Cellulite by Jackie Randal of BodyConfident Northern Beaches.
Cellulite occurs when fat cells enlarge (usually with age) deep underneath the skin and push up against the underlying connective tissue. This process is what causes the skin to have a dimpled, lumpy, cottage cheese appearance. When these individual fat cells increase in size it limits space under the skin which causes a lot of upward pressure on the connective tissue. That pressure forces the fat right up against the top layers of skin, pushes everything upwards, and creates a visibly dimpled look on the surface. When a number of fat compartments expand, this results in even more uneven lumps and bumps and therefore the cellulite spreads across a wider surface area.
Cellulite mostly occurs from the waist down more commonly appearing on the thighs, buttocks and hips.
Hormonal factors – hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development. Many believe estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process.The causes of cellulite are not well known, but there are several theories as to why it can occur.
Genetics – certain genes are required for cellulite. Particular characteristics associated with cellulite, such as gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat underneath the skin, and poor blood flow.
Diet – people who eat too much fat, sugar, carbohydrates, or salt and too little fiber are likely to have greater amounts of cellulite.
Lifestyle factors – cellulite may be more prominent in smokers, those who do not exercise, and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time.
Clothing – underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks (limiting blood flow)
There are different types of cellulite
Grade 1. No visible cellulite, even when the skin is pinched.
Grade 2. No visible cellulite when lying down or standing. An orange peel texture can be seen when the skin is pinched.
Grade 3. Cellulite is visible when standing, but may disappear when lying down.
Grade 4. Visible cellulite when standing and lying down.
95 per cent of women have some type of cellulite somewhere on their body. Even skinny people get cellulite. Cellulite is often hereditary, so it’s likely family members will be suffering from the same problem.
Cellulite forms in areas with the least amount of circulation so it means that without activity, it’s very hard to budge.
The best way to treat cellulite:
A healthy diet and regular exercise is always going to be highly important for targeting cellulite, but sometimes this just isn’t enough. It Is important that your metabolism and your blood circulation are stimulated as much as possible. The Velashape II science works together to target this issue plus more. The combination of four different technologies has an immediate affect in increasing circulation and lyphatic drainage, penetration of precise energy and heat which stimulates fibroblast activity, promotes vasodilation and diffuses oxygen. This in turn promotes an increase in collagen depositing and cellular metabolism resulting in a localized reduction in skin laxity and volume.
At Body Confident we recommend whilst receiving our weekly treatments to use a dry body brush daily. Daily body brushing, stroking in the direction towards your heart will increase fat dispersion if done on a regular basis. There is nothing wrong with applying topical creams, especially post treatment as the skin will absorb the ingredients easier and these active ingredients will do their job not only quicker but more efficiently. When purchasing cellulite products its important to look for key ingredients. Such as: methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine) pentoxifylline, beta-agonists and adrenaline, alpha-antagonists, amino acids, ginkgo biloba, rutin and methyl nicotinate
These above ingredient can help strengthen the skin, veins, drainage of fluids and toxins and may also help increase blood flow.
The team at Body Confident can assist all shapes and sizes and can help comb most cellulite concerns. Our aim is to see all our clients achieve the best results possible.
Below are two images: one of a healthy skin structure and the other one of an unhealthy skin structure.
