What is cellulite?
Cellulite is characterised by lumpy deposits of fat visible on the skin’s surface, and is typically found on the thighs, hips and buttocks and sometimes the arms and stomach.
Anyone can be affected by cellulite, whether they are of healthy weight, underweight or overweight. It is most prevalent in women, although some men are affected by it.
Cellulite is not dangerous or harmful, but it can be difficult to treat.
What causes cellulite?
Cellulite is linked to sluggish circulation, because slow circulation allows toxins to sit in lymph fluid. If the skin’s collagen fibres and connective tissue weaken, the lymph and toxins can then become trapped. This causes bulges of fat to appear on the skin’s surface.
The development of cellulite is also linked to hormonal shifts, which explains its prevalence in women of pubescent and peri-menopausal age. The hormonal shifts can cause sluggish circulation and weakened connective tissue, so fat cells can protrude, causing the dimpled effect.
Age is also a factor. When ageing skin loses firmness, its laxity allows fat cells to protrude more, which makes cellulite appear more obvious.
At Home Cellulite Treatment
The appearance of cellulite can be minimised by daily dry body brushing, gentle body scrubs and topical creams, because they help to boost circulation. Topical scrubs and creams contain stimulating or thermal ingredients with firming, toning properties. They aim to trigger circulation and release trapped lymph fluids and toxins. They also address skin laxity in cellulite-affected areas.
Exercise that boosts circulation and lymph flow is beneficial. This includes jumping movements, like jogging, skipping, bouncing on a mini-tramp or any form of cardiovascular exercise.
A diet full of fresh, fibrous vegetables will help. The fibre from the vegetables works as an intestinal broom, sweeping toxins from the body. Drink plenty of purified water, too. It hydrates the body, costs circulation and supports efficient cellular function.
In Salon Cellulite Treatments
Beauty and skin therapists can treat cellulite on a deeper level. They typically use thermal/cooling ingredients in body scrubs and wraps. These encourage circulation of lymph fluid, which helps flush toxins from the body.
Medi-spas offer low grade radiofrequency, light ultrasound or microwave therapy. A massage hand piece delivers the energy, which penetrates deeper into affected areas to help release trapped lymph and toxins and break up fatty deposits.
In Clinic Cellulite Solutions
Registered cosmetic nurses, cosmetic physicians or dermatologists can use medical grade energy devices to treat cellulite.
Cryolipolysis, a treatment that freezes the affected cells, has shown good results. The fat cells, once destroyed, are safely metabolised and eliminated by the body’s natural excretory processes.
Clinical practitioners can also use higher grade radiofrequency, laser, ultrasound or microwave therapy. They deliver heat deeper into affected areas to break down the cellulite deposits, so deliver more effective results. These treatments are well tolerated and there is no downtime, but a series of up to three or four treatments is usually required for best results.
