The Battle Against Cellulite: Unveiling Recommended Treatments and Expert Tips for Smooth Skin
Do you struggle with cellulite? Don't worry; you're not alone! Cellulite affects up to 95% of women worldwide and can even bother young individuals and men. But let's find out what cellulite is and how we can prevent it. Ladies, listen up because I've got some suggestions to help you out!
Cellulite
Cellulite occurs when there's an imbalance in how our bodies store and release fats. Our fat cells, called adipocytes, store triglycerides, which are a source of energy. At night, our bodies store more triglycerides through a process called lipogenesis. When we need that stored energy, lipolysis kicks in, which is the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids.
Cellulite is a visible sign that something's off with this process. It occurs when the amount of stored fat increases, causing the adipocytes to grow in size and distort the surrounding tissues. This leads to the stiffening of collagen fibers due to sugar accumulation, and the skin loses its firmness. The fatty deposits get trapped within the stiffened fibers, while the engorged adipocytes compress the fibers, giving the skin that "orange peel" look. These changes also compress blood vessels, disrupting blood and lymph circulation, which worsens the cellulite problem.
Now, let's talk about the factors that contribute to cellulite.
It mostly affects women because of differences in the structure of connective tissue partitions. In women, these partitions run perpendicular to the skin, allowing fat cells to bulge through and become visible. Cellulite usually shows up on the hips, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes on the arms. It's important to note that cellulite isn't only related to weight. Genetic predisposition plays a role, so if cellulite runs in your family, it's good to take preventive measures. Other factors like a sedentary lifestyle, stress, hormone use, an unhealthy diet, and poor self-care habits also contribute to cellulite development.
Cellulite is classified into four stages, and you can determine the severity by checking your skin while lying down and sitting:
Stage I: Cellulite is barely visible, or not at all while lying down. You may notice slight irregularities when you squeeze the skin. Some teenagers experience this stage, which can worsen before menstruation due to water retention.
Stage II: The skin remains relatively smooth, but you'll see dimples when you press on it. The tissue may feel slightly hardened.
Stage III: You'll see folds, lumps, and unevenness on the skin, even without pressing on it. This can be visible whether you're sitting or lying down, and the skin may feel painful when touched.
Stage IV: The skin has significant irregularities in all positions. Large lumps are visible, and even gentle pressure can cause pain.
Preventing cellulite from progressing to more severe stages is crucial. It's easier to treat when the changes are mild (Stage I or II). Making a few lifestyle changes can make a difference. Focus on dietary changes, regular exercise, and better self-care habits. But if you have Stage III or IV cellulite, professional treatments may be necessary.
Cellulite Removal Treatments
Now, let's discuss the different types of cellulite.
Water cellulite is often seen in young and slender women. It's caused by hormonal imbalances, issues with microcirculation, and disruptions in lymphatic circulation. It tends to worsen before menstruation when the body retains more water.
Adipose cellulite mostly affects overweight individuals and happens due to the growth and expansion of fat cells, leading to their bulging between the connective tissue partitions. This creates that "quilted mattress" effect. Adipose cellulite tends to diminish as weight is lost.
Now the most important part- How to combat cellulite?
To effectively combat cellulite, taking proper care of your body is essential. It's not just about using anti-cellulite lotions; you also need regular body massages. Massages improve microcirculation, boost metabolic processes, and help remove toxins and excess water. Don't forget to exfoliate regularly before applying balms. Exfoliation improves microcirculation and enhances the absorption of active ingredients in your skincare products.
Your diet also plays a significant role in fighting cellulite. Avoid foods that promote fat accumulation, like sugar. Caffeine can worsen cellulite by causing water retention. Salt also retains water and disrupts lymphatic circulation. Regular wine consumption raises estrogen levels, which can affect fat cell quantity, size, and deposition and promote water retention. Processed foods high in sodium, calories, and low in fiber and nutrients should be avoided too. Instead, go for dishes rich in healthy fatty acids like sea fish, nuts, avocados, and virgin olive oil. These foods speed up cellular metabolism and help prevent fat storage. Including fiber-rich products and staying hydrated by drinking water and detoxifying green tea are also good choices. But remember, drinking green tea or reducing coffee won't do much if you consume highly inflammatory food and a lot of processed food. Follow this rule: "Don't eat food that your grand-grandma wouldn't consider as food."
Physical activity is vital in the fight against cellulite. Moving your body stimulates the lymphatic system and promotes fat burning. It also triggers the production of collagen and elastin, making your skin stronger and smoother with reduced cellulite visibility. The most effective exercises for fighting cellulite include moderate aerobics and resistance training with small weights (on my YouTube channel, you can find more than 100 videos like that) - and activities like walking, cycling, swimming, jogging, tennis, etc.
Workout For Reducing Cellulite
If you want to try professional treatments, there are many options available that use mechanical and technological methods. Here are the top seven treatments commonly used for cellulite:
LPG Endermology: This treatment combines vacuum massage, mechanical tissue stimulation, and lymphatic drainage. A popular device called Icoone is often used for the vacuum massage.
Carboxytherapy: This procedure involves injecting carbon dioxide into the tissue, which breaks down fat cells and stimulates collagen production. It makes the skin more elastic and evens out the surface.
Injection Lipolysis/Mesotherapy: These treatments use lipolytic substances to damage and remove fat cells responsible for cellulite. There are specialized injection preparations available, like Alidya and RRS HA Cellutrix, that smooth the skin and eliminate localized fat deposits.
Shock Wave Therapy: This therapy uses sound waves to break down accumulated fat cells, causing them to disintegrate and be removed. It can effectively target even advanced fibrous cellulite. Shock wave therapy is often combined with ultrasound or radio waves and can be found in treatments like Liposhock, Eat Skin Shock, BTL Unison, or DuoLith.
Arosha bandages - these bandages are favored by many women and are made of delicate cotton soaked in active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin during the treatment. The body wrapping procedure is preceded by exfoliation, and after removing the bandages, a properly selected cream is massaged into the skin.
Body modeling devices - here, the clinics offer many advanced technologies, and modern body modeling devices utilize various techniques such as ultrasounds, radio waves, HIFU, cryotherapy, and a new method promoted as an effective solution even for persistent and advanced cellulite - microwaves (Onda treatment). These methods are particularly effective for fat cellulite as they reduce the visibility of fat cells.
Lymphatic drainage - do not forget about this simple method, especially if you tend to retain water and have edematous water cellulite. Drainage can be performed manually by a masseur or using special "legs" for pressotherapy. It is beneficial to precede it with other treatments.
LPG Endermology
BUT REMEMBER! If you eat SHIT and have a sedentary lifestyle, the treatments are a waste of money! Invest first in your health and your healthy lifestyle, and then I can guarantee you cellulite will disappear or be less visible. If you are active and eat well, and you still have cellulite that bothers you, then you can invest in treatments!
Or just invest in good awesome outfits that make you feel comfortable and attractive ;) Cellulite is not the end of the world :) Actually, a lot of Brazilian women have it and they embrace it with confidence! It only looks unattractive if you make it unattractive and send that energy. Be confident and shine bright like a diamond!
If you need help with your diet and lifestyle changes, check out my revolutionary TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM dedicated to super busy women who want to live healthier without the obsession.
TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?
Feeling constantly tired? Hate walking past mirrors?
Heavy, bloated or unattractive?
Feeling mentally or physically drained or ‘not in the right place’?