Underlying fat deposits on some skin areas are actually the well-known cellulite. They cause the lumpy and dimpled skin’s appearance, which is most noticeable on the thighs and buttocks, appearing usually after puberty.
In the medical field cellulite is referred to as dermopanniculosis deformans, gynoid lipodystrophy, adiposis edematosa, and status protrusus cutis, whereas in the colloquial language as cottage cheese skin, the mattress phenomenon, orange peel syndrome, and hail damage.
According to dermatologists, about 90 percent of women will be affected by cellulite at certain point in their lives.
Experts classify cellulite with 3 grades.
There are no clinical symptoms in grade 1 cellulite, but underlying anatomical changes detected with a microscopic examination of cells.
Skin with grade 2 cellulite has reduced elasticity, lower temperature, and shows pallor, besides the detected anatomical changes in microscopic examinations.
Besides the signs of grade 2 cellulite, grade 3 includes visible skin roughness, resembling an orange peel.
Overall, both men and women can be affected by cellulite. However, it is much more common in women since they have higher chances of having specific types of fat and connective tissue.
Reasons for Cellulite
Although the real causes of this hated skin condition are not well understood, there are few theories which try to explain the origin of its appearance. Some of them are the following:
1. Hormones. Hormones can contribute in the development of cellulite. According to some, insulin, estrogen, prolactin, and thyroid hormones play important role in the production of cellulite.
2. Genetics. The development of cellulite also requires certain genes. A person can be predisposed to specific cellulite-related characteristics, like slow metabolism, race, gender, circulatory insufficiency, and distribution of fat just underneath the skin.
3. Diet. Those consuming too much salt, carbohydrates, or fat, and too little fiber will probably have larger amounts of cellulite.
4. Lifestyle habits. Cellulite is likely to be prevalent in those who don’t those who smoke, and those who stand or sit in one position for longer periods of time.
5. Clothing. The development of cellulite can be also affected by wearing underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks, as it limits the blood flow.
Treatments and Removal of Cellulite
There are some therapies which are said to eliminate cellulite, but none of them have been supported by medical or scientific literature.
Physical or mechanical therapeutic methods for cellulite include:
- massages which stimulate lymphatic flow
- pneumatic massages
- heat therapy
- radio frequency therapy
- ultrasound
- electrical stimulation
- magnetic therapy
- endermologie
- radial waves therapy
However, none of them have been scientifically proven to successfully eliminate cellulite.
There are also certain drugs which are said to affect the fatty tissues, and thus remove the cellulite. Some of the used pharmaceutical agents are:
- pentoxifylline
- methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine)
- beta-agonists and adrenaline
- Indian chestnut
- amino acids
- alpha-antagonists
- rutin
- ginkgo biloba
Although many people have applied the above mentioned agents orally, topically, or by injections, none of them has shown to be effective.
There are some who even try to wear compression garments, a special clothing, aimed to decrease the cellulite appearance. This specific clothing tries to compress arteries and improve the lymph and blood flow to lower the visual cellulite.
Cellulite can’t be removed with liposuction, dieting, or other similar cellulite reduction techniques. On the other hand, exercising and having a healthy balanced diet can be the best way to decrease the fat in cells and lower the cellulite appearance.
Are Anti-Cellulite Creams Effective?
No research has ever supported the anti-cellulite creams effectiveness in the elimination of cellulite.
In 2003, the assistant professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, and Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Lisa M. Donofrio, stated that there is no specific way how to measure cellulite, and there have been no scientific evidence that these creams work. Her patients are advised that cellulite is normal, and appear as a product of hormones and genetics.
The professor of plastic surgery at the University of Southern California, Dr. Garry S. Brody, supports the belief that creams and weight loss can’t eliminate cellulite.
He explains that cellulite isn’t connected to thighs and buttocks of many women. He continues to say that no medical or surgical procedure can eliminate its appearance, although some ads promote this.
Prevention of Cellulite
In order to prevent cellulite, try to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and lower your stress levels. Moreover, this skin condition might be prevented by wearing boyshorts, thongs, or looser fitting underwear, since it can be formed because of tight elastic.
Furthermore, consuming fiber, fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can help you avoid this skin condition. Other natural remedies and foods against cellulite are:
- Clean protein sources. You can coconut oil, to reduce the cellulite appearance. Massage the affected area once or twice a day. (See the recipe below)
Grapefruit Cellulite Cream
Although there are no scientific proofs that cellulite creams are effective, this natural home remedy is chemical-free and includes grapefruit essential oil, consisted of great concentration of bromelain, anti-inflammatory enzyme which helps decompose cellulite.
Total time- 2 minutes
Required Ingredients
- 1 cup of coconut oil
- 30 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- Glass jar
Directions
Mix grapefruit essential oil and coconut oil together.Just mix the ingredients together, and store the mixture in a glass jar. Rub it on your cellulite areas for about 5 minutes a day.
