Cellulite is stubborn fat caught between bands of connective tissue. It causes a bumpy lumpy appearance on the hips, buttocks and thighs of most women and even some men. Ninety percent of women have it. While hormones and age do play a role in the developing cellulite, they are not completely limiting factors. Cellulite can be reduced at any age.
Why does it form?
Cellulite is a problem of displacement of fat below the skin. As we age, the dermal layer loses collagen and strength. As the dermal layer loses collagen, a shift takes place in the way the fat is placed below the skin. This uneven fat causes the dimples. Cellulite is something like wrinkles on the face. As we age, the collagen breaks down and reduces. And, we get wrinkles. Cellulite is similar. The only difference is that wrinkles can be treated easily while cellulite cannot be treated that easily. The way we get wrinkles on the face, we get cellulite on thighs and buttocks.
Why do women tend to have cellulite more often than men?
Women tend to have cellulite more often than men because they have a vertical pattern of collagen in the underlying layer that holds the fat cells. And when the fat cells become very large, they bulge out of the chambers and appear as cellulite. In men, the pattern of collagen is tighter, in a diagonal pattern. They have thicker skin. So there is less bulging of the individual fat cells. Another factor in cellulite is high levels of estrogen. This hormone has a direct effect on the holding capacity of fat cells through the increase of alpha-adrenoreceptors. The chemical doorways that tell your fat cells to hold on to their contents. Poor diet, bad circulation, and poor lymphatic circulation can all contribute to the appearance of cellulite.
How to treat skin with cellulite?
There are several extra steps you can take for the treatment of cellulite. Consider your skin care regimen. And fine-tune it to meet the needs of skin that has a tendency to swell with fluids, store fat and have poor circulation.
Exercise
The first and most important thing you can do is exercise. Exercise may be broken down into cardiovascular exercise and muscular strength, and conditioning exercise.
- Cardiovascular exercise will help you to burn calories. And, it helps lose some of the fat that is caught between the bands of connective tissue. In order for cardiovascular exercise to be effective, you must manage to fit in at least 30 minutes 3 times per week. This 30 minute interval may be broken down into three 10 minute segments. It may be broken down into two 15 minute segments or one 30 minute segment. Keep in mind that your metabolism stays elevated for a few hours after you do your cardiovascular exercise. You continue to burn more calories even after you are finished. Cardiovascular exercise also helps to increase circulation which is crucial to reducing the appearance of cellulite.
- Muscular strength and conditioning exercises will increase muscle tone in the cellulite prone areas. This results in a smoother, more attractive appearance. Picture a freshly filled balloon. It is full of air and therefore very smooth. Now consider the skin covering your cellulite prone areas like the balloon. If you have lots of nice muscle tissue underneath, it will press up on the fat that is underneath. This will make it appear smoother.
Healthy diet
Although cellulite is a skin condition, its closely tied to the storage of excess fat. If you are significantly overweight, you should certainly alter your diet. Treating cellulite requires a two-pronged approach. One is the shrinking of the fat cells themselves. The second is the regeneration of collagen and strengthening of the skin outside of the swollen fat cells. It’s crucial to reduce or eliminate white sugar and white flour. This does not meant to cut out carbohydrates. It simply means to look for whole grain products instead of ones that are made from white sugar.
Try to include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet everyday. Whole fruits and vegetables contain fibre which is very important in regulating your digestive system. And, try to drink lots of water as opposed to drinking fruit juices and soft drinks. Water helps flush toxins and waste from your body. Drink at least seven to eight glasses of water a day.
Cleansing
When cleaning your skin, use your wash cloth or loofah to massage the area where cellulite occurs. At first, use a circular motion and then a brushing motion upwards towards the bowels. This will improve circulation and edema. It will help remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the tissues and interstitial spaces around the collagen and fat cells.
Dry Skin Brushing
Learn to dry brush your skin at least twice every day, in the morning and before going to bed. Skin brushing provides many benefits. First of all, it strengthens the underlying dermis and pattern of collagen in the subcutaneous layer. It stimulates the growth and repair of the tissues by increasing blood flow to the area. It also helps remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the interstitial fluids surrounding the tissues for disposal. Dry brushing is good for you skin all over.
Habits
Get out of the habit of crossing your legs, knees and ankles. This reduces circulation and increases swelling. Try to keep moving regularly, neither sitting nor standing for long periods.
Cellulite Treatments
Explore some of the various external treatment options. There are many types of treatments that help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Some of these treatments are done in medical spas or are performed by dermatologists. A list of cellulite treatments includes laser and radio frequency treatments, massage and body wraps.
Anti-Cellulite Creams and Lotions
Many cosmetic companies offer topical treatments that may also reduce the appearance of cellulite. Anti-cellulite products are one of the most common ways to reduce the problem. Because cellulite is actually little pockets of fat under your skin, your blood circulation does not easily reach these areas. Specially formulated creams can help.
It’s important to remember that cellulite, just like stretch marks, are natural and often unavoidable — even celebrities have it. However, while it can be reduced, the important thing is to realise that you are beautiful, even with cellulite!
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