It is the one thing that ladies constantly worry about appearing on their bodies, the sight of the dreaded Cellulite! Everyone hates it, and physician’s the world over are on a quest to eradicate the dimpled nuisance that plagues thighs, buttocks, and bellies. Unsurprisingly, misinformation about it is just as common as the condition!
Cellulite For Everyone!
Cellulite – The name for lumpy, pit speckled flesh, also known as ‘orange-peel’ skin due to the uncanny resemblance! Nearly 90% of women will experience cellulite at some point during their lifetime, some women develop cellulite after puberty, although It’s more prevalent in adult women.
Although not a severe medical condition, your cellulite might leave you feeling upset and even leave you too embarrassed to show certain parts of your body which can be a huge problem especially in the heat of the summer!
All women are susceptible to cellulite, the most common causes are believed to be aging, as the skin loses’ elasticity, also, inactive lifestyle and gaining weight have been linked to the dimples and depressions appearing on the surface of the skin.
If you have only ‘mild’ cellulite, you will see it if you pinch your skin in an area that is receptive to cellulite, such as your thighs. More-severe cellulite will be noticeable without pinching and makes the skin look uneven and bumpy with areas of peaks and valleys.
Cellulite is considerably more common in women than in men due to the different way fat cells, muscle, and connective tissue are spread in men and women’s skin.
In women areas of fat deposits build up and become distorted and force up the connective tissues beneath the skin, all the time strong fibrous cords that hold skin to deep-lying muscles are pulling down thus causing the appearance of the characteristic ‘cottage cheese’ look that changes the appearance to the surface of the skin. Doctors refer to cellulite as Edematous Fibrosclerotic Panniculopathy (EFP).
*Note – Cellulite is completely unrelated to the condition known as Cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection that spreads, and/or inflammation of the skin and tissues beneath.
What Causes It?
As previously mentioned between 80 and 90 percent of women will probably experience some degree of cellulite. So, why do some people get it?
There are a number of possibilities, one being that it is heredity, specific genes are required for the development of cellulite, gender, metabolism, skin thickness, ethnicity, research seems to show that it’s more common in white Europeans.
We also need to dispel the ‘myth’ that only ‘fat’ or ‘heavy’ people get it, the fact is you can have it whether you are overweight or skinny!
Things that may bring it on are:
Poor diet
Fad dieting
Slow metabolism
Lack of physical activity
Hormone changes
Dehydration
Total body fat
The thickness and color of your skin
It can be harder to detect on darker skin if you do have alight skin tone try a self-tanner, it may help to hide the bumps and dimples and make them harder to detect.
Hormonal factors and age:
It’s likely hormones play a certain role in the development of cellulite.
One opinion is that as estrogen levels in women decrease as they approach the menopause, this causes the blood flow to the connective tissue under the skin to also decrease.
Estrogen regulates the body’s production of collagen when estrogen levels eventually begin to waver and drop during menopause, collagen production also declines.
With limited available collagen means weaker connective tissues and thinner skin, creating near-perfect conditions for cellulite to appear. This is why for a lot of women they first see cellulite’s telltale ‘cottage cheese’ skin as they enter the menopause.
Although female hormones can play a role in adding to this pattern of fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy.
What Can Be Done About It?
So, what is the Best Cellulite Removal Treatment? The difficulty concerning cellulite is that even the experts don’t always agree on treatments, remedies, and causes, making it even more challenging to separate the facts from the myths.
Firstly, Cellulite isn’t a serious medical condition, it is a cosmetic problem and treatment isn’t an urgent requirement, many doctors just consider cellulite to be a ‘normal’ occurrence.
There are no diagnostic tests for cellulite, the visible appearance of cellulite is sufficient to confirm that the condition is present.
If you have serious worries about the appearance of your skin, speak to your doctor, dermatologist or plastic surgeon, they may offer treatments and recommend what options are available to you for cellulite.
Treatments Available For Cellulite:
Sad to say that many places that offer cellulite treatments are only too willing to advertise ‘remarkable’ results. It’s fair to say that most of these treatments do not live up to their lofty claims. Do your research thoroughly if you are considering any treatment or procedure for Cellulite.
No single treatment for cellulite is going to eradicate it completely. The following procedures might improve the appearance of cellulite, some only temporarily!
Although it has been said that weight isn’t a critical factor with regard to cellulite, it is worth bearing in mind that weight loss and exercise can have some effect since the muscles and skin will tighten up as you tone up your body. More defined muscles and a thinner fat layer will make your skin smoother and less puckered!
But, the results and benefits will vary from person to person, your own results depend on how hard and consistently you train, and a change of diet if you are overweight.
Cellulite Diets:
So-called ‘cellulite diets’ that claim to be beneficial in treating cellulite: Promoters of these diets claim that the combination of ‘special’ foods recommended in them can reduce inflammation and increase the circulation in affected areas and so reduce cellulite.
Despite these claims, no studies published in the medical literature have supported these diets. Physicians have reasoned that eating a healthy diet can decrease fluid retention and improve the overall appearance of the skin, but specific diets intended to target cellulite are of no value.
Click – Mediterranean Diet For Health Benefits And Maintaining Healthy Skin
Laser Treatment and Radiofrequency Systems:
Possibly the most promising medical therapy to combat Cellulite is one that uses both lasers and radiofrequency systems.
The U.S. FDA has approved specific light-therapy devices, these combine suction or massage with light therapy, this will give a decrease to the appearance of cellulite.
TriActive:
One of these treatments is known as ‘TriActive’-this is a procedure that mixes suction and manipulation of the skin to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage with low-level laser treatment to boost collagen, and cooling to break up the fat nodules and cool tissues.
This treatment is over a series of ten to fifteen sessions.
Velashape:
Another laser treatment is known as ‘Velashape’ and said to be pretty effective, this works by combining laser and massage therapy. A handheld device is pressed on the surface of the skin that uses infrared light to remold the body and diminish layers of fat improve lymphatic drainage and smooth out dimples.
You should begin to see improvement after roughly four treatments. It’s effective on the thighs – front and back, buttocks, abdomen, and love handles.
This procedure requires multiple treatment sessions and maintenance procedures to sustain the improved appearance. This is a non-invasive treatment.
Cellulaze:
A popular and minimally invasive laser treatment that is called Cellulaze. The doctor injects the numbing solution into the area being treated.
He then inserts a laser under your skin, the laser shoots heat in three directions breaking up the uneven fat deposits. This procedure helps to thicken the skin and stimulate collagen production and improve the skin’s elasticity. The thickened skin should lessen the appearance of the cellulite below. You can expect to see a 75% improvement in your cellulite, and this should last for around one year.
Cryolipolysis:
This non-invasive treatment freezes and kills fat cells. Once they are dead, your body easily removes them. This procedure is usually used for body shaping, but any fat removal can improve cellulite. It can take up to three treatments and 3 – 4 months for you to start seeing results.
Cellfina:
The use of Cellfina was cleared by the FDA-as recent as 2015, it is classed as minimally invasive treatment.
It is a ‘one off’ procedure and the best option for longer-term dimple-free skin and can last for approx’ two years.
Health care professionals perform subcision using a device known as Cellfina. The treatment uses a handheld device to insert a microblade under the skin, the needle-sized device to treat the fibrous tissues that hold your body’s fat together to smooth out dimpling.
It is vacuum-assisted for total control of the depth and area to be improved. Approx’ 20 to 30 individual cellulite dimples are treated during an average 1-hour session. You will begin to see improvement in about 3 days. You’ll have some temporary bruising and soreness to contend with.
The downside: It doesn’t come cheap, you are looking at the cost of some $4K+
Endermologie (or lipomassage or endermology) – Massage treatments:
Various types of machines are available that massage the areas affected by cellulite. The devices use rolling cylinders to gather pockets of skin and apply a vigorous massage inside a chamber to increase blood flow, remove toxins, and reduce any excess fluid.
One such example of massage treatments is Endermologie, a French technique used for cellulite treatment since the mid-1990s. This technique uses an electrically powered handheld device that uses suction, pulls, and squeezes affected areas.
Treatment time typically lasts for 30-45 minutes, and 10-12 treatments are usually required before results can be seen. You will find there is a temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite, the technique only appears to redistribute the fat rather than permanently alter its form beneath the skin, and studies have shown differing results regarding the effectiveness of this therapy. You will need regular maintenance treatments after achieving the initial result, or the cellulite will return.
At-Home Cellulite Solutions:
Actually, there is a solution that can minimize the appearance of cellulite for a few weeks. A 30 to 60-minute deep tissue massage can knead the surface of the skin just enough to break up fibrous connective tissue that contributes to skin puckering.
If you don’t have a masseuse, you can mimic the technique at home by frequently using a firm foam roller. Use firm pressure to improve your circulation and plump the skin, which should result in a smoother look.
Alternatively, you can purchase an electric handheld machine to massage the affected area. Massagers can do wonders, massagers will speed up circulation, which will improve the appearance of the skin. There are many kinds of electronic massage machines depending on your preference and budget.
Read – NūBODY Skin Toning Kit – Cellulite Treatment
Another home treatment you can try is ‘Dry Body Brushing.’ This is very beneficial for the largest organ of your body – the skin. It may help to diminish the appearance of cellulite, promote toned and supple skin while assisting in removing toxins from the body.
Dry Body Brushing encourages better blood flow, this is said to have a plumping effect on the skin which really helps lessen the appearance of cellulite.
It is best to do this before a bath or shower, it will promote your lymph, helping your body metabolize toxins more efficiently, discouraging fluid retention and cellulite (the two are related to each other).
Chose a medium-firm brush, one that’s about the size of your palm, try to make sure it has natural bristles, avoiding synthetic ones.
Start your brush massage with the soles of your feet. Using a dynamic, circular motion. Apply short, fast upward strokes as you guide the brush over your feet and legs. Proceed to brush upwards as you get to the buttocks, waist, stomach and breast areas.
Use a circular motion on the palms of your hands, then short upward strokes as you brush your hands and arms. When you get to the neck, begin using downward strokes, out to your shoulders, and down your back, then down your breasts, stroking toward your heart. Avoid brushing your face.
The most important groups of lymph nodes are in your neck, armpits, and groin. So, if you are short on time and cannot do the whole body, do a few short brush strokes over those areas,
You should try to spend about five minutes a day on dry brushing and look to do it between two to five times a week.
Topical Treatment:
Cellulite Creams and Serums that contain a variety of ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, caffeine, seaweed, and antioxidants, are quite often marketed as the cure for cellulite.
Because cellulite forms below the skin’s surface, it’s difficult to treat topically with over-the-counter creams.
While most store-bought creams may not provide the beautiful results you’re looking for, search for creams that contain caffeine and retinol – Retinol creams that have 0.3% retinol may have the best impact on cellulite as they could help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, making your skin look tighter, and thicker so reducing the signs of cellulite when applied.
Click – Sisley Le Sculpteur Anti-Cellulite Body Care
It will take several months to see any signs of improvement, and these creams do not come cheap.
Retinol treatments are available to buy online. Do read and follow the instructions carefully.
Treatments to Avoid or Consider Carefully!
A procedure is often called ‘Mesotherapy.’ whereby doctors inject chemicals into the fat layer below the skin to help breakdown the fat to make cellulite less noticeable.
The chemicals used in this procedure include phosphatidylcholine, aminophylline, hormones, herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals. There is little proof these treatments do very much for cellulite.
Most doctors don’t recommend the procedure as there is a risk of infection, swelling, rashes, and lumpy skin.
The Decision:
Even though there’s no simple answer for unblemished skin yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t be positive and more confident in your body, cellulite or not.
The important thing to understand from all of this is that living a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle will encourage you to look and feel better about yourself.
It’s amazing that every medical condition can be improved by decreasing stress, eating well and exercising regularly, making cellulite less noticeable is an added bonus.
If you are considering treatment for yourself, talk to a qualified/registered dermatologist or plastic surgeon, find out all that you possibly can from them about the whole procedure, and still do your own research online before making a decision on the best cellulite removal treatment you will use.
Have you suffered from Cellulite? Have you tried any of the treatments mentioned or have you tried any other procedures? Did anything help to reduce your Cellulite? I would like to hear your story. Please leave any comments or questions below, and I will be happy to discuss them with you.
jo@yourskincarehelp.com