Let's Get Realistic About Cellulite
Cellulite is a common cosmetic condition characterized by the appearance of dimpled or lumpy skin, most commonly found on the buttocks, thighs, hips, and abdomen and around 80-90% of women will deal with it in their lives. But why does it occur and what can be done to combat it? We break it down along with Legology founder and creative director Kate Shapland.
Back to the basics - why does cellulite occur?
Cellulite occurs due to the interaction of various factors, including the structure of connective tissue, fat distribution, and changes in blood and lymphatic circulation. The underlying cause of cellulite is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of:
Connective tissue structure: The connective tissue in the subcutaneous layer of the skin contains fibrous bands called septae. In women, these septae are arranged vertically, allowing fat cells to protrude through the tissue and create the characteristic dimpling effect.
Fat accumulation: The accumulation of subcutaneous fat in certain areas can contribute to the appearance of cellulite. The fat cells can push against the connective tissue, leading to a bulging effect.
Changes in blood and lymphatic circulation: Impaired blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the affected areas can contribute to the development of cellulite. Reduced circulation may lead to fluid retention and inflammation, worsening the appearance of cellulite.
Hormonal factors, such as estrogen, may also play a role in the development of cellulite. Estrogen is known to influence fat distribution, collagen production, and blood vessel function, all of which can impact the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, fluctuations in hormone levels during different stages of a woman's life, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can contribute to the formation or worsening of cellulite.
It's important to note that cellulite is not necessarily an indication of poor health or weight-related issues. Even individuals with a healthy body weight can experience cellulite due to genetic predisposition or other factors.
Did you know?
Cellulite occurs predominantly in women as opposed to men due to a set of biological differences. The biggest factor is that the structure of connective tissue in women's skin is different from that in men. In women, the fibrous bands called septae that connect the skin to underlying muscle are arranged vertically. This vertical arrangement allows fat cells to protrude through the tissue more easily, creating the characteristic dimpling effect of cellulite. In men, the connective tissue is typically arranged in a crisscross or diagonal pattern, which provides better structural support and reduces the visibility of cellulite. Moreover, women tend to have a higher percentage of body fat compared to men. The pattern of fat distribution in women is often characterized by a higher concentration in the buttocks, thighs, and hips, where cellulite commonly appears. This distribution, combined with the structure of connective tissue, can increase the likelihood of cellulite development.
Are there any effective treatments or procedures marketed for cellulite reduction?
To date, despite claims made by many companies, no treatment or procedure has been universally proven to completely eliminate cellulite. Various approaches, including lifestyle modifications, topical treatments, and medical procedures, may offer temporary improvement in its appearance.
“There are, as we know many options, and I've tried most of them” shares with us Kate Shapland, “The results appear to be subjective but far and away the approach that has worked most successfully for me and most of the women who have committed to it, is an inclusive one that requires small lifestyle edits. The reason for this is that cellulite is caused by a number of factors that are most effectively dealt with through professional treatment, home maintenance, nutrition, and activity.
Cellulite is not a fat issue per se, in other words, it does not form because you are overweight or unfit, although both of these things will exaggerate it. Cellulite forms when waste gets trapped between fat cells causing them to misalign and the surface of the skin to appear bumpy/uneven. This happens when the lymph, the body's natural waste removal network isn't performing to its optimum and transporting waste quickly enough to the nodes where it can be metabolized. That waste gets trapped, causing congestion around the cells and between the tissues, causing cellulite, heaviness, and bloat. The three are connected. To improve on this involves stimulating the lymph, which can only happen when you move more (unlike your circulation the lymph does not have a heart to pump it around the body, it relies on you to move), eat in a way that promotes the lymph and have treatments or use products that have a deep drainage benefit. That's why losing weight, trying to get more fit or just applying a cream to cellulite will not work. You have to do all of these things, everyday, to see incremental benefits.
On the professional side, all treatments help providing they are helping with deep drainage. Treatments like laser therapy which have a firming effect on the skin can help marginally, but not as effectively as deep drainage. This, I believe, is best fine by hand with a therapist who is intuitive enough to feel where the congestion is through her fingers and push it out from between the cells. It needs considered, skilled practise and cannot to my mind be achieved with a machine. A really good remedial massage therapist should be able to demonstrate immediate visible benefits which get better over time after additional treatments. At home additional support from body brushing and cupping helps enormously to coax the lymph and smooth out areas of unevenness. So in answer to your question, any professional treatment which encourages deep drainage will help, but manual deep drainage massage with diuretic aromatherapy oil, is infinitely best. Avoid any product or treatment that promises to eliminate cellulite on its own or do it by reducing fat. Simply neither are possible.
A side note about lymphatic drainage massage. There are two types: deep drainage with medium to high pressure, is for cellulite; light lymphatic drainage, often done with talcum powder, is usually recommended for chronic lymphatic disorders like lymphoedema; there's a world of difference!“
Can cellulite ever be completely eliminated, or is it more realistic to aim for its reduction?
“Personally I think it's more realistic to aim for reduction and improvement because although it can be removed completely this is a challenge to maintain. We are human and life is to be lived! And there are times in your life when hormones make shifting cellulite harder (pregnancy, menopause). I also think that a lot of women find that when they do reduce cellulite, having improved their lifestyle habits, it becomes less of an issue and they are more confident anyway. People are often very surprised by this!”
So there you have it, there’s no quick fix or a magic cream - and like everything good in life, we need to work for the effects, but a comprehensive approach involving professional treatments, home maintenance, nutrition, and activity has shown the most successful results in cellulite reduction - so there is hope!