What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is the name for pockets of fat that appear in the skin’s tissue. It also consists of toxins and impurities that haven’t been flushed away efficiently. As they are pockets, they push against the skin which is why the skin has a dimply appearance. Cellulite can appear on the thighs, hips, bottom and stomach. Luckily, it is treatable and significantly reduced using massage with coconut oil.
Why Massage Works
Massage is especially good for reducing cellulite because it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the area of concern. Good circulation helps to break down the fatty deposits, so skin is smoother and firmer. Additionally, better circulation helps to improve lymphatic drainage, transporting toxins and impurities away from the body. Coconut oil is a natural fat burner so by using it topically, with massage, it helps to break down the fatty deposits. As well as being a natural fat-burner, it’s also oil, so it softens the skin, getting rid of the dimpled texture.
Can Coconut Oil Treat Cellulite?
You can either use coconut oil on its own, just rubbing it into the areas of your body that are prone to cellulite. Use upward, sweeping motions toward your heart to encourage blood flow and to reduce signs of dimpling. You can also massage in large circles to improve circulation.
Dry Brushing With Coconut Oil
Adding a dry brush to your cellulite removal regime will really help because dry brushing the skin is an excellent stimulating process that really boosts blood flow and oxygen. Choose a dry brush made with natural fibres (you don’t want to irritate your skin) and apply the oil straight after a shower, rubbing it into the skin using the brush. This will help to open up the pores, promote a healthier lymphatic system and brushing also gets rid of dry skin. The oiliness in coconut oil will hydrate your skin so it feels and looks softer, smoother and firmer.
The best way to dry brush is to coat the areas of concern with coconut oil and brush it in generous, circular motions. On the stomach area, brush in an anti-clockwise motion and finally, sweep the brush upwards all over the body, towards your heart (to stimulate blood flow and oxygen). Don’t brush your body too hard, you’ll end up aggravating your skin.
It’s important not to expect miracles! Using coconut oil will really help to improve the texture of your skin but it doesn’t happen overnight. You need to religiously massage the areas where your cellulite appears and spend time doing so, at least five minutes per area.
The Best Coconut Oils for Cellulite Massage
Here are our four favourite coconut oils for cellulite massage:
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
Either for use as a carrier oil or on its own, for just $13 (depending on retailer) you get a generous 16 ounce bottle that is excellent for massage. Don’t just use it on your body either; coconut oil has marvelous benefits for softening and strengthening hair. This product is odourless, colourless and doesn’t leave greasy residue. A completely natural product, it contains no additives or chemicals; it’s perfect for aromatherapy use and for deep tissue massage.
Art Naturals Premium Fractionated Coconut Oil
For $16 (depending on retailer) this 16 ounce bottle gives you a lot of gorgeous, therapeutic grade coconut oil that is entirely pure and natural. That means no added preservatives or chemicals so it’s kind to skin. The bottle is easy to use, with a separate plastic pump dispenser. Concentrated, you’ll find this product higher in antioxidant content (excellent for skin cell renewal). Ideal for massage but just as good for natural moisturiser and to keep hair hydrated.
Plant Therapy Fractionated Coconut Oil
At $16 (depending on where you purchase) is the Plant Therapy Fractionated Coconut Oil which comes in a generously sized, pump bottle. Ideal for use alone or as a carrier oil, it delivers a superb massage experience, gliding on without slippage and it’s non-greasy. 100% pure coconut oil, with no added preservatives or chemicals it’s simple to use and is easily absorbed into the skin. Use it direct on the skin to hydrate or massage it into your hair for adding moisture.
Molivera Organics Fractionated Coconut Oil
At approximately $16 (depending on retailer) is the Molivera Organics Fractionated Coconut Oil which is suitable for use on the body or on the hair. Use it direct on skin or combine it with an essential oil, it’s chemical and preservative free and packed in a UV resistant bottle, so it won’t deteriorate. Anti-aging, skin feels refreshed and revitalised. With long-term use, skin should be softer, firmer and younger.
Other Cellulite-Busting Oils
You don’t have to rely entirely on coconut oil for cellulite massage; there are other options that you can try:
Geranium Oil
This oil is excellent for supporting the skin’s structure because it boosts circulation and helps the lymphatic system to work efficiently. It’s also vital for aiding water retention. Don’t use it direct on the skin; dilute it with suitable carrier oil (such as jojoba, avocado or coconut).
Grapefruit
This immensely uplifting oil is excellent for eliminating toxins and impurities. It’s also good for relieving fluid retention which makes it a great anti-cellulite product. Again, don’t apply it direct to skin; dilute a few drops with quality carrier oil and massage in using your hands or a dry body brush.
Rosemary Oil
This essential oil combats toxin build-up as well as fights fluid retention so it goes a long way to helping your body flush out all the impurities. Use it in conjunction with quality carrier oil and massage in with a dry body brush or using your hands.
