Let’s begin by assuring you that cellulite on your bum – and indeed, on various parts of your body – is entirely natural and normal.

Like, really normal. Straight up, it’s estimated that around 90 per cent of those of you with two pairs of X chromosomes deal with the dimples.

So, why does cellulite around your glutes and thighs happen?

Well, the female body tends to store fat in this area, thanks to our good friend oestrogen – and the skin issues occurs when fat pushes through the connective tissue beneath the skin, to create a wavy effect.

‘Cellulite usually affects the buttocks and thighs but can also occur in other areas of the body,’ says Jodie Wood, skin clinic manager at aesthetic surgery centre, The Private Clinic.

‘This is because the blood flow and circulation is normally more restricted in these areas; we sit down for the best part of the day – along with these areas being where most female bodies store fat.’

Despite all this, we feel you if it’s still one of your ‘getting out in a bikini in front of people’ concerns.

So, if you’ve tried eating all the cellulite-busting foods and attempted all the dimple-reducing exercises, but still find yourself wondering how to get rid of cellulite on your bum, we’ve got the details.

Quick reality check: there is no magic bullet for eliminating the dimples. Trying to get rid of cellulite on your bum is to set yourself up for disappointment. But, here’s how to have a crack at reducing it.

1. Resist the sugar

‘Over indulging in sugary food and drink is something we want to stay clear from if you want to reduce cellulite,’ says Wood.

You probably already know about the connection between sugar and cellulite: sugar becomes stored in fat cells, causing them to expand, which can increase the dimpled appearance of those orange-peel areas.

If the 3pm slump has you eyeing up that KitKat your colleague brought in, try snacking on skin-nourishing fruits instead – watermelon is an especially great choice, as research has suggested its high lycopene content may benefit our cardiovascular system.

2. Get moving

‘Try to keep your circulation moving – although it can be tricky depending on your job, try not to sit at a desk all day,’ advises Wood.

‘Exercise is key – if you can exercise regularly this will reduce the appearance of cellulite.’

3. Step away from the salt

Salty foods are known for causing fluid retention, which is linked to the appearance of cellulite. This processed sodium can dehydrate the skin enough to make areas of cellulite appear much more noticeable.

However, we aren’t condemning all types of salt here – just the highly refined table variety. Himalayan and sea salts are rich in beneficial minerals, so upgrade that salt grinder to see real results.

4. Stop neglecting that body brush

It’s one of those beauty tools that ends up gathering dust at the back of your bathroom cabinet but it could actually be a strong ally in your mission to get rid of cellulite on your bum.

‘We recommend using a body brush whilst you’re in the shower or bath, as this will stimulate the blood flow and circulation,’ Wood says.

These densely bristle brushes work by boosting circulation around areas of cellulite, helping the body to eliminate toxins that contribute to the formation of orange-peel patches.

5. Don’t smoke

‘Smoking can increase cellulite, as smoking reduces the flow of blood and so this will weaken the formation of collagen. This can then increase the appearance of cellulite,’ Wood explains.

6. Stress less

If you needed another reason to try these simple breathing exercises for stress then this it: among everything else, stress symptoms can also contribute to the formation of cellulite.

How? High stress levels trigger the production of the hormone cortisol, which can break down collagen within the body.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and makes up our connective tissue, so when we lose it our skin can appear thinner and less firm, and those cellulite dimples can shine through.

7. Don’t stay late in the office

Parking your bum in that padded office chair for hours on end is doing nothing for those patches of cellulite. Sitting in the same position for extended periods of time can cause your circulation to become sluggish.

Cellulite forms in the areas of the body with the least blood flow, so it pays to monitor the amount of time you spend engrossed in that inbox, and be sure to take a walk on your lunch break to get rid of cellulite on your bum, even if it’s only around the block.

This article originally appeared on Women’s Health UK. 

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