Can Toxic Beauty Standards Cause Cellulite?
The holidays are officially here, and for most of us that means a bit of extra pie, alcohol and stress. Sure, the “spirit of the season” is also fun and lighthearted, but who doesn’t feel the pressure to find the perfect presents, host the perfect party, plan the perfect vacation and look perfect while doing it? The beauty industry looooves this time of year because it can pander to our perfectionistic tendencies with the palette of the season, the must-have miracle cream, and other perfectly packaged promises that all turn up empty. We think of this as toxic beauty, and it’s especially unhealthy during the holidays.
There’s a ripple effect to toxic beauty standards. The stress of “striving” and overdoing can increase adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can make the body seize up, constrict circulation and store fat rather than releasing it through normal detoxification pathways. This can lead to an increased appearance of cellulite and a buildup of toxic waste in the body. If and when we fall short of perfection, the “let down” can feel like a crash. We instinctively reach for stimulants like caffeine, sugar, alcohol and even material things (i.e. we buy more stuff) to lift our spirits. We tend to believe that some toxins are worse than others. For instance, alcohol, cigarettes and drugs are surely more harmful than a bottle of perfume or a new lipstick, right? The truth is, all of these chemical-laden products can have a toxic effect, and overtime the body becomes overloaded. If our detoxification pathways are not functioning properly, it can cause a backup of toxicity in the body. Cellulite is only one of the visible symptoms.
To avoid toxic overload this holiday season and beyond, here are a few healthy tips to keep circulation moving, detoxification pathways open and toxic buildup at bay for a healthy body and reduced signs of cellulite.
1. Stress Less
Stress is a part of our everyday lives, but what we stress about and how much we let the stress affect us is within our control. Exercise and meditation are two practices that naturally reduce cortisol in the body and help us manage stressful emotions and situations with greater calm and control. Added bonus: exercise stimulates circulation and combats cellulite, and meditating can make us look an estimated 12 years younger, as it counteracts daily stress.
2. Eat Clean
Begin with small steps like eliminating processed foods, packaged goods, plastic-wrapped goodies and anything with trans fats. It’s really not that hard to cut these things out. Simply toss anything that’s not a whole food, and at the grocery store, shop the perimeter to find produce and lean meats, not the isles where the packaged goods are. Have a sweet tooth or a passion for Bordeaux? Great! A balanced life includes pleasure. Just be sure to find the highest quality organic dark chocolate and wine, don’t binge, and don’t stress about enjoying them! (See #1). Be sure to drink lots of water to continuously flush the system, and add lemon for an alkaline boost.
3. Move It
We’re not just talking about exercise, though that’s on the top 10 list for a healthy, non-toxic life. We’re talking about moving the toxins themselves by stimulating circulation and blood flow, topically and internally. As mentioned, cellulite can be an indication that your lymphatic system is having a hard time getting rid of toxic buildup. If your lymph and liver get overloaded, fat-soluble toxins take up residence in your fat cells rather than being eliminated through your detoxification pathways, including your liver, gallbladder, bowel, kidneys, urinary bladder and skin. Support your body’s natural detoxification pathways by stimulating oxygenation and blood flow with caffeinated body scrubs and cupping techniques. Topically, when caffeinated scrubs are applied directly to the skin, the active ingredient accelerates fat breakdown, while encouraging micro-circulation. The suction created by the cups helps to ‘unclog’ the lymphatic system, reducing fluid retention and helping to boost healthy circulation. Without good blood flow and proper drainage, fluid can get trapped under the skin, leading to issues in feel and appearance of cellulite. Cupping also has a major effect on the fascia. When fat cells get trapped under the skin, they can get ‘welded’ to the fascia, which is the network of tissue that lies beneath the skin to help our muscular system move smoothly and freely. Cupping helps provide deep but gentle penetration of the skin to the fascia, separate the stuck layers, and free those fat cells. Finally, taking herbs can aid in internal detoxification. A few favorites are goto kola, dandelion root, rosemary, kelp, bladderwrack and milk thistle.
4. Set Your Own Beauty Standards
A final tip for a healthier holiday is to pause and reflect on the beauty standards that presented to you through social media, advertising and messaging. Are they inclusive and accepting? Are they inspiring? Are they your own? Give yourself the gift of health and happiness this year - it truly is the only gift that keeps on giving.
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