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Cellulite


What is cellulite

Cellulite is the expression used to describe pockets of fat which are trapped and cause dimpling in the skin. This dimpling is irregular and patchy and has been identified with orange peel.

90% of post-adolescent women go on to develop cellulite at some time during their life although it is very hardly ever seen in men. The thighs, buttocks and the abdomen are the most common areas for a woman to develop cellulite. Although it is often mistaken for obesity, cellulite is not actually obesity related because it can also take place in thin lean women.

Underneath the dermis and epidermis are three specific layers of fat. Cellulite tends to develop in the subcutaneous fat layers. This layer of fat is unique in its structure compared to the other layers because its fatty parts are structured into specific chambers by strands of linked tissue around it.

Hormones also help out with the storage of fat along with the body’s metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer.

Hormonal factors such as estrogen and folliculine also play a role in cellulite formation. Cellulite is for the most part found in women during their hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause and also whilst taking birth control pills. A woman’s hormones are usually responsible for the regulation of their blood flow, fat, connective tissue and lymphatic drainage.

The fat cells between the two reserve fat layers situated under the subcutaneous fat layer dissolve into a slack network. A person’s genetic makeup predicts their fat storage and metabolism in these layers which are predisposed by diet, exercise and lifestyle. These layers have no responsibility for cellulite forming on a person’s body.

The subcutaneous fat layer in a woman is organised into large upright chambers allowing fat to be stored. In men, these chambers are organised into small slanting units. These store smaller fat quantities and are not likely to form cellulite.

Cellulite’s formation is a result of complex physiological changes that occur in the subcutaneous fat layer. Regular exercise and well balanced diets do not always reverse or prevent its formation, although an unhealthy lifestyle will make the overall appearance worse over time due to poor nutrition, weight gain and lack of sufficient water intake.

With age there is a loss in the thickness and tone of the connective tissue in the superficial fat layer and the dermis. Unfortunately noticeable, flaccid cellulite is the result.

There are a wide variety of products on the market today which claim to remedy cellulite. Many do not perform what they claim and as it’s not known or clear which do and don’t work, it is very easy to become sucked in to buying expensive mistakes.

Many products consist of topical treatments which alone are ineffective in the treatment of cellulite. There are also creams available which contain herbs, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. These assist the skin to become softer, healthier and smoother and allow it to repair itself more easily.

Creams which contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are more effective when treating cellulite as they stimulate the flow of blood. The areas which are affected by cellulite are usually dry and damaged therefore needing additional moisture, increased blood supply and protection. The appearance of cellulite can be reduced temporarily by increasing moisture to the affected area. It needs to be remembered cellulite needs to be treated from the inside as well as the outside.

Why Does Cellulite Form?

There is no doubt that some people seem more prone to develop cellulite than others.

Cellulite rarely affects men as they store their fat deposits at a deep level than women. Interestingly their fat cells are also a different shape.

The characteristic orange peel skin usually develops in women just post puberty and the condition worsens with age as the skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. It is thought the contraceptive pill plays a large part in the formation of cellulite as the body’s natural waste elimination processes become overwhelmed with the higher levels of oestrogen in the body.

Cellulite is also known to form around the site of injuries as the supply of blood and lymph vessels are damaged and can no longer function properly in the elimination of toxins from the body.

The main factors that appear to contribute to the formation of cellulite or make an individual predisposed to develop cellulite are as follows:

• Genetics – you are far more likely to develop cellulite if there is a family history of the problem. This shouldn’t be a cause for despair as there is still a lot that can be done to reduce the problem.

• Dehydration – water is essential for the proper functioning of the body. When dehydration sets in toxins are retained and deposited in fatty layers

• Unhealthy Diet – a diet rich in empty calories from refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated fats will make the cellulite problem worse.

• Smoking – is bad for every part of the body. It destroys the elasticity of the skin and damages the underlying connective tissues, making cellulite worse.

• High Stress Levels – contribute to the formation of cellulite. In a stressed state the body contracts and muscles and fibres become tense. This in turn restricts circulation which causes toxins to build up. Breathing is also shallower in those who are stressed which reduces oxygen levels in the body which restricts the ability of the cells to function properly.

• Sedentary Lifestyle – when the body is still, the systems within the body work more slowly and less efficiently. Exercise gets everything moving improving the tone of muscles and tissues, encouraging elimination of toxins and diminishing the risk of many of other health conditions developing.

• Medication – particularly the pill can cause fat cells to enlarge and spread they also encourage water retention which is also means that toxins are retained.

There is now a multi million dollar (or pound) industry providing cellulite treatments to those who seek a solution to what is a very normal, but nevertheless unwelcome, physiological phenomenon. Despite this, the most effective treatments are still those that can be roughly categorized as changes to diet and lifestyle.

Banishing Cellulite

Cellulite is persistent. There is no permanent cure for cellulite; it is a condition that will recur just as soon as treatments stop or old habits and lifestyles are lapsed back into.

All women have a degree of cellulite. It is worse for some than others and it is more visible in some than others. The good news is that there are a number of things that can be done to improve the condition.

For those who are really serious about banishing cellulite they must resign themselves to incorporating treatment into their daily personal care regime in much the same way as they clean their teeth twice a day. It is only through persistent and regular treatment that the condition will improve.

A variety of creams and lotions are offered to combat cellulite and these work in different ways. Some work on the surface of skin, merely camouflaging the characteristic cellulite bumps. Others penetrate the outer layer of the skin and work to stimulate circulation to affected areas. This increased circulation improves the transport of nutrients, fluid and oxygen to the connective tissue and also assists with the elimination of waste products and toxins.

Mechanical treatments of cellulite are effective – although once again the problem will recur if the treatments are not continued. Massage works in much the same way as many of the creams available by stimulating circulation of both the blood and lymph. Another procedure, available in salons and health clubs, involves having the affected areas pressed by what is effectively a giant rolling pin. This latter mechanical treatment is expensive, painful and can lead to bruising so is not for the faint hearted.

There are a number of treatments offered that are taken by mouth and extra special care must be taken to examine the labels of these to ensure there are no substances included that might react with any medications that may have been prescribed for other health related conditions.

The problem with many of the treatments offered is the lack of real scientific proof of their efficacy. There is also no proof to say that the products do not work. Every individual has a slightly different physiology and it is often worth trying treatments – even if they have not worked for others – personal recommendation is not always a good thing on which to base a purchasing decision.

Most cellulite treatments that are commercially available are relatively ‘young’ and have not yet been tested over time – for this reason it is important to proceed with caution, especially when considering any remedy that is to be taken internally or which is to be absorbed through the skin.

Whilst it is tempting to be the first to try new products, it is often advisable to wait until there are product reviews available. There is no reason why you should not banish your cellulite provided you are willing to do the work and are not expecting, at the moment, to find a magic pill or potion that will do it for you.

Causes of cellulite

Cellulite represents one of the most negative aspects of the skin. Over 80% of women fight cellulite through specifically different ways. These include diets, massages or different crèmes lotions and potions. Due to the connection between women and the estrogen hormone, cellulite is usually strictly a feminine problem. However there are a few men who suffer with cellulite. The explanation for this is probably the small level of estrogen hormones in their body.

Nobody knows what really causes it, but there are enough theories concerning the causes of cellulite. What we can say is that, the causes of cellulite are numerous and different. But, one thing most common for cellulite is its origin.

Specialists believe it all begins in adolescence, when the estrogen hormone begins to trigger the laying down of the fat in the body. This happens because the cells become enlarged in the sub-dermis, and shows on the thighs and hips. Gradually, the lymph fluid that passes through these tissues starts to accumulate. The fat cells tend to be compressed and start to harden into lumps. Cellulite is the result.

But this is not the only problem that makes cellulite appear on our bodies. Several lifestyle factors can also cause cellulite. Among them is drinking alcohol, the lack of exercise, smoking, food additives, chemical preservatives, excess ingestion of sugars and fats, and so on. Aging is also an important factor. Due to the aging process, there is a decrease of the tone and thickness of the connective tissue within the dermis, making cellulite appear much more quickly in an older person.

Another theory of what causes cellulite is the thought that the makeup of the strands of fibrous tissue in women and men are different. For example, a man’s fibrous tissue in his skin forms a net that is perpendicular in shape. A woman’s net of fibrous tissue is formed by X’s. It is also believed that the fibrous tissue of women is woven tighter; this is why the dimpling effects are so much worse in women than they are in men.

Recent studies have shown there are more and more obese people all around the world and it’s getting worse every year. (This is the case of the more developed countries). In fact, 35% of the population in US, and about 20% in UK are obese. These statistics are mirrored in most western countries. Because we are a “growing” society, the effects of cellulite will only become more pronounced as it is a much worse problem in those women who are overweight. It is also much more difficult to irradicate.

Of course slim women do get cellulite, but it doesn’t usually appear to be as much of a problem for them as it is for women who are obese. So the obvious choice here if you have cellulite and you are overweight, is to lose weight, start eating sensibly and take some exercise. The cellulite then should start to improve if not disappear completely.

Cellulite Creams The Never Ending Debate about its Effectiveness

When you look through your local general merchandise store’s beauty aisles, you will likely see about a zillion different anti-cellulite treatments. In fact, you can hardly even open a magazine without seeing an ad or two about cellulite creams. These creams have been around for years and are changing their compositions regularly. However, even though they have sustained for years, there is still no clear answer on whether they work or not. The truth is that the jury is mixed on the results. When you ask users of these creams, they say one thing. When you ask the experts about the creams, they say something else. Take a look at the typical responses of these two groups to get a better understanding of how well cellulite creams work.

What Users Say

When you come across cellulite sufferers that use cellulite creams, you will likely find people who use creams daily. In fact, they may have been through every cream on the market until they found their preferred cellulite cream. They will likely tell you however that cellulite creams do work. When used daily, the users will tell you that their cellulite looks less pronounced and they have great results. They will likely use their cellulite creams at least once a day, however many will use their cellulite creams in the morning and at night. Those who use cellulite creams love them!

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What Experts Say

Now, when you ask the experts whether cellulite creams work for reducing cellulite’s appearance, they will almost always tell you they could not possibly work. In fact, most experts will tell you that since cellulite is actually fat cells trapped in the connective tissue, there is no way a cream could penetrate and help the issue. They claim that skin may look slightly better because the cream in hydrating the area well. However, they will be fast to tell you it is unlikely cellulite creams can help your cellulite. Their opinions are scientific, however with users disagreeing so loudly, they are not set in stone by any means.

Overall Advice

Since there are mixed reviews when it comes to cellulite creams, there is only one thing you can do. You can try them for yourself. If you are really interested in cellulite creams, start with one brand. Use it for two weeks as directed. If you don’t see results, try another one with different ingredients. Use it for two weeks, and so on. Keep trying them until you find one you like well. You may need to go through two or three before you find your match.

Don’t spend a bunch of money on these creams however, just in case they don’t work. They typically cost less than $15 each, which makes this an affordable experiment for you to take on. Do your research before hand to see which ones other people love. Ask your friends what they use. You may be able to get a good idea of where to begin when you take the advice from actual cellulite sufferers.

Cellulite Myths

Cellulite is not a medical condition. The word is a non-medical term that describes the puckering and bumpiness of skin caused by underlying fat cells trapped beneath connective tissue. It therefore follows that cellulite is not medically harmful and it does not cause any known health problems.

Cellulite is not an affliction of the obese – in fact skinny people will be more aware of cellulite as their lack of body fat will make what cellulite they have far more visible.

Dieting does not cure cellulite – in fact it can appear to make the problem worse.

In a society that values looks above personality and contribution, cellulite is seen as a condition that in some way lessens the value of those that have it. The same goes for any condition that affects the looks of an individual such as visible birthmarks, freckles, acne or burn scars. This can cause enormous emotional and mental suffering to anyone who has a significant cellulite problem

There is not a great deal that can be done about cellulite. Whilst aerobic exercise and weight training help to keep the muscles and tissues toned the biggest benefit is in the increased circulation which carries more oxygen to affected areas, allowing the fat to be metabolised into useful energy. This increased circulation will also assist to carry away the by-products of energy production, or toxins, preventing them from lodging beneath the connective tissue.

Nutrition plays a part in just about every condition of the body and for cellulite it is important to enjoy a diet that is rich in water and good quality nutrients. Good nutrition will not cure the cellulite problem but it will help to prevent it getting any worse.

Whilst diet and exercise may not be able to directly remove cellulite attention to both activities can lead to an increase in levels of self esteem. Those who value themselves and the contribution they are able to make to their families, friends and environment are much less likely to be overly bothered by cellulite.

Many of the products on the market to combat cellulite have no real scientific studies proving the claims being made. As with all conditions affecting the human body, there are a lot of individual circumstances and sensitivities to be accounted for and where one product may offer results for one individual it may fail another. Rigorous scientific testing is not carried out because it is both expensive and time consuming and the cynical may even say that some manufacturers may resist such testing as they are fearful of the results.

There is no single cause of or cure for cellulite which makes it very difficult to treat. A lot depends on the individual’s metabolism and their body type.

Anyone seeking a treatment for cellulite should seek more evidence than the manufacturers promise on the product label. There is no medical reason to treat cellulite only an aesthetic need. Whilst the appearance of cellulite may be reduced it is unlikely that the condition can be completely eliminated

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Cellulite Treatments

You can identify whether a person has cellulite by pinching an area of skin tissue. If the skin dimples or has a rippling appearance similar to orange peel, then they probably have it. Cellulite is also a lot more noticeable when the skin is cold.

The build-up of cellulite can be reduced by a healthy diet and exercise. Keeping the body well hydrated and avoiding an excess of alcohol and coffee are a strong recommendation as these are among the worst offenders for causing cellulite.

Smoking and diuretic pills, laxative and diet pills also enhance the likelihood of developing cellulite when taken on a regular basis. Salt should also be kept to a bare minimum due to the fact it causes water retention. Exercise is also the key for good condition and the fight against cellulite problems. A good exercise regime is probably half the battle when fighting cellulite.

Most topical applications obtainable on the market do not exclusively treat cellulite although they create a smoother texture by making the skin look plumper and smoother. This effect is only temporary however and it will require you to use constant applications of creams and potions to keep up the effects. This can prove costly and time consuming.

The dimpling effect of cellulite can be reduced by using creams which contain Aminophylline. This is a bronchodilator that causes a chemical reaction which enables the fat cells to be changed into fatty acids which are able to slide through the walls of the cells into the bloodstream. These creams should be used quickly and sparingly and also kept away from heat.

The skin’s quality can also be improved by retinols and Alpha Hydroxy Acids which are found in some lotions. The elimination of the surface layer of dead skin cells can be speeded up by using cellulite lotions containing lactic acid and glycolic acid. This method is increasingly being used to fight cellulite problems in many beauty salons, however they come at a price!

Creams to treat cellulite also contain Vitamin A derivatives or Retinoids which are applied at night time since daylight destroys Retinol. Although it is debated whether Retinol is efficient at removing cellulite, it is also used to improve the skin’s circulation and softness. Certain anti cellulite lotions contain caffeine and some now also contain herbs which improve the skin’s texture and tone.

Some beauty salons advise their customers to wear a particular line of pantyhose and panties made from an unusual mesh fabric. These products are also supposed to provide a flattering exercise to the skin and adipose tissue by complimenting the body’s movements. This exercise is supposed to stimulate microcirculation allowing the fluids in the tissue to be drained. However this can be open to some interpretation.

There are also massage and rollers available that use the same principle. Although these methods do not remedy the underlying cause of cellulite, they reduce the appearance of it for cosmetic relief. However you should always bear in mind that excessive massage on areas that are affected by cellulite can cause breakage in the tiny capillaries under the skin.