.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for cellulite are:
• Cypress
• Geranium
• Grapefruit
• Juniper
• Rosemary
When you notice skin dimpling, give one of these aromatherapy methods a try:
• Simple massage. A massage with selected oils may help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• Soothing soak. Add the oils listed here to a hot bath to help improve circulation and support detoxification while you relax.
• Dry brushing. Add 1 or 2 drops of essential oil to a carrier oil, such as jojoba, and apply to your skin before brushing it.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Scrub it. Exfoliating the area with a blend of sugar, jojoba beads, and coconut oil helps reduce the appearance of dimpling.
• Add omega-3s. Consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids could help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• Hydrate. Dehydration may play a role in the appearance of cellulite.
You may be able to reduce the appearance of cellulite with these aromatherapy recipes.
Combining this circulatory-focused blend of essential oils with massage supports blood flow. Alternatively, you can add 5 drops of this blend and 1 teaspoon of unscented soap or vodka to a warm bath.
20 drops rosemary oil
20 drops cypress oil
15 drops juniper oil
15 drops grapefruit oil
5 drops geranium oil
1 small dark-glass dropper bottle
Add all of the oils to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Dilute 10 drops of the mixture in 4 teaspoons of carrier oil and massage the mixture over the affected area.
The effects of dry brushing may be enhanced by the power of these decongesting and detoxifying essential oils.
1 drop rosemary oil
1 drop grapefruit oil
1 teaspoon carrier oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl. Apply the mixture to skin before dry brushing.
Dry Brushing
One method often used to reduce the appearance of cellulite is dry brushing. This involves gently sweeping a stiff-bristled brush along your dry skin, moving toward your heart. Whether or not it remedies cellulite, it certainly has other benefits, including increasing blood flow, assisting lymphatic drainage, and revealing glowing skin. A shower or bath afterward removes the dead skin cells and anything else you’ve brought to the surface.