SHARES
“It is a big insecurity of mine. If most people have cellulite and it is normal, why am I even embarrassed?
What is cellulite?
Cellulite, also known as orange peel skin is a normal skin condition that cause a dimpled appearance on the skin. It is a combination of the fat cells and connective tissue perpendicular to the skin. The fat cells push against the connective tissue, causing the skin to pucker. Common area are abdomen, legs, hips, and buttocks,
Who is more likely to get cellulite?
The estimate is 80-90 percent of women will get cellulite. In women, the connective tissue and fats cells are arranged vertically. When the fats cells protrude into the skin, this become cellulite. Whereas in men, tissue is arranged in a criss- cross manner. Thus, cellulite is more common in women compared to men.
Grades of cellulite
Mild (Grade 1): dimpling when pressure is applied
Moderate (Grade 2): dimpling is visible when standing, but not when lying down.
Severe (Grade 3): dimpling when standing and lying down
Why do I get cellulite?
The exact cause is unknown. The possible causes are hormonal changes, age, genetic predisposition and diet.
1. Genetic factors
Cellulite runs in families. Genetic is responsible for the rate of metabolism, fat distribution under the skin. Thus, it can affect the likelihood of cellulite formation.
2. Age and hormones
As we age, the elasticity and the thickness of our skin will decrease, which make cellulite more likely to form. Women is also more likely to develop cellulite as they reach their menopause as a result of decrease in oestrogen production. As oestrogen reduce, the fat cells enlarge and the collagen production is decreased. These factors make the fat deposits more visible. When the fat cells protrude into the connective tissue, cellulite forms.
Changes in hormones like oestrogen, insulin, noradrenaline and thyroid can also result in cellulite formation.
3. Diet and lifestyle
Diet that is rich in fat, carbohydrates, and salt, and low in fiber can increase the likelihood of getting cellulite. Cellulite is also more common in smokers, and in those who have a sedentary lifestyle.
How can I prevent cellulite?
A healthy diet and regular exercise may not cure it, but it can prevent and make the it less obvious. Reduce in elasticity of the connective tissue underneath the skin result in cellulite. So, strengthening those areas and burning away fat can help. Muscle toning exercise for belly and thigh can also tighten the skin, making the them less noticeable.
Does losing weight help in prevent and reduce cellulite? Yes and no. In some people, losing weight may help to prevent and reduce the appearance of cellulite. But in others, it can worsen the condition.
Cigarette smoke limit blood supply and thus lower the collagen production, make it easier for the fats cells to pass through, forming the orange peel skin. Therefore, it is certain that quitting smoking can do the job.
Photo by Mediterranean Diet Recipe from Flickr
Can I get rid of cellulite?
There is no permanent solution. A variety of treatments have been used to minimise the appearance of cellulite, but the result is not permanent. They are effective in the short term only.
1. Topical products
Many topical products in the market claim to get rid of cellulite. They are usually caffeine, retinol or herbal ingredients. In fact, these products can’t do much to your problem, but may add some value when combining with other treatments.
2. Manual massage
Also knowns as endermology, this is a non-invasive method to improve the skin texture by increase the lymph drainage.
3. Radiofrequency(RF)
It uses the heat from electric current to stimulate collagen production and fat cells break down. However, it may take several treatments to see the result.
4. Acoustic wave therapy
This is a non-invasive treatment that usually last from 20 minutes to one hour. It transmits sound wave to break down the fat cells and improves circulation and lymphatic drainage.
5. Laser treatment
This minimally invasive procedure works by inserting a small laser probe under skin. The laser breaks up the tissue, induce collagen production, and tightens the skin to create a smooth surface. No follow up treatments are required for this procedure.
Photo by epickidstory Smith from Flickr
Conclusion
Feeling bad about your cellulite? You are not alone and you shouldn’t. If 90 percent of all women have it, then it is not a disease but a normal condition, then why worry about it? Know and accept the flaw, be comfortable in your own skin.
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References
- Amanda M. 15 myths and facts about cellulite [Internet]. Meredith Health Group. 2019. [Available from: https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20735356,00.html?slide=546323#54632; last updated on 2016 May 11; last accessed on 2019 August 13]
- Peter C. Everything you need to know about cellulite [MedicalNewsToday]. Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. 2019. [Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149465.php; last updated on 2017 November 30; last accessed on 2019 August 13]
by Chang Xian
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