Cellulite and the keys to fighting it
Why is it that when the time comes to set foot on the beach, we're overcome by bikini fear? The dreaded cellulite is to blame for our insecurities: for many of us, having our thighs and glutes out in the open isn‘t much fun. Although there’s no miracle cure for that annoying orange peel effect, we do hold some keys to reducing its effects.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is an accumulation of adipose tissue (water and toxins) in certain areas of the body, especially our legs and bums, where nodules of fat form. As these nodules increase in size, they push upwards, giving the epidermis a rough appearance.
We tend to use the words cellulite and orange peel interchangeably. Although both are localised deposits of fat, orange peel is not visible unless we pinch our skin, whereas cellulite is a change to the circulation in the hypodermis; this is a much deeper layer of the skin, but it can be seen by the naked eye.
Why does cellulite appear?
Women are unfortunately far more likely than men to suffer with these unsightly dimples. Why? Oestrogens, those female hormones that favour fluid retention and the accumulation of fat. And not even slim girls are free of it: 85% of women older than 20 have some kind of cellulite.
The main reasons it appears are:
- Poor circulation: it is more difficult to remove toxins if you have a circulatory disorder such as heavy legs or varicose veins, which favour the appearance of orange peel.
- Hormonal imbalances: puberty, pregnancy, the menopause or taking the contraceptive pill cause situations of hormonal imbalance in our bodies. This means rising oestrogen levels, and consequently increased fluid retention, favouring the accumulation of fat and cellulite.
- Inadequate diet: an increased number of fat cells due to a higher consumption of calories (more than our body needs) favours the appearance of cellulite.
- Sedentary lifestyle or lack of regular exercise: the lack of daily physical activity favours the accumulation of fat, leading to the development of cellulite.
- Genetic or hereditary factors: if any member of your family has had orange peel or cellulite, you have a higher chance of getting it. Bear this in mind and keep an eye on your diet!
How can I fight cellulite?
Although dermatology experts tell us that there is no decisive medical solution to put an end to cellulite, they do offer a series of tips to diminish its effects and stop it getting worse. Take note of these 4 pieces of advice:
- Get moving!: do a sport, walk for half an hour, go for a stroll on the beach; ideally, you should do some exercise at least 3 times a week. But if you don’t have time to go to the gym, make the most of any opportunity to move your legs: walk an extra stop when you get off the bus, use the stairs in tube stations, cycle around the city, etc. All these activities will help activate the blood flow in your body and metabolise fat cells.
- Keep hydrated: water activates the slow circulation in your extremities, so don’t forget always to have a bottle with you. Drink even when you don’t feel thirsty, starting first thing in the morning.
- Eat smart: try to avoid everything you know “pollutes” your body, such as sugar, fat, white flour and too many carbs. Eat more fruits, vegetables, pulses and raw nuts.
- Use anti-cellulite products: there are advanced formulas that have been shown to be effective, for example treatments with proteoglycans and caffeine, which have a remodelling effect. Other treatments contain active ingredients such as AHA and dexpanthenol, which make the skin smoother. There are there are also solutions made with lipoic acid, which make the skin firmer from the inside. When applying these products, massage the affected areas in an upwards direction; this boosts blood flow.
These recommendations might not completely eliminate deep cellulite, but they will noticeably improve our figure, making us feel a bit happier and more confident in our bodies. At the end of the day, that’s what matters, right?
