What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the name we have given to the orange peel effect that appears on the pelvic region (specifically the buttocks), lower limbs, arms and abdomen. The term was first used in 1873 in a medical dictionary in France to refer to cells or tissues in a state of inflammation or infection. It wasn’t until 1933 that it appeared in mainstream beauty publications with the definition that we use it today.

It is more present among women than men. In fact 80–90 % of post-pubertal women exhibit singes of cellulite in one or more parts of their body. But some men have it too; especially if they have hormonal imbalances.

Women even if they are young, thin, exercise and have a healthy diet can have cellulite. Although chances of developing cellulite increases with age and certain lifestyle choices experts believe that cellulite is the normal condition of a woman’s body, just as body hair, and facial wrinkles are.

What causes Cellulite?

The exact process of cellulite formation is unknown but according to the Medical News Today it results from “an interaction between the connective tissue in the dermatological layer that lies below the surface of the skin, and the layer of fat that is just below it.”

Our skin is connected to our muscles with Fibrous Connective Cords. Between the skin and muscles lies layers of fat. As fat accumulates in this area it pushes up against the skin while the connective fibrous cords pull the skin down and therefore create the orange peel effect on the surface.

This specific form of fat accumulation could be the result of hormones, diet, or lack of proper blood circulation. Genetic factors may play a role in this since they can be linked to “a person’s speed of metabolism, distribution of fat under the skin, ethnicity, and circulatory levels”.

Cellulite treatment

Although some products and services promise to remove cellulite, you should know that up until now there isn’t any technique or treatment that has been clinically proven to permanently get rid of cellulite. The many treatments available differ in the extent that they are effective in reducing the appearance of the dimples and for how long. The cost and down time of the procedures are also what sets different treatments apart.

Natural and Home Remedies for Cellulite

Weight loss, exercise and a healthy diet may help delay the unset of cellulite or reduce the appearance of it.

Massaging the dimpled zone on a daily basis increases blood flow bringing nutrients to skin surface for healthy skin renewal. If done regularly and correctly it can be effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Topical Retinol Creams can thicken your skin’s outer layer to help cover bumpy areas underneath. You will need to use these topical creams in combination with massaging the skin for at least 6 months to see noticeable results.

Non-invasive Cosmetic Procedures target fat cells or Fibrous connective cords from the surface of skin to temporarily eliminate cellulite. These techniques require multiple application over a period of time

Endermologie is an example of these types of cellulite treatments which is basically a mechanical stimulation on the surface of the skin much like a deep tissue massage done by a machine. You’ll need an average of 16 sessions in about 8 weeks and then monthly maintenance sessions. The results will last about 6 months.

Thermi-smooth is another technique that uses controlled radiofrequency heat to rejuvenation skin tissue and eliminate the fat under the skin. You’ll need 4-6 applications over 6-8 weeks and the results will last for one year or more which can be prolonged with maintenance sessions every 9-12 months.

Minimally invasive Procedures such as THERMItight® penetrate deeper layers of skin, for longer lasting and more predictable results in one application.

THERMItight® uses Radio Frequency heat to stimulate production of collagen and to restructure skin tissue. By doing so it both removes excess fat and tightens loose skin. During the procedure a small electrode is inserted under the skin to heat tissue to a therapeutic temperature. The heat contracts collagen molecules, stimulates collagen production and gives the skin appearance of lifting or tightening.

Noticeable results of THERMItight® procedure will take three to four weeks to appear but they can last up to five years. There is little to no downtime after THERMItight® procedure making it ideal for today’s busy lifestyles.