Cellulite is one of the most serious problems for women who are worried about keeping their bodies in perfect shape. The problem is the formation of a relief subcutaneous layer, which is often called the "orange peel." There are many effective ways to eliminate the trouble, starting with the use of pharmacological drugs, traditional medicine, and ending with physiotherapy.
Let's find out - what is it - cellulite? What factors cause the problem? What are the preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of cellulite? All this, as well as the causes and treatment of cellulite, will be discussed later in our article.
General information
Cellulite - what is it? This definition should be understood as the local proliferation of fat cells, as well as the occurrence of structural disorders in the subcutaneous tissue. During the formation of pathology, healthy cells refuse to free themselves from the products of their vital functions. Instead, fat accumulates in them. Moreover, the cells begin to absorb other substances, in particular, toxins, liquids, and all kinds of waste. Thus, in the problem areas of the body there is a rapid growth of connective tissue. Such bonds begin to bulge out from the subcutaneous layer in the form of specific tubercles. It is noteworthy that such external manifestations of cellulite can occur even with a minimal amount of fat deposits. Although in the presence of excess weight, the "orange peel" is much more pronounced.
A brief excursion into history
Cellulite on the hips and buttocks is not a modern problem. From time immemorial, the phenomenon has been characteristic of women of various ages and social status. This is evidenced by the canvases of such outstanding artists of past eras as Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt. It was they who depicted women in their paintings, on whose body all kinds of dimples, pads and bulges characteristic of cellulite were carefully written out. These painters were indulgent towards the problem, since the presence of an “orange peel” in problem areas at that time was not considered something shameful.
Around the middle of the second half of the 20th century, new ideals of female beauty were formed. Ladies with a taut, slender figure began to be considered attractive. Naturally, the presence of relief areas on the skin of the hips and buttocks began to be considered as a physical defect.
In the 60s, the British idol of Twiggy became the real idol of young girls, who was one of the first to wear miniskirts. The beauty had a slim figure and long, slender legs. With a growth of 175 centimeters, she weighed some 45 kg. It is not surprising that with such parameters on the hips and buttocks of the model there simply could not be any cellulite. Imitating Twiggy, many women around the world have exhausted themselves with diets and exercise. However, the majority failed to eliminate the characteristic “orange peel” in problem areas. After all, often the reasons for the presence of subcutaneous irregularities were far from being overweight.
What this is - cellulite - the public learned in 1976, when the owner of a beauty salon from the United States named Nicole Ronsard wrote one noteworthy article. In her analytical material, the woman tried to reveal the whole essence of the problem. From this moment, the concept of a “special” disease, characteristic of the beautiful half of humanity, arose. This led to the emergence of a whole mass of procedures aimed at combating the "orange peel" on the hips and buttocks. Soon, the fame of one of the most pressing women's problems was entrenched in the phenomenon. It was then that the process of forming a textured subcutaneous layer began to be called cellulite.
Is cellulitis a disease?
In medical practice, the phenomenon is known by the definition of gynoid lipodystrophy. However, cellulite is still not recognized as a disease. A confirmation of this fact can already be considered that the international classification of ailments does not spell a single mention of such diagnoses by practicing doctors. For this reason, it is customary to consider cellulite solely as a cosmetic defect.
It is worth noting that the problem is widespread among millions of women around the globe. Quite often, experts speak of the phenomenon as a secondary sexual characteristic characteristic of the fairer sex. But cellulite is not officially recognized as such in medicine.
Cellulite formation mechanism
The following pathological changes in the body lead to a problem:
- The breakdown of fats at the cellular level slows down.
- The elasticity of the connective tissue septa decreases .
- Pressure increases in body tissues, resulting in the appearance of all kinds of knolls and nodules visible under the skin.
- Infringement of the lymphatic capillaries and blood vessels occurs, which affects the deterioration of blood circulation, insufficient saturation of tissues with oxygen and nutrients.
Causes
Cellulite - what is it? The main reason for the development of pathology is hormonal disruptions in the body. This leads to a deterioration of the thyroid gland and a slowdown in ovarian function. The main importance here begins to play not the amount of hormones that enter the bloodstream and are carried throughout the body, but the change in individual sensitivity to their effects from the connective and adipose tissue.
To a large extent, poor heredity affects the formation of cellulite. There is also a racial factor. According to statistics, by comparison, Caucasian ladies are much less likely to suffer from the formation of a tuberous subcutaneous mesh by black ladies and Asians. In Latin American women, cellulite can only form on the buttocks, but does not affect other parts of the body, such as the stomach.
The cause of the problem is also non-compliance with a healthy diet. In particular, a deficiency in the diet of foods with an abundance of fiber leads to a deterioration in blood flow in the buttocks and thighs. The lack of fluid in the body is reflected in the slowing down of the disposal of tissues from waste substances, which are formed as a result of metabolic processes.
Contributes to the development of cellulite lack of physical activity, maintaining a sedentary lifestyle. With insufficient loads, the outflow of lymph from the body tissues slows down, organs begin to suffer from a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients. Reduced activity ultimately causes the appearance of excess weight. Manifestations of cellulite become more pronounced.
An additional factor is stress. Nerve irritability causes the active release of adrenaline and norepinephrine into the blood. Excessive concentration of such substances leads to spasm of the blood ducts. Against this background, stagnant processes in the tissues are observed.
Cellulite developmental stages
There are several stages of the formation of the problem:
- At first, the skin on the hips and buttocks do not have pronounced defects. Here, only small swelling of a weak degree of severity is observed. The subcutaneous tissue remains soft and supple to the touch. However, all kinds of injuries in the form of bruises, abrasions and hematomas begin to disappear much more slowly than when they appear in other parts of the body. Such manifestations are the first evidence of a deterioration in blood circulation, accumulation of lymph, and other substances in fat cells.
- At the second stage, the appearance of the effect of a slightly pronounced tuberosity of the skin is noted. When pressed on the fabric, small puffiness forms. During palpation of the skin, it is felt that fat deposits have become harder. All this is associated with a deterioration in the outflow of lymph from the tissues. If you do not resort to preventive measures during this period, the likelihood of an increase in the volume of connective tissue septa increases. This entails the appearance of a tuberous surface visible to the naked eye.
- The third stage is characterized by the formation of a distinct “orange peel”. In the case of pressure on the skin, irregularities begin to appear more noticeably. The reason for this is the growth of fibrous formations that create various pits and depressions. On the contrary, in places of accumulation of fatty deposits, tubercles appear. At this stage, blood circulation in problem areas worsens significantly, metabolic processes slow down. The skin in the cellulite areas acquires a pale shade, and its surface becomes dried out. Here hematomas form in random order. Connective tissue forms a mesh network.
- In the fourth stage, cellulite is noticeable, even when the muscles are in a relaxed state. Attempts to collect the skin in folds cause severe discomfort. During the probing of tissues, various nodules of neoplasms are well distinguished. Ultimately, against the background of the problem, a pain syndrome may develop, the cause of which is compression of the nerve endings. Without appropriate treatment, the invoice network begins to spread to neighboring areas of the body.
So we examined what leads to the development of cellulite, what factors contribute to the occurrence of the problem. Further in our material I would like to pay attention to effective methods of therapy.
Massage with cellulite banks
So. Massage treatments are one of the most effective solutions for eliminating the so-called “orange peel”. To improve the results of such an impact on the tissue, it is recommended to use special cellulite cans made of a rather dense but elastic material. The use of the product creates an imitation of all kinds of kneading effects that allow you to quickly burn body fat. The difference is that the massage therapist pulls the skin with your fingers during the procedures, and the cellulite cans work according to the vacuum principle.
This solution has the following advantages:
- Massage with cellulite banks is a simple, inexpensive and widely available method.
- The procedure takes a minimum amount of time.
- For the treatment does not require special preparation, but only a few cans and skin moisturizing oil.
- After massage, there are no bruises, other noticeable defects on the surface of the skin.
Rubbing with a massage brush
Further. A brush from cellulite can help to feel a positive effect. Impact on problem areas is necessary using a scrub. In conclusion, you should take a shower. If desired, you can repeat the procedure an unlimited number of times. The main thing is that the impact on problem areas in this way does not cause damage to the underlying tissues and does not irritate the skin. How effective is such a solution to eliminate cellulite? Reviews of women who regularly resort to such events indicate that the "orange peel" begins to gradually dissolve over the course of several months.
Wraps
And that's not it. How to perform a cellulite body wrap at home? For these purposes, you must resort to the use of healing mud, creams and special formulations based on salt concentrates. Essential oils, seaweed extracts, extracts from medicinal plants will also help. Wraps with the use of these substances contribute to the active stimulation of blood circulation, lymph outflow from body tissues, the breakdown of body fat, and stabilization of metabolic processes in the body.
Manual massage
Another option. How effective is massage for cellulite at home? The reviews of specialists show that the procedure is an excellent solution for improving lymphatic drainage. Stimulation of tissues in problem areas makes it possible to break fat capsules, remove stagnant fluid and various toxins from cells. Moreover, massage from cellulite at home can strengthen local immunity.
However, there are some contraindications. So, resorting to massage procedures in order to eliminate the effect of the “orange peel” is not recommended for girls who suffer from pathologies of the pelvic organs and have skin diseases. Therefore, before taking specific actions, it is worthwhile to once again consult with a specialist.
Vacuum massage
What else? Vacuum massage from cellulite is performed using a special unit that absorbs the surface layers of tissues and has a powerful effect on fat capsules, loosening hard deposits. Such operations are performed painlessly. Using the device has a positive effect on the skin texture. Under the influence of the device, fatty capsules characteristic of cellulite are actively split. Outflow of lymph from tissues is gradually improving, they are saturated with oxygen, puffiness is removed.
Mesotherapy
The essence of the procedure is the injection of pharmacological preparations into the subcutaneous layer. The active substances in their composition eliminate puffiness, improve the outflow of lymph, strengthen blood vessels. The result is the activation of the synthesis of elastin and collagen fibers, which allows to normalize the structure of tissues.
Electrolysis
Surprisingly, few more know about it. How to quickly eliminate cellulite? Reviews of such a method as electrolysis show its highest potential in solving the problem in the shortest possible time. The procedure is based on stimulation of the body in problem areas by insignificant discharges of electric current of variable frequency. The tissue is energized by connecting electrodes. During such events, an electromagnetic field is formed, due to which blood flow is activated. Stagnant lymph begins to move, which causes a gradual resorption of fat cells and weight loss.
The duration of therapy with electrolipolysis depends on the stage of cellulitis. In most cases, for the appearance of noticeable results, it is enough to complete 15-20 procedures over several months. A great addition to this solution will be massage.
Hydrotherapy
When cellulite is visible on the legs, how to get rid of at home? This will help treatment with water procedures. The most effective methods here are: contrasting dousing, salt baths, hydromassage. All these measures improve metabolism, help rid tissues of stagnant lymph, perfectly tone the body and strengthen the immune system. Gradually, the muscles become toned, the skin condition improves.
Folk remedies
If cellulite is formed on the priest, how to get rid of at home? This will help a number of traditional medicine, which are applied externally:
- Vegetable oils based on wheat germ, primrose, shea, sage (used for massage procedures by hand, banks or brushes).
- Plant extracts that stimulate the outflow of stagnant fluids from tissues: ivy, lotus, grapefruit, arnica, lingonberry, horsetail.
- Substances with the ability to break down body fat: menthol, guarana extract, capsaicin, mate tea, caffeine.
- Honey - for external use during massage, it helps to drain liquids from tissues, remove toxins, and nourish the skin with beneficial substances.
Surgery
If desired, you can remove cellulite on the legs at home. However, this will take a lot of time. It is much easier to resort to surgery. In this case, liposuction of body fat is performed. The procedure makes it possible not only to reduce body weight, but also to correct body contours, to obtain the desired proportions.
It is important to consider that deciding on liposuction is absolutely not recommended for thin women. Even if they have cellulite in pronounced form. Moreover, the procedure is carried out only in the late stages of such a pathology. Be that as it may, before the operation, it is necessary to make an appointment with an endocrinologist for a consultation. Indeed, as a result of hormonal disruptions, the risk of the appearance of fatty deposits in atypical areas of the body increases.
Prevention
To never have to worry about the question of how to remove cellulite at home, it is enough to resort to certain activities. For these purposes, the following should be taken into account.
Of primary importance is the competent formation of a daily diet. Girls prone to develop cellulite are advised to avoid sodas. Confectionery, convenience foods, fast food, fried and smoked foods also fall under the ban.The abundance of carbohydrates that is contained in such products is quickly absorbed by the body, but is not converted into energy. Instead, they are deposited as subcutaneous fat. It is better to give preference to raw foods or dishes whose ingredients have undergone poor heat treatment.
Addiction to alcohol and smoking can affect the development of cellulite. So, nicotine leads to spasm of blood vessels, and also acts as a substance that has a destructive effect on ascorbic acid. In turn, the use of alcohol negatively affects the functioning of a number of organs and systems. Therefore, in terms of the prevention of cellulite, it is important to abandon the use of such substances.
A special role is played by regular physical activity. Passion for physical education minimizes the likelihood of the formation of “orange peel” on the hips and buttocks. It is extremely useful in this regard to engage in fitness, walking, jogging, swimming, cycling.
Avoiding the occurrence of a problem will allow the refusal to use tight and uncomfortable clothes. It is, first of all, about body compressing underwear, things dragging the figure. The risk of developing cellulite will be reduced by the rejection of skinny jeans, high-fitting shoes, and clothing made from synthetic fabrics.
It is no secret that many pathologies are formed on the nerve basis. Naturally, finding a direct relationship between the appearance of cellulite and emotional irritability is quite difficult. However, to understand how important this moment is, you need to look at the factors that provoke the problem. So, stressful conditions often force women to consume an abundance of sweets, and this directly affects the appearance of excess weight. Moreover, the consequences of moral upheaval are smoking, drinking, various sleep disorders. Therefore, in order to prevent cellulite, you need to find time to rest and relaxation.