Cellulit – causes and methods of fighting. How to get rid of unsightly orange peel?
Cellulit is a very common skin imperfection seen in women. It is rarely observed in men. Due to its characteristic structure, cellulite is commonly called orange peel. It appears primarily on the thighs, buttocks, hips, abdomen, sometimes it can also be seen on the breasts, arms and back.
Cellulit is the result of impaired microcirculation and excessive accumulation of water, toxins and fat lumps in the subcutaneous tissue. This is a drawback that interferes with the nice appearance of the figure and shatters our sense of attractiveness, so it is not surprising that most women put a lot of effort to effectively get rid of the hated orange peel. What are the causes of cellulite? How to better take care of your skin and win the fight against cellulite? You will find out, reading the article!
Contents
What is cellulite?
Cellulit is a characteristic deformation of the skin structure (in the form of lumps, folds, thickenings) as a result of impaired blood and lymph flow. These deformities are nothing else than unevenly distributed subcutaneous fat, which presses on the cells of the connective tissue. When fat cells increase in volume and the process of cellulite formation progresses, blood and lymph circulation is getting worse and blood vessels are less and less oxygenated. The cells of the connective tissue are less and less well supplied with nutrients, and toxins are removed with increasing difficulty.
As a result of this mechanism, harmful substances, by-products of metabolism and water begin to be accumulated in the tissues more and more intensively, leading to a gradual deterioration of the skin condition. Very often hormones contribute to the development of cellulite, namely large amounts of secreted estrogen (female sex hormones). For this reason, this phenomenon is observed almost exclusively in women.
The problem of orange peel concerns women of different ages, both young and old. But when it comes to physical conditions, cellulite occurs more often and in much greater intensity in fatter women, with an increased level of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Increased cellulite formation sometimes occurs in situations of hormonal disturbances, such as during puberty, menopause, pregnancy and various hormonal diseases.
There are two main types of cellulite: fatty and water, and both in terms of symptoms, causes and methods of treatment, they differ from each other. There is another, less common, very specific and difficult to combat type of cellulite, namely circulatory cellulite. It is worth saying a little more about the two basic types of cellulite.
Cellulit aqueous
Aquatic Cellulit is very often associated with the work of our hormonal system and the resulting disorders of water management in the body. As a consequence of rapid surges and falls in hormone levels (especially estrogen), water retention in the body occurs, resulting in irregular location of adipocytes (fat cells) and accumulation of toxins, and thus the appearance of swelling, folds and thickening, especially on the thighs and buttocks. When the skin is squeezed, lumps may also appear.
It is not uncommon for water cellulite to increase during periods of hormonal fluctuations, such as before menstruation or in teenage girls during puberty. It is also an affliction that often appears in women using hormonal contraception.
A diet high in salt and highly processed food as well as kidney disorders and insufficient fluid intake (especially water) can also be a cause of water retention, and consequently water cellulite development.
In addition, water cellulite is favoured by such factors as:
- a sedentary lifestyle,
- working for many hours in a standing position,
- faulty posture,
- smoking,
- alcohol abuse,
- too little physical activity,
- not eating regular meals,
- frequent wearing of high heeled shoes,
- wearing clothes that are too tight,
- circulation problems.
Water Cellulit appears regardless of age and figure type. It can affect women who are slim, of average body weight, as well as those who are overweight. This type of cellulite is relatively easy to eliminate. It is also not dangerous to our health.
Cellulit fatty
Cellulit fat ty is a feature of overweight women. It appears primarily on the abdomen, buttocks, as well as on the thighs, above the knees, on the breasts, arms. At high overweight and obesity can also be visible on the back, calves.
In contrast to water cellulite, in the case of fat cellulite lumps are clearly visible even without stretching and tightening the skin. In addition to the lumps on the skin may also be noticeable specific depressions. When a fold of skin is squeezed, sometimes pain is felt.
The cause of the development of fatty cellulite are excessively growing fat cells, which lead to the blockage of blood and lymph circulation and intense pressure on the connective tissue. The metabolism slows down and fat cells surrounded by toxins and water begin to grow and create more and more irregularities. With time, the skin on a larger surface takes on a lumpy structure, hence the comparison to the orange peel.
The appearance of orange peel sometimes have a genetic factor, but much more often the formation of fat cellulite unhealthy lifestyle.
Generally, fatty cellulite is the result of too high a level of body fat and usually affects people who are obese and overweight. Slimmer people do not have a problem with this type of cellulite, because fat cells are not overgrown and do not cause disorders in the flow of body fluids, pressure on the connective tissue and anomalies in the form of lumps of fat accumulated under the skin.
What promotes the formation of fatty cellulite? Here are the most common causes:
- inadequate nutrition, excess of junk food, floury and fatty products in the menu,
- too many simple carbohydrates in the daily diet,
- lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle,
- excess cortisol, the stress hormone,
- accumulation of toxins in the body resulting from unhealthy habits (drinking alcohol, smoking),
- metabolic disorders,
- disorders of glucose-insulin metabolism,
- frequent, rapid changes in body weight (gaining and losing weight alternately).
The formation of fatty cellulite may also occur in the case of certain metabolic and hormonal diseases and disorders of the digestive system.
How to get rid of cellulite – diet, exercise, home remedies and preparations, that is the four-step fight against cellulite
Cellulit on thighs, cellulite on the abdomen, cellulite on the buttocks … Regardless of the place where we have cellulite, to begin to effectively reduce it (and by the way prevent the formation of cellulite in the future!), it is best to work in an intensive and multifaceted way. What does this mean? You should use several methods of fighting cellulite, remembering to maintain regularity in our actions.
First of all, we should take care of proper nutrition, which is the key to efficient water management in the body, fast metabolism and get rid of excess fat responsible for lipid cellulite.
At the same time we should take care of proper, systematic skin care, so as to stimulate blood circulation, better nourish the skin tissue and stop the process of further formation of orange peel. An excellent method for fighting cellulite is also regular physical activity.
In situations of more advanced cellulite can also reach for professional treatments for cellulite performed in clinics and offices of aesthetic medicine and some beauty salons.
How to get rid of cellulite – we make changes in lifestyle!
Rational, healthy, well-balanced diet will help us to reduce cellulite, and at the same time will promote uninterrupted metabolism and the lack of accumulation of toxins in the body.
In order to introduce such a healthy, skin and figure friendly diet, free from excess calories, we should first of all strongly limit the consumption of sweets, fattening salty snacks a’la chips and all highly processed products (e.g. ready meals, tinned food, sausages, powdered soups, fast food).
Also inadvisable are low-quality meats and cold cuts containing hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, all fatty dishes and products made of white flour (white pasta can be replaced by wholemeal, and ordinary rolls or bread by wholemeal bread).
What else should we avoid while fighting cellulite:
- dishes with large amounts of salt,
- stock cubes,
- liquid spices such as Magi,
- ready-made spice mixes (they often contain excessive amounts of salt, as well as flavour enhancers and preservatives),
- sweet, coloured drinks (they contain a lot of sugar),
- products with trans fats (e.g. hard margarines, sweets),
- ready-made sauces,
- stimulants (drinking alcohol, drinking large amounts of coffee or energy drinks, smoking).
We build our menu on the basis of healthy, lean products with the lowest possible degree of processing. We reach for large amounts of vegetables, fruit and cereal products. The daily menu also includes: nuts, grains, legumes, dairy products, eggs, lean meat and fish.
Remember to drink plenty of water every day (about 1.5 l). In addition, it is worth reaching for green tea and green coffee, which have a positive effect on metabolism, stimulate fat burning and stimulate microcirculation in the skin.
Movement is also important in the fight against cellulite. Very often the cause of orange peel is a sitting or standing job or a general lack of movement. One position for many hours promotes circulation disorders and stagnation of blood in the veins. As a result, swelling and unevenness form on the skin.
Lack of physical activity also leads to easy and fast accumulation of fat tissue, which then becomes visible in the form of cellulite folds and lumps. Therefore it is worth to choose a form of activity we like (e.g. swimming, cycling, fitness or other) and regularly (3-5 times a week) reach for it (one training session should last about 40 minutes or longer if we are in a better condition). We can also exchange and freely combine different disciplines if we do not like monotony.
And if we can not afford any of the forms of training, let’s go at least a few times a week for a longer, dynamic walk.
The most effective exercises for cellulite:
- running,
- stepper exercises,
- cycling (standard or stationary),
- training on an orbitrek,
- hula-hoop exercises,
- step aerobics,
- roller skating,
- squats,
- squats,
- and crunches,
- leg extensions while kneeling.
A healthy diet and physical activity, in addition to reducing cellulite, can also bring us additional benefits. Among other things, they allow you to model a shapely, slim figure and promote a general improvement in health and immunity.
Read also: Spirulin Plus – a cleansing and slimming dietary supplement
How to get rid of cellulite – we use tried and tested home remedies!
Home remedies for cellulite require neither special preparations, nor a lot of time and sophisticated ingredients, all the more reason to include them in the palette of tools to fight against orange peel.
Massage for cellulite
An effective and yet extremely simple method is a massage for cellulite with the use of body lotion. There is, however, one condition – we must do it regularly, preferably every day after taking a bath or shower. We rub a small amount of lotion into the areas affected by cellulite, making circular movements and movements from the bottom up. Instead of lotion, we can use essential oils, such as almond oil, rosemary, lemon, ginger, cinnamon.
Also popular is the anti-cellulite dry massage with a brush or body mitt. In the shower, we can use a rough sponge for a massage.
Anti-cellulite firming scrub with sea salt
2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil combine with 3-4 tablespoons of sea salt (or Himalayan). Mix until a uniform mass is obtained. Apply to damp skin, massage for 2-3 minutes. Rinse, wipe the skin and apply moisturizing balm. Use salt peeling 1-2 times a week.
Sugar peeling for cellulite
A full glass of cane sugar is combined with 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil. Optionally, you can add 1 teaspoon of ginger, some lemon juice or 2 tablespoons of liquid honey. Mix the ingredients until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Apply to damp skin in places where cellulite occurs. Massage with circular movements and then wash off. Use 1-2 times a week.
Alternate hot and cold showers
While bathing, cover the cellulite-affected areas with alternating cold and warm water. Repeat the procedure about 10 times.
Anti-cellulite and purifying body mask with turmeric and cinnamon
Combine 2 tablespoons of turmeric with 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of liquid honey and 2 tablespoons of olive oil or oil. Make a paste of the ingredients with such a consistency that it is easy for us to spread it on the skin. Apply to parts of the body affected by cellulite, massage for 2 minutes. Leave the mask for another few minutes, then rinse. Repeat the treatment in a few days.
How to fight cellulite – we bet on proven preparations!
A good patent for people struggling for smooth, beautiful skin without orange peel is the regular use of specialized anti-cellulite preparations, both in oral form and those for external use. Lotions and creams for cellulite, stimulating microcirculation, improve skin firmness, strengthen skin tone, also provide valuable nutrients to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. They contribute not only to the reduction of orange peel, but also fatty tissue.
The market also offers dietary supplements for cellulite. They are extremely helpful, and in combination with home cosmetics or creams can be a very effective weapon against cellulite. The best composed and giving the best results supplement of this type is Perfect Body Cellulite. Acting intensively from the inside, the preparation in several ways stimulates our body to regenerate skin tissue and reduce orange peel.
Perfect Body Cellulite contains a specially selected, multi-tasking blend of ingredients, among which you will find: green tea extract, bitter orange extract, nettle leaf extract, grape seed extract, and vitamins. Thanks to such a rich composition, the supplement smoothes, revitalizes, nourishes and detoxifies the skin, boosts the metabolic rate, stimulates fat burning and accelerates the reduction of cellulite.
Treatments for cellulite
If we are looking for more advanced solutions based on modern techniques in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology, we can also reach for specialized treatments, which include:
- endermologie,
- shock wave (electroacoustic therapy),
- carboxytherapy,
- laser therapy,
- mesotherapy,
- ultrasounds.
Lymphatic drainage, a special compression massage, has recently become very popular. Another type of treatment is Chinese bubbles for cellulite. They use negative pressure, improve microcirculation and help to break down fat tissue. They have a smoothing and firming effect on the skin, they also support the purification of the body of toxins. However, Chinese bubble massage has a few contraindications. For example, it should not be used by people with circulation problems, struggling with varicose veins and spider veins.
Read the review of an effective preparation for rapid reduction of cellulite and body fat: Perfect Body Cellulite