Anyone who has ever dealt with water retention knows how uncomfortable it can be. Swollen legs, tingling, aches, a feeling of heaviness, and the appearance of aqueous cellulite are all signs of a sluggish blood and lymphatic circulation. To help you improve your circulation naturally and effortlessly, here are 3 DIY massage oil recipes made with essential oils you can easily prepare at home.
What causes water retention?
Water retention is caused by a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. The human body is made up of around 70% water. Two thirds of this water is found inside cells (intracellular fluid), while the remaining third circulates through blood vessels and between cells. Under certain conditions, this extracellular water can seep into the tissues and become “trapped” there, preventing the body from eliminating it properly. This leads to swelling, known as oedema.
Water retention can have a number of causes, including:
rétention d’eau est due à une accumulation d’eau dans les tissus. Le corps est composé à 70% d’eau. Deux tiers de l’eau présente dans l’organisme se trouvent dans les cellules (liquide intracellulaire). Le tiers restant circule dans les vaisseaux sanguins et entre les cellules. Sous certains phénomènes, il arrive que cette eau extracellulaire s’infiltre dans les tissus et y reste « bloquée ». Le corps ne parvient pas à l’éliminer correctement. Elle provoque alors des gonflements, qu’on nomme œdèmes.
La rétention d’eau trouve différentes causes. Parmi elles :
- Certain medical conditions: veno-lymphatic, renal, cardiac or thyroid insufficiency, as well as certain pulmonary conditions, can disrupt the circulation of vital fluids such as blood and lymph.
- Medication: particularly hormonal treatments (the pill, HRT), antipsychotics, antihypertensives and corticosteroids.
- Heat: heat causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessel diameter) and increases the permeability of blood and lymphatic vessels. Fluids no longer circulate properly, and water “escapes” from the bloodstream into the surrounding tissues.
- Hormones: during pregnancy, in the premenstrual phase or at the time of menopause, female hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) fluctuate and can trigger water retention. Elevated cortisol levels can also impair blood circulation, leading to excess fluid being stored in the tissues.
- Prolonged immobility: whether sitting or standing, static positions slow down veno-lymphatic flow (and can even compress blood vessels when seated). This venous sluggishness is a contributing factor to water retention.
- Sodium: a diet too high in salt is detrimental to the free circulation of vital fluids. Sodium encourages the body to “store” water in the tissues rather than draining it efficiently towards the elimination organs.
- Tight clothing and high heels: a less obvious cause of water retention. Overly restrictive clothing can hinder healthy blood flow by compressing the leg veins, while high-heeled shoes interfere with proper venous return (due to the unnatural foot movement they create when walking).
Why and how to use these essential oils?
Thanks to their ingredients known for their draining and detoxifying properties, combined with the massage technique used during application, these oils can help you reduce water retention and the associated symptoms. To get the most out of them, use them daily in the evening on clean, dry skin. Start the massage at the ankles and work your way up to the tops of the thighs.
These anti-water retention massage oils can be stored in a cool, dry place away from light. Important note: do not use them if you are pregnant, if you have sensitive skin, or before sun exposure!
Anti-water retention massage oil #1
Ingredients:
- 100 ml hazelnut oil
- 15 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 15 drops rosewood essential oil
- 10 drops grapefruit seed oil
Method:
Start by disinfecting or sterilising your bottle.
Then, using a small funnel, pour in your carrier oil and add your essential oil drops. Don’t skip the grapefruit seed oil — it’s what will keep your anti-water retention lotion fresh for longer! Finally, close the bottle and shake vigorously until the blend is fully combined. And that’s it — it’s ready to use!
Anti-water retention massage oil #2
Ingredients:
- 60 ml hazelnut oil
- 2 drops juniper EO to firm and boost circulation
- 3 drops niaouli EO to help combat water retention
- 3 drops rose geranium EO to improve skin texture
- 3 drops cistus ladanifer EO to help drain the tissues
- 2 drops cypress EO for its anti-dimpling and firming effect
- 2 drops lemongrass EO for its fat-burning properties
- 2 drops sweet orange EO for its detoxifying and toning action, and its lovely scent!
Method:
Simply pour the hazelnut carrier oil into a clean bottle, then add the essential oils one by one. Close, shake well and your anti-water retention oil is ready to use.
Anti-water retention massage oil #3
Ingredients:
- 60 ml sweet almond oil
- 1 drop Ceylon cinnamon EO to help reduce the appearance of cellulite
- 2 drops clary sage EO for its detoxifying, toning and fat-burning action
- 2 drops Atlas cedarwood EO for its anti-inflammatory properties
- 2 drops menthol eucalyptus EO to help smooth the appearance of dimples
- 3 drops spike lavender EO to help regenerate the skin
- 1 drop turpentine EO to help eliminate toxins and support circulation
- 1 drop grapefruit EO for its action on fat deposits
Method:
Just like the previous blends, start by pouring the sweet almond oil into a clean bottle, then add the essential oils. Mix well — and it’s already ready to use!
Simple, right? Share your beauty and wellness tips on the Cellublue community, right here!
As you know, water retention is one of the main causes of aqueous cellulite. To complement these treatments, don’t forget to use your CelluBlue Cups. With them, you can easily recreate the pinch-and-roll massage technique and visibly reduce cellulite in just a few weeks.
In just 5 minutes of use per day, and combined with CelluOil anti-cellulite oil, CelluBlue Cups help you achieve smoother, firmer skin with less cellulite! Find out more right here.