Cellulite

Cellulite is defined as subcutaneous fat that causes the dimpling of the skin, due to the fat pushing through connective tissue above. It isn’t harmful, but many people wish to get rid of it for aesthetic reasons. This condition affects 90% of women over their lifetime.

Cellulite can occur in both skinny and overweight people and is more common among women than men because they carry their weight more around their thighs and buttocks.

It usually occurs around the thighs, buttocks, and sometimes the upper arm areas. The condition is also less noticeable on darker skin.

Loss of circulation is one of the main causes of cellulite.

CAUSES

Genetic predisposition
Total body fat/being overweight
Hormonal changes
Aging
Dehydration
Changes in metabolism
Poor diet
Stress (causes production of catecholamine which is associated with the development of cellulite)
Lack of exercise
Poor circulation
Smoking (reduces blood vessel flow and weakens collagen)

TREATMENTS

Cellulite creams: These claim to dissolve subcutaneous fat. These have not been proven to work
Liposuction: This has not been proven to work and has been reported to make the fat distribution more uneven
Mesotherapy: This treatment involves injecting substances such as minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids into the tissue beneath the skin to dissolve fat. Side effects include swelling, infection, and irregular contours.
Endermology: This involves treating patients’ trouble spots with a suctioning device surrounded by rollers. This has been known to have visible improvements after 10 or so sessions
Massage: This helps to improve blood flow and circulation
Dry brushing: This effectively opens up the skin’s pores, and stimulates blood and lymph flow. Starting at the feet and working upwards (and inwards from the hands/arms), brush towards the heart using long sweeps with a dry brush with natural bristles (stiff but not too hard)
Weight loss: This may have an effect on cellulite if the person is overweight
Diet and exercise: This helps to improve blood flow and lessen cellulite, especially if it is caused by a mineral deficiency or inactivity
Injectable dermal fillers: These work temporarily
Compression garments: These garments compress arteries and increase blood and lymph flow to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Has not been proven to work
Laser therapy: This works by using an optic laser to melt fat, break up fibrous connective tissue, and stimulate the growth of new collagen
Radiotherapy: Radio waves are used to treat cellulite and results last from 6 months to 1 year
Change from chemically laden moisturizers to natural ones, as excess toxins in the skin can lead to cellulite
Toxin baths
Consult with a doctor to find out if your hormones can be balanced if they are the problem

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS FOR CELLULITE TREATMENT

Ginger: This herb encourages oxygen production and blood flow
Primrose oil: It aids with the repair of cells and increases the production of collagen (the main structural protein found in connective tissue), resulting in stronger cell walls, and skin elasticity
Gotu Kola: This herb decreases the effects of cellulite by increasing the body’s circulation and blood flow. It also aids in the production of collagen, promoting skin elasticity, and helps with providing oxygen and nutrients to the cells
Horse chestnut: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties, decreases the pore size of vessel walls, and improves blood flow, reducing the formation of cellulite and smoothing the skin. These properties are due to the presence of the chemical aescin, which can also be used in lotions and creams
Gingko Biloba: This plant improves blood flow and circulation, and it’s antioxidant properties aid to reduce the formation of damaged oxidized cholesterol
Dandelion: This herb helps the liver break down waste products and toxins, and prevents water retention due to high potassium levels
Gelatin: This supplement supports skin, nail, and hair growth, helps tighten loose skin, is a source of dietary collagen, and a good source of protein for muscle development (which also helps decrease the appearance of cellulite). Also helps with immune function and weight regulation
Caffeine: Used frequently as scrubs or in lotions, the massaging effect increases circulation and blood flow, and the caffeine has a tightening effect on skin
Omega-3 fatty acid: Studies found that people with cellulite often have an imbalance of fatty acids the body requires for smooth skin and tissue. Consuming Omega-3 acids may help to balance these acids, and lessen the effects of cellulite
Cayenne pepper: This food increases circulation and metabolism
Juniper oil: Used topically, this essential oil has high detoxing properties, and increases circulation
Apple cider vinegar: This is thought to reduce cellulite due to its ability to flush out toxins, and relieve water retention and bloating. It can be applied topically or ingested
Seaweed: Improves circulation, and flushes toxins from the body
Boron: This element is used for balancing estrogen and progesterone in women, and so can alleviate cellulite if it is caused by unbalanced hormones
Green tea: This drink is high in antioxidants, helps remove toxins from the body, and helps burn fat (including subcutaneous fat)
Tangerine oil: Used topically, or ingested (3 drops per glass of water), this oil improves circulation and helps break down fat, especially subcutaneous fat.
Flaxseed: Moderates estrogen levels and increases collagen production
Parsley: This herb has detoxifying properties, is a diuretic (helps flush out excess water), helps get rid of toxins, increases circulation, protects the liver, and lowers glucose levels (therefore helping with weight loss)
Grape seed: This helps strengthen collagen fibres, maintain skin elasticity, strengthens connective tissues and vein walls, and improves circulation
Rose hip oil: Used topically, this oil aids with healthy skin, and greater skin elasticity
Tomatoes: These contain lycopene which prevents fat accumulation and the breakdown of collagen in the skin
Green clay: Used topically, this removes dead skin cells, reduces fat, removes toxins, and increases blood circulation

REFERENCES

Navigation

Contacts

Recent News

What are UTI’s? Urinary Tract Infections

admin September 14, 2022

Do you… Frequently or urgently need to urinate Often only pass small amounts of urine Have Pain or burning sensation when urinating These can be symptoms of urinary tract infections. There

Disclaimer – Our intent is not to diagnosis but to offer information on therapy choices and practitioners. Information on this site is intended general educational purposes only. Any statements made are carefully referenced and any information, products or services discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before making a choice.