What is the Effect of Coconut Oil for Cellulite?

Are you wondering how coconut oil for cellulite stands against other remedies for this unsightly skin condition?

You are not alone. According to Scientific America, almost 90 percent of women and 10 percent of men have cellulite. But what is it and what are the results of using coconut oil for cellulite? These are the basics of our discussion today.

But first, let us look at what cellulite is!

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the orange-peel or cottage cheese appearance of skin in certain areas, especially the upper legs, hips, and buttocks. The condition is a result of the presence of pockets of fat deposits under the skin.

But Why Does Cellulite Occur More in Women Than Men?

Experts say that the hormone, estrogen is responsible. Also, women have more fat in their bodies than men. Furthermore, the connective tissues between muscles and the skin have a different structure in women than in men. And it is thicker and more close-knit in men than in women, which makes men's skin thicker than women's.

This difference in connective tissue structure is the reason why even thin women can have cellulite although their fat deposits are small.

As to why cellulite tends to occur in upper legs, the butt, and the hips; these are the areas where most fat is stored in women while in men, most fat is deposited in the belly.

What Causes Cellulite?

According to Dr. Lionel Bissoon, a cellulite treatment expert, estrogen causes the body to store fat while the male hormone, testosterone breaks down fat. But besides the hormones, cellulite occurs due to other reasons including the following:

While considering cellulite treatment, some of these root causes need to be addressed.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Cellulite

Several studies have shown that consuming coconut oil improves the working of the thyroid gland and the rate of metabolism, thereby causing the body to burn fat for energy. Consequently, taking one to three tablespoons of coconut oil daily can help reduce the oil deposits that form cellulite. Furthermore, substituting coconut oil for other oils and fats does not lead to fat deposits. And when this is accompanied by changes in diet to exclude refined foods and high carbohydrate foods, a marked reduction in cellulite fat can be achieved.

There are several methods of using coconut oil for cellulite, including topical application and taking it internally. Following are the main ways which you can use to get rid of cellulite.

1. Coconut Oil and Dry Brushing

This method involves applying coconut oil after taking a warm bath and after that dry brushing for a few minutes. When following this method of using coconut oil for cellulite, you need to do it for at least 30 days to see results. Note that you should use a brush made from natural fibers. And remember to clean and dry the brush after every use.

One practical study found that the participants got rid of their cellulite after following the procedure for 30 days.

2. Use Coconut Oil as a Body Lotion

Applying coconut oil for cellulite the same way you would use regular body lotion can help clear cellulite.

After taking a hot bath in the evening, warm some coconut oil and apply to the affected area or all over your body. And make sure to massage it into the affected skin areas to ensure absorption through your skin pores. The coconut oil will nourish the skin internally and smoothen it externally.

Combining regular application of coconut oil for cellulite and exercise will give you faster results.

Watch this video to see how to do it:

3. Coconut Oil with Coffee Scrub

Coffee scrub clears cellulite according to a study carried out over a period of four weeks; by reducing inflammation and preventing fat and toxin buildup. On the other hand, coconut oil smoothes and moisturizes the skin besides having anti-aging properties.

You can make the scrub even more potent by adding sugar to the coconut and coffee scrub.

Mix virgin coconut oil, cane sugar and coffee grounds in the ratios of 1:1:1.5 respectively. Put some onto a face towel and massage it into the affected skin areas. Wash it off after 30minutes and repeat every other day until you see positive results. The scrub clears cellulite within three to four weeks.

4. Coconut Oil with Essential Oils

Some essential oils have skin healing and protecting properties and will improve the outcome of using coconut oil for cellulite.

Mixing lemon, grapefruit, orange or tangerine essential oils with coconut oil can help you get rid of cellulite within a few weeks. According to Dr. Axe, of Food is Medicine, coconut oil hydrates the skin while bromelain, an anti-inflammatory in the essential oils breaks down the cellulite. The mixture is also effective in clearing stretch marks.

5. Coconut with Shea Butter

Shea butter has various benefits on the skin which can be enhanced by combining it with coconut oil for cellulite.

Mix coconut oil with Shea butter or cocoa butter to make your cellulite fighting cream. Use a 1: 1 mixing ratio; mix well and apply daily before going to bed and expect to see positive results within two weeks.

Here’s a video to guide you in making coconut and Shea butter cream:

Precautions on the Use of Coconut Oil for Cellulite

While coconut is a natural product, you should seek medical advice before using it in case you are allergic to coconut oil or have a medical condition such as diabetes. Pregnant women will also need to consult their doctors to rule out any adverse effects.

The Best Type of Coconut Oil for Cellulite

It is worth noting that you should only use extra virgin, organic coconut oil for cellulite. Ordinary non-organic coconut oil may be contaminated with chemicals such as pesticides and extraction solvents, which may pose a danger to you. To ensure that a brand of coconut oil is an organic and extra virgin, buy from specialized organic stores or ask the shop assistant. You should also read the label.

Which Treatment Options Are Available Besides Coconut Oil for Cellulite?

Different organizations and experts front many treatment options including the following

As far as the effectiveness of these treatment options is concerned; most offer temporary relief. Besides, many of these methods are expensive surgical procedures that you have to undergo repeatedly to keep the cellulite away, and this disqualifies them from being good cellulite clearing options. It is no wonder that using coconut oil for cellulite treatment is a very tempting option.

And since coconut oil is natural and used both topically and internally, it helps to clear cellulite without side effects. Besides, use of coconut oil for cellulite does not involve needles or scalpels.

Conclusion

While specific studies are scant on the use of coconut oil for cellulite, there are many reports to support its ability. Coconut oil is natural, and because you can use it in so many ways, it makes sense to combine more than one cellulite treatment methods such as dry brushing with coconut oil and exercise.

But whether you choose one or two methods, do stick with it for at least 30 days because this is the average amount of time required to get noticeable results when using coconut oil for cellulite.

You may also be interested in coconut oil for jock itch, or simply the way to remove coconut oil out of hair after applying it.

For more questions and suggestions, keep them posted in the comments section. If you like this article, please feel free to share it!​​

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