Why does cellulite appear?
The main causes of cellulite:
- Increase in the volume of subcutaneous fat.
- Impaired blood supply in a specific area.
An example of the first reason. The girl begins to eat improperly; her body receives an excess amount of easily digestible nutrients, which are actively stored in fat cells. When the intake of active substances exceeds their consumption, this leads to the fact that these substances begin to accumulate in fat cells. This leads to the fact that fat cells begin to increase in volume - as a result, the subcutaneous fat layer increases. Enlarged fat cells begin to compress everything around them - primarily the vessels that feed these same cells. Accordingly, the blood supply to the subcutaneous fat tissue deteriorates, the flow of oxygen decreases, and the development of connective fibrous tissue begins, which is the main clinical sign of cellulite.
An example of the second reason is sedentary work. A girl can be thin and eat right, but sedentary work leads to compression of the soft tissues in the back of the thigh, which leads to a disruption in blood supply and, as a result, oxygen supply. The mechanics of the process are identical to those described above, only the reason differs. This is why “orange peel” often appears in absolutely thin girls.
Gender matters
But why does this happen in women and not in men? The reason for this is that women have a distinctive structure of collagen fibers in the subcutaneous tissue. They are located perpendicular to the skin and parallel to each other. This leads to frequent fluid stagnation. The female hormone estrogen activates the process of “obesity” of subcutaneous cells.
Male collagen fibers intersect with each other, forming a strong cellular structure, which is much more difficult to stretch.
Let's make a small remark: it is impossible to visually determine male cellulite. But if a representative of the stronger half of humanity has significantly gained weight and is already in the second and third stages of obesity, he can still be diagnosed with cellulite. The thing is that with the development of female-type obesity in men, estrogens begin to accumulate in adipose tissue. So, with excess body weight, cellulite occurs in men.
Features of the appearance of cellulite in pregnant women
Women in an “interesting position” are at a particular risk of developing cellulite. The reason for this is constant changes in the body and stagnant processes in the cells of the subcutaneous fatty retina. After all, it is known that during pregnancy a woman begins to rapidly gain weight. Many body systems do not have time to cope with increased stress and “turn on” their defensive reaction. These include cells that stop their reproduction and begin to accumulate fluid, fats and toxins. This leads to the formation of an "orange peel".
Where does cellulite come from?
Cellulite is usually called a local increase in fat cells with a simultaneous disruption of microcirculation in adipose tissue. Outwardly, this manifests itself in the appearance of bumps on the skin with pits and depressions, hence the name “orange peel.”
Human subcutaneous tissue consists of a certain amount of fat cells with connective tissue between them. If a person gains weight, the cells also increase. Their number remains constant, but they grow, press on each other, interfering with the flow of lymph. As a result, nutrients do not reach the tissues.
This process is similar to what happens to a person gaining weight. Imagine that each fat cell is like such a person. And each one begins to gain weight, absorbing toxins and liquid. The result is that fat cells bulge outward, tightened by connective tissue, and the skin becomes like the peel of an orange.
Since the point here is not at all in the number of fat cells, slender girls are not immune from the development of cellulite. Excess weight is not the only factor that provokes this annoying nuisance. Fat cells may well grow for other reasons. It’s just that in overweight women, the “orange peel” is more pronounced and therefore more noticeable.
The main causes of cellulite
There are at least 15 reasons for the development of cellulite
. They all have their own specific features:
- Hormonal imbalance in the body. It can occur due to a number of factors: from poor lifestyle and bad habits to prolonged use of potent drugs and stress.
- Disruption of the pancreas and, as a result, metabolic disorders.
- Venous insufficiency.
- Lymphatic failure.
- Varicose veins
- Exposure to the body of harmful substances (exhaust gases, toxic waste fumes, etc.).
- Improper and unbalanced nutrition. Particularly harmful effects are observed from the consumption of fast food and sweet soda.
- Stress and depression.
- Sedentary lifestyle (office workers are at particular risk).
- Pregnancy.
- Fluctuations in weight (sharp decrease and increase).
- Uncontrolled and prolonged use of all kinds of medications, including dietary supplements and other drugs.
- Addiction to alcohol.
- Smoking.
- Hereditary predisposition.
This is the minimum list that can be attributed to the root cause of cellulite.
Stages of cellulite development and their features
4 stages of development in total
diseases of the local type of subcutaneous fat cells.
- The first stage does not cause any suspicion, since the “orange peel” is not yet noticeable. Minor bumpy irregularities can only be seen if you squeeze a certain area of the skin. But in its normal state it still remains even and smooth. The extent of the affected areas depends on the degree of circulatory and lymphatic circulation impairment. Due to the low level of outflow of interstitial fluid and insufficient blood supply, cells are deprived of oxygen, as a result of which, whenever necessary, they begin to absorb everything that comes in their way. Hematomas and small capillary spider veins can easily appear on the body.
- The second stage is the visual presence of cellulite. The texture of the skin changes, and when the muscles are tense, dents and bumps are visible. The cells continue to increase in size, which leads to tissue swelling and compression of the walls of blood vessels. Local lymphatic supply and blood supply deteriorate. The set of processes of absorption of substances slows down and cells, being in a state of oxygen starvation, activate the processes of lipogenesis. Toxins and toxic substances accumulate in the tissues. All lipolysis processes are inhibited. At this stage of development of structural changes in the subcutaneous layer, tissue fibers grow and their density increases.
- At the third stage of development, uneven skin and tubercles are noticeable even when the muscles of the legs and thighs are completely relaxed. If you conduct a therapeutic examination, you can find that the body temperature in the areas affected by cellulite is significantly lower than in other areas. Skin sensitivity increases. When squeezed, pain appears. This occurs because cell growth has reached the nerve endings of the connective tissues. Moreover, tissue metabolism itself is disrupted, and the affected cells continue to accumulate waste and metabolic products. In women with the third stage of cellulite, varicose veins are observed. The capillary walls become significantly denser and thicker. Acid compounds, triglycerides and various toxins accumulate in the structural and functional elementary biological units of the structure. Tissue membranes become denser. Metabolic processes stop in the affected cell.
- The fourth is the last stage of development of a local type of disease, which has pronounced advanced forms. Lumps and pits are clearly visible on the skin, and the skin itself becomes thick and rough. With tactile contact you can feel severe pain. On palpation, numerous nodes of varying sizes are felt. Extensive microvaricosities are observed.
Prevention of cellulite in the initial stages
The most effective methods of preventing cellulite in the initial stages are:
- physical activity;
- diet;
- anti-cellulite creams and gels;
- anti-cellulite massages.
Physical activity
If we talk about physical activity, then the best option for preventing cellulite is walking - walking 4-5 km a day will be enough. It is important to note that only walking in sports shoes or at least low heels has a positive effect, because high heels disrupt the distribution of body weight and impede blood circulation. For representatives of “sedentary” and sedentary professions, it is important to get the blood flowing every half hour or hour - walk, do several dozen squats, and perform simple stretching exercises.
Targeted daily activity - exercise, going to the gym - will not be superfluous. The main equipment in the gym is the exercise bike. Excellent results in the prevention of cellulite on the buttocks and thighs can be achieved by “Walking on the buttocks”; swinging your legs up while lying on your side is also effective. Regular abdominal exercises will keep your abdominal area toned; crunching exercises are good for your waist. Jumping rope and running are good for preventing cellulite - these are simple ways to activate metabolism, blood circulation and strengthen muscles.
Proper nutrition
If you want to avoid the development of cellulite, stick to your diet. Try to minimize or eliminate fatty and salty foods, fast food, and sweet soda from your diet. Animal fats have a particularly negative effect on the body. Sweets and flour should also be kept to a minimum. A healthy diet without fanaticism will help avoid the development of cellulite - vegetables and herbs, fruits, natural juices, vegetable oils, dairy products, whole grain porridge, boiled lean meat. There is no need to exhaust yourself, but it is imperative to follow a healthy diet.
Anti-cellulite massages and products
You can do anti-cellulite massages yourself - for this you will need a hard brush or a washcloth for taking a shower, for example. It is preferable to choose products with natural bristles. They perfectly massage the skin, improve blood circulation and promote metabolism at the cellular level. For these purposes, you can also purchase a special massage brush, which is usually used in conjunction with anti-cellulite cream or oil.
At the initial stage, the use of these funds will be sufficient, at later stages they are relevant as auxiliary prevention to consolidate the results.
Types of cellulite
Experts distinguish three main types of cellulite:
- Flaccid (adipose, fatty). The skin is loose and soft, soft tubercles are visible, which can easily change their location. The reason is poor nutrition.
- Hard (fibrous). Very dense lumps on the skin are visually noticeable. The cause of this type of cellulite may be hormonal changes or advanced forms of adipose cellulite.
- Edema (watery). Visually, this cellulite is almost invisible. It appears when pressed. Moreover, it is important that the hole that appears disappears within 2-3 seconds. Only then can you safely say that you have an edematous type of cellulite. It may occur due to hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, and excessive fluid retention in the tissue.
Etiology
Cellulite develops when fluid accumulates in fat cells. Swelling occurs and the surrounding structures are compressed. In response to external influences, connective tissue activates the synthesis of collagen, which tightly covers pathological cells and prevents blood microcirculation. This is the main physiological cause of cellulite. In conditions of poor nutrition, isolated tissues can become inflamed and painful.
Human subcutaneous fat consists of three layers:
- the first one covers the entire surface of the body and is more often affected by cellulite;
- the second is deeper, located under the muscle layer. Tissue volume does not change with increasing or decreasing body weight;
- the third is internal or visceral, located in the abdominal cavity. The growth of a deep layer of fat often manifests itself as a “beer belly.”
The number of cells in each tissue is always the same. The fat layer grows not due to the division of structures, but due to their increase in volume. Individual adipocytes are capable of 30–40 times the size of a healthy cell. Understanding the essence of pathological processes helps in selecting treatment.
Salon methods for treating cellulite
Many girls who discover cellulite try to solve the problem on their own. But it should be understood that therapy at home can only be effective in the initial stages. In more advanced cases, the right decision would be to contact a specialized center.
Modern beauty salons offer a huge range of services that are aimed at combating cellulite. But how to choose the most suitable procedure?
Let's highlight the “top 9 salon cellulite treatment methods” in our centers:
- LPG massage is a patented method of body correction and modeling using the 9th generation French devices from LPG Systems - Cellu M6 Endermolab and Cellu M6 Integral. As a result of the impact, dense adipose tissue is kneaded, excess fluid is removed from the body, the appearance of cellulite is smoothed and the condition of the body’s skin is improved.
- LPG Alliance body is a development of the previous method, massage using the 10th generation LPG Systems apparatus. As a result of this procedure, there is not only a decrease in subcutaneous fat, an improvement in skin quality and a reduction in the clinical manifestations of cellulite, but also a pronounced strengthening of the walls of blood vessels, which is reflected in a decrease in the manifestations of varicose veins and vascular networks on the surface of the skin. This procedure is ideal for patients who have vascular problems. The effect is amazing - improving the health of the whole body, slowing down the aging process and modeling a harmonious figure in a short time.
- Pressotherapy is a type of lymphatic drainage, the essence of which is the effect of compressed air on the lymphatic system, which occurs with the help of special corsets and is regulated by a computer. With the help of the procedure, blood supply to tissues is improved, excess fluid and harmful substances are removed. This helps treat tissue affected by cellulite.
- RF lipolysis or radiofrequency therapy has an effect at the level of subcutaneous fat, which improves blood supply, accelerates the process of fat breakdown, hypertrophied fat cells stop putting pressure on the skin - as a result, the condition of the skin improves, cellulite becomes less noticeable.
- Shock wave therapy is the effect of a low-frequency shock wave, which penetrates to a depth of 5 cm and is converted into mechanical energy in tissues, destroying fibrous partitions, stimulating blood circulation, lymph outflow and activating collagen synthesis.
- Biostimulation Futura Pro is a hardware technique for harmonizing body contours, reducing cellulite and strengthening the skin. Special anti-cellulite programs are provided.
- Ozone therapy allows you to reduce the external signs of cellulite at any stage, adjust body volumes and lift the skin.
- Salon wraps (hot, cold, mud-salt, using seaweed, etc.) are ancient techniques based on the application of biologically active substances, followed by the application of bandages.
- Manual classic anti-cellulite massage is a traditional procedure that helps improve blood circulation and metabolic processes in tissues, and improve overall skin tone. This is not only useful, but also very pleasant!
Second stage of cellulite
In the second stage of cellulite, it is possible to distinguish, without squeezing, lumps and bumps on the skin formed by excess fluid and fatty deposits. The leather feels like rubber to the touch. When squeezed, pain is added.
Deposits of fluid and fat in the subcutaneous fat are locked in the subcutaneous layers, as the vessels are compressed.
Connective tissue fibers envelop more or less large accumulations of fat, forming increasingly large uneven skin. This may lead to loss of sensation in the affected areas.
Fighting methods
In order to destroy these seals and normalize the circulation of fluid in the subcutaneous layers, a complex intensive method of struggle is necessary: diet, physical activity, anti-cellulite massage, the use of anti-cellulite cosmetics, body wraps, a bath with a broom, etc. In addition, it is worth using non-radical salon methods. For example, a hardware massage would be suitable.