Featured at Today.com Health and Wellness, Dr. Apple Bodemer at The Department of Dermatology
A healthy lifestyle can help.
While people of all body sizes develop cellulite, being overweight and obese can worsen the appearance. This is why Dr. Apple Bodemer, a Madison, Wisconsin dermatologist, recommends that people establish a good exercise routine, eat healthy diet, and stay properly hydrated.
A diet rich in antioxidants helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, which can reduce the prominence of cellulite. The reason? Antioxidants trap the free radicals that damage the skin’s elasticity.
“I stress that a healthy diet, regular exercise, that’s part of an overall healthy plan, that will certainly help,” said Bodemer, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Cellulite doesn’t appear as noticeable on darker skin so Bodemer recommends people use self tanner if they want to diminish its appearance (she never advises anyone to tan).
Patients who feel insecure about their cellulite can also get deep massages, which can provide minimal, temporary relief.
“Aggressive massage might help and that can help with improving mood and body image,” said Bodemer. “But there’s not a lot of good research that it is a long-term solution.”