As a teenager, going through puberty was hard enough without the introduction of cellulite to my body. I wouldn't go out of my way and say it made me terribly insecure, but it did put a damper on my spirits, knowing I'd never achieve perfectly airbrushed supermodel legs.

But my last boyfriend was the straw on the camel that broke its back. It was summer and I remember I had just put on my bathing suit for my first swim. He took one peek of the back of my thighs and had the audacity to ask what was wrong with my legs.

I started doing research on cellulite and found out 89% to 98% of women experience this dimpled appearance on their bodies, and it typically occurs due to imbalances in the connective tissue and fat in a person's body. While there's no concrete evidence of what plays as factor in getting cellulite, it's argued hormones, diet, lifestyle and genetics play a significant role.

But if you're like me and the vast majority of the population, here are five natural hacks to get rid of unwanted cellulite.

1. Try Dry Brushing

I've never heard of this technique before, but this method helps stimulate blood and lymph flow in the body by opening up pores on your skin. While it's not scientifically proven (but there are plenty of people who swear by it), it's suppose to tighten skin and help in the cell renewal process. For maximum benefits, it should be done at least once a day, when the skin is dry. You can get one here. (Just so you know, Shared may collect a share of sales or other compensation from some of the links on this page.)

2. Eat Gelatin

While this remedy isn't suitable for vegetarians, the rest of us can enjoy the several health benefits of this flavorless food.

Along with supporting skin, nail, and hair growth, gelatin is a great source of dietary collagen, which also tightens loose skin. Since collagen is too large to be absorbed by the skin, Health Ambition says skin creams are essentially ineffective, and using coconut oil is a better alternative for external aid.

3. Drink Water

While this solution seems simple enough, you'd be surprised how many people don't get their eight glasses of water in a day.

Not only does water help regenerate your skin cells, it keeps them looking fresh and revitalized. Therefore it will lessen the look of cellulite by smoothing the skin's surface. Also, try eating foods with a high water content, such as melons, cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens for a tasty snack.

Need a reminder? I do and I use this one. (Just so you know, Shared may collect a share of sales or other compensation from some of the links on this page.)

4. Eat Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

According to Dr. Oz, tomatoes are high in lycopene, which can prevent the disintegration of collagen in your skin.

The famous doctor said while tomato paste is a great way to ingest lycopene, be sure to buy the food in a glass container or make your own. That way you're avoiding the toxic Bisphenol A (BPA).

5. Indulge in a Coffee Scrub

If you've never done this before, now's the time to start. A good coffee scrub will help massage and exfoliate skin by stimulating blood and lymph flow. Energy isn't the only thing we get out of coffee, as the caffeine in the hot beverage also has a tightening effect, which will get rid of your unwanted cellulite. My friend swears by Landi's Pure Arabica Coffee Scrub. (Just so you know, Shared may collect a share of sales or other compensation from some of the links on this page.)

After you find a recipe that works well for you, you should use the scrub two to three times a week to see visible improvements in your skin only within a couple of weeks! Here's the recipe for the one I use:

"¢  1 cup coffee grounds

"¢  1/2 cup white or brown sugar

"¢  1 cup coconut oil

Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. After you've washed your body, massage the scrub onto wet skin for about 60 seconds per area, where you're targeting cellulite, then rinse with warm water.

Just so you know, Shared may collect a share of sales or other compensation from some of the links on this page. However, we only choose products we would or have purchased ourselves.

How do you deal with unwanted cellulite?

[H/T: Wellness Mama, Health Ambition, Natural Society]