What is cellulite?
Dr Sarah Hart of The Palm Clinic says that somewhere between 80-90% of women over the age of 18 have cellulite and it is a result of normal female fat storage. She explains, 'The reason women get cellulite and men don't is as a consequence of the way our fibrous bands lie. These bands run between the skin and underlying tissue and fat gets stored between them. In women, the bands run vertically, but in men they run criss-crossed and are firmly attached. Therefore, women who store their fat under the skin (as opposed to men who tend to store it around internal organs), find that the fat bulges out between the fibrous bands, a bit like a mattress. It's possible to mimic that look by pulling firmly on the skin of almost any female. As fat stores build up, the bands pull in, increasing pressure, squishing blood vessels and the lymphatic system, stopping drainage of fluid and elimination of toxins. Mild inflammation also results, sometimes causing tenderness. The result is fat + fluid, which is hard and lumpy, giving the characteristic appearance of cellulite.'
Unfortunately, as we age, our skin thins, so the appearance of cellulite gets intensified. Cellulite is not anything to do with weight and thin people can be just as likely to have cellulite as overweight people.
So now that we know the technical details of what cellulite actually is, how can we treat the area?
Sarah reveals that 'In order to reduce cellulite you will need to reduce your overall fat as well as increase fluid drainage and stretch the fibrous bands.' So - a proper cellulite treatment is really a three-pronged approach that involves correct nutrition and exercise (to reduce fat stores) and measures to help with lymphatic drainage such as skin brushing and special massage techniques. The use of cellulite creams while massaging can also help.
Diet
A detoxifying diet is a great way to help treat cellulite. This means you can indulge in plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grain foods, but you'll have to stop indulging in caffeine, fizzy drinks, cigarettes, alcohol, processed foods and saturated fats.
A low-fat diet that is high in fibre and complex carbohydrates is easiest for the body to break down. You will also need to avoid sugar, starch, salt, spices and animal fats as these for the body to eliminate. Drink plenty of water (two litres of water a day is ideal) as it helps your body flush toxins.
Exercise
Exercise is important to the prevention of, or to reduce the appearance of cellulite in two ways - resistance training tones the muscles and firms the tissue surrounding the muscles resulting in a smoother appearance, and cardiovascular exercise serves to reduce fat and improves the circulation which assists the overall function of the body in eliminating waste.
Here's a novel idea - you could also try wearing Anti-cellulite shorts while you are doing your cardiovascular regime. Apparently these reflect your body's own FAR infrared rays which help to break down cellulite cells and revitalise tissue. The theory behind them is that they increase heat and molecular stimulation to enhance the effectiveness of exercise, increase blood flow, and accelerate metabolism to burn more calories.
Dry body brushing
Use a massage brush or an exfoliating glove to brush the skin for a couple of minutes each day before entering the shower. Start at your feet and brush the skin in an upwards motion. This will help boost circulation and improve the appearance of the skin. The skin is also important for the elimination of toxins and this will assist a detoxification process if you are following a detox diet.
Massage
Massage - we all love it, and now you have a great excuse to pamper yourself - it helps to improve and prevent cellulite. The manipulation of the muscles stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems - when these are functioning properly they can help break down fatty tissue. You can massage the area yourself by using deep circular movements, kneading your flesh as you go. Massaging with an oil or cream (a cellulite specific cream can also be used) is also ideal for making this a pleasant process.
But wait there's more... massage also relaxes tension. What does tension have to do with cellulite you ask? It stresses the muscles and causes the connective tissues that overlay the muscles to seize up, effectively blocking the tissue and preventing efficient waste elimination. So relax, take deep breaths, and book yourself in for a frequent de-stress massage.
Other cellulite treatments
Velasmooth - Velasmooth is a cellulite treatment that combines heat and light energy to create heat deep under the skin where it is most needed, dilating blood vessels and breaking down fat cells. Vacuum rollers stretch the fibrous bands and massage fluid out. A course of ten treatments is recommended at a cost of $2000. Velasmooth treatments are available at The Palm Clinic in Auckland.
Endermologie - The Endermologie machine was developed in France and has a measurable effect in fighting cellulite. It uses rollers and gentle suctioning to deeply massage affected areas, and is found to increase the circulation by 200 percent, which is a great deal more than manual massage which can only increase circulation by up to 60%. The treatment is quite pleasant and lasts for about 35 minutes. You will wear a body stocking during the treatment which helps the technician run the machine over your skin and also ensures optimum hygiene.
Treatments cost around $120 per session and there are a variety of endermologie clinics around the country.
Products to try:
L'Oreal Paris has a product to treat ingrained cellulite, PerfectSlim Pro - The two ended bottle has massage rollers on one end to massage, stimulate and increase circulation in the areas and at the other end a cream formula containing caffeine to stimulate and Gingko Biloba and Ruscus to decongest and drain the area. RRP: $34.99 
Nivea's Goodbye Cellulite Gel contains L-Carnitine, a substance which occurs naturally in the body and helps to break down the fat deposits which cause cellulite, resulting in smoother skin. RRP: $11.60.
Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil contains organic Birch leaves, organic Rosemary and Ruskus to support the skin's tone. Apricot Kernel oil, Jojoba oil and Wheatgerm oil are vitamin rich and super hydrating on the skin to improve the skin's appearance. RRP: $28.00.
Environ Body Profile is a "Body Sculpturing Gel" formulated to smoothen, tighten and condition the skin. The formula contains a number of ingredients which assist in the reduction of the "orange peel effect" and it helps to remodel the skin while firming and leaving it healthier and smoother. RRP: $89.00
Each of these products claims improved skin tone and reduced cellulite appearance after four weeks of dedicated use.
The appearance of cellulite is easily diminished with a good coating of fake tan. And finally, we now have products which combine a firming moisturizer with light tan and are designed for daily use. Try: L'Oreal Paris Nutrisummer Tone Up, RRP: $16.99, or Nivea Body Sunkissed Skin, RRP: $7.85.
One last thing...
For the seriously dedicated there is a book that comes highly recommended. Written by Dr Howard Murad it discusses the why's and how's of cellulite and is an eight week programme that includes a diet plan, dry body brushing and supplements to improve cellulite. The Cellulite Solution: A Doctor's Program for Losing Lumps, Bumps, Dimples, and Stretch Marks.
| Comments |
|
