Rihanna discusses having cellulite: Experts share tips to combat this condition

Itrsquos tough to imagine Rihanna as being anything but impeccably flawless But as the pop starentrepreneur revealed in a recent interview her multiple pregnancies have taken a toll on her body too in the form of cellulite ldquoThirdtrimester cellulite is no joke You notice ripples emerging from places you never knew and itrsquos all in your thighs because your thighs are carrying the weight of your baby and uterusrdquo she shared in that interview While 85 to 98 per cent of women who have gone through puberty can take heart that Rihanna like them has cellulite experts say that the condition can become exacerbated during pregnancyRegular exercise promotes circulation and improves muscle tonality Representation PicsDecode the lsquoorange peelrsquo effectCellulite is the fat that collects in the little pockets just under the skinrsquos surface making the skin appear lsquodimpledrsquo explains Dr Nandita Palshetkar a gynaecologist This cellulite becomes visible when the collagen fibres that connect fat to the skin stretch break down or are pulled tight She adds that cellulite tends to be most visible on the hips thighs abdomen buttocks and breasts and affects women more than men due to differences in the way fat muscle and connective tissues are distributed in womenrsquos bodiesJashan VijldquoHormonal changes weight gain and reduced circulation which are common in expectant mothers can contribute to the development of cellulite during pregnancy Similarly the elevated levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the body lead to increased fat storage and can weaken connective tissues that bind the fat to the skin Fluid retention and decreased lymphatic drainage can exacerbate the visibility of cellulite Further inadequate exercise excessive calorie intake and poor hydration can also contribute to cellulite formation by promoting fat accumulation and reducing skin elasticityrdquo says Jashan Vij a health and fat loss coach Although some women may find their cellulite reducing postdelivery some others may find that the condition persists or worsens due to factors like skin laxity and lingering postpartum hormonal changes he sharesBenafsha GazdarSmoothen the bumpsVij recommends consuming a balanced diet that is rich in fruits vegetables lean proteins and healthy fats This he says provides the body with essential nutrients and antioxidants to support skin elasticity and repair ldquoStaying hydrated helps to reduce fluid retention while incorporating regular exercise such as strength training cardiovascular workouts and other lowimpact activities that promote circulation can improve muscle tone enhance lymphatic drainage and reduce the appearance of celluliterdquo he advisesPrioritise lowimpact exercise routines to safeguard the health of the mother and the babyExercise scientist Benafsha Gazdar stresses on the importance of consulting with a gynaecologist and fitness professional before taking up a new exercise routine so that the health of both mother and baby are not compromised ldquoMany women stop exercising completely while pregnant which makes them more susceptible to cellulite during and post pregnancy Itrsquos important to start exercising as soon as you can post giving birth while also ensuring that the exercise routine isnrsquot very intense and that it doesnrsquot include high impact activitiesrdquo she cautionsA balanced diet of fruits vegetables and lean proteins enables skin repairDr Aruna Kalra senior gynaecologist and obstetrician at CK Birla Hospital suggests gentle postpartum massages that stimulate blood flow reduce fluid retention and improve the appearance of cellulite with consideration for any ongoing postpartum healing ldquoCellulite can affect selfconfidence in expecting mothers and one way for them to counter this is with the help of compression garments such as postpartum belly bands or compression leggings that support the abdomen and thighs and reduce the appearance of cellulite Additionally topical creams or lotions that contain ingredients such as retinol caffeine or collagen may temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite by tightening and smoothing the skinDr Aruna KalraHowever itrsquos essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any topical treatments especially during breastfeedingrdquo she elaborates Finally she notes that if the cellulite is caused by weight gain during pregnancy gradual and healthy weight loss postpregnancy can help reduce its appearance ldquoCrash dieting or extreme weight loss methods should be avoided as they can negatively impact overall health and breastfeedingrdquo she advises