focus on ... cellulite
That dreaded orange peel - the truth about cellulite, how to recognise it, what it is and how to get rid of it.
what is cellulite?
why does it appear?
types of cellulite
why creams don't work
so what works?
what is cellulite?
Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not just fat.
Although cellulite is a form of fat, its causes and cures have little to do with diet, exercise or lifestyle. Its appearance can result from a complex combination of factors ranging from hormones to heredity.
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Cellulite is merely the outward symptom of a disease of the connective tissue (1), which occurs when trapped fat and toxins enlarge fat cells (2) and strain the bonds between connective tissues. The deterioration of the skin’s appearance mirrors the alteration of the body’s underlying connective tissue and the impairment of circulation and enlargement of fat cells. |
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It is estimated that 95% of women over 20 will develop some degree of cellulite. This includes naturally thin women, ultra-slender supermodels, women devoted to a healthy lifestyle and diet, and toned athletes.
why does it appear?
In women, fat is arranged in large vertical chambers with connective tissue running perpendicular to the surface of the skin as part of these vertical pockets. In men, fat is arranged as small, diagonal units, with the septa (connective tissue) intersecting and forming smaller, polygonal-shaped chambers. This shape distinction, combined with the thicker dermis of the male, makes the skin more resistant to fat storage and less influenced by structural changes (deformed fat cells). In addition, women have a deep reserve layer of fat in certain areas of the body that men do not.
Cellulite often develops at times of hormonal change, including adolescence and during pregnancy and menopause. Ageing may heighten its appearance, as the skin tends to thin. Periods of intense stress may also contribute to the development of cellulite.
types of cellulite
Compact cellulite is the hardening or “fibrosis” of the connective tissue, often due to poor lymphatic circulation and is typically found in older women. This is the most difficult kind of cellulite to remove because it has accumulated deep in the tissues, over a long period of time, and therefore the connective tissue has been fmore severely damaged. Compact cellulite can be sensitive or even painful to the touch.
Watery or spongey cellulite contains more fluid than fat and is often hereditary. "Pear-shaped" women, who have slender upper bodies but larger lower bodies, often have watery cellulite, causing a misshapen appearance in the thighs. Cellulite creams are generally tested on this type of cellulite.
"Saddlebags", where cellulite appears on the upper outer portion of the thigh, are a classic example of localised cellulite, which is often found in otherwise slender women. This is generally the most superficial of cellulite and women frequently try to diet or "exercise" this kind of cellulite away.
why don't diet and exercise, surgery or creams work?
Cellulite, although partly comprised of fat, cannot be addressed by diet and exercise alone. While exercise -- part of any healthy lifestyle -- tones muscles, burns calories, reduces body fat and increases blood flow, it cannot repair the connective tissue. A sensible diet that is low in fat and rich in antioxidants and adequate water intake may help prevent the formation of cellulite, but cannot reduce it once formed.
Liposuction can improve the contour of the body by removing fat cells, but can only remove visceral (deep) fat cells and cannot therefore remove the subcutaneous fat that comprises cellulite. It can in fact further damage the connective tissue and quite apart from the dangers of invasive surgery, a less than highly-skilled surgeon could leave pockets of fat that were not evident before surgery.
Anti-cellulite creams cannot address the issue of the damaged connective tissue, although massaging them into the skin can help increase circulation and provide temporary improvements. Whatever the manufacturers tell you, caffeine applied topically does not do anything for cellulite.
so what works?
The only way to truly rid the body of cellulite and continue to protect against its production is to strengthen and repair the connective tissue in the areas afflicted. The damaged tissue must be repaired, excess fat must be reduced, blood flow and lymphatic drainage must be increased and skin tone must be improved.
Precisely targeting the surface layer of trapped fat and damaged tissues, beautytek effectively revitalises lymphatic and venous exchanges, thereby increasing blood flow and drainage and reconditioning the skin's epidermis, dermis and hypodermis (the skin layers that contain collagen, elastin and keratin). Connective tissue is strengthened from the very first treatment and, over time, can be almost completely healed.
For more information, book a consultation or contact us.
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