Cellulite is a skin condition that leads to a bumpy appearance. It looks like the texture of orange peel or cottage cheese. In most cases, it occurs on the thighs and buttocks but can also appear on the breasts, lower abdomen, and upper arms.
What causes cellulite remains a bit of a puzzle. It is caused by the pressure of fat against the skin as fibrous cords pull down.
This imbalance creates a lumpy appearance. Hormones, especially estrogen, are a major factor. Genetics, age, and body composition also play a role.
This article explores the best Cellulite treatments, home remedies, and lifestyle changes to get rid of cellulite.
Who Gets Cellulite?
The occurrence of cellulite is significantly more frequent in females than males. About 90% of women have cellulite in puberty. It is due to their fat distribution.
The process is more noticeable with age because the skin becomes less elastic. Although cellulite may be more prominent due to weight gain, slim people can still have that condition.
Genes play a crucial role here. Also, lack of movement may raise the risk. The risk is higher during pregnancy.
How Common is Cellulite?
Cellulite is extremely common, especially among women. Estimates say 80 to 90 percent of women get some cellulite at some point in their lives.
The condition is more common after puberty. This shows a strong link to hormonal changes and factors. Men can also have cellulite. But it’s much less common. This is because their fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed differently than in women.
How is Cellulite Diagnosed?
It’s usually easy to tell if you have cellulite. You don’t often need a doctor to know for sure. Cellulite makes your skin look uneven, with dimples or bumps, like the surface of an orange peel or cottage cheese. Usually, looking at the skin where you think the cellulite is can tell you if it’s there.
Doctors can check for cellulite by looking at your skin. But they don’t need special tests or to take pictures of your body. Cellulite is easy to spot because it makes the skin look on the outside.
Treatment For Cellulite
Recent studies back a few effective cellulite treatments:
- Acoustic Wave Therapy: It breaks up cellulite with sound waves. You might need several sessions to see changes.
- Laser Treatment: Different laser treatments also work. For example, Cellulaze uses a small laser under the skin. It breaks down cellulite bands and thickens skin. Results can last over a year, but more research is needed.
- Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release: This method uses a device with tiny blades to cut tough bands under the skin. These bands are sliced, letting the tissue rise and smooth out dimpled skin. The effects can last up to three years.
- Subcision, or Cellfina: It involves a needle breaking up cellulite bands under the skin. It’s effective in reducing dimples. A study showed 9% satisfaction among 232 patients. The effects can last up to two years.
- Tropical Treatment options: Cellulite creams can smooth your skin for a while. But they don’t remove cellulite. You have to use them every day. They make your skin tight and moisturized, which helps hide the cellulite. These creams often have caffeine.
- Caffeine can make the cellulite look less visible by affecting the fat. Some creams also have retinol. This makes your skin thicker, helping to hide cellulite. But it takes about six months to see results. Retinol can also make your skin dry and sensitive to the sun.
- Cryolipolysis: Cryolipolysis is a treatment that freezes and breaks down fat cells under the skin. Your body then absorbs these cells. You might need a few treatments to lose an inch of fat. It can take 3 to 4 months to see the results.
Home Remedies To Get Rid of Cellulite?
- Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrub: Combine 3 tablespoons of sugar or brown sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil into a paste.
- Rub into the skin area and press firmly for several minutes before washing as usual. Apply it 2-3 times a week, and you will notice visible effects within several weeks.
- Tomato and Lime Juice: Crush 2-3 tomatoes, whip up a paste, and mix it with 2-3 teaspoons of fresh lime juice. Rub this mixture gently onto the cellulite parts, massage it for 5-10 minutes, and then wash off with water. For best results, use it daily.
- Seaweed with Essential Oils: Mix 3 tablespoons of ground seaweed, 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil, and ¼ cup of olive oil. Also, add sea salt and a few drops of any essential oil.
- To make this mixture, gently knead your affected skin for about ten minutes. Do this before baths. Then bathe and apply moisturizer or essential oils such as coconut oil.
- Green Clay with Lemon Juice, Honey, and Seaweed: Mix ½ cup of green clay and ¼ glass of fresh lemon juice. Add ½ cup of seaweed, 3 tablespoons of hot water, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Massage the cellulite area with this solution and apply for about ten minutes. Then, wrap it in a plastic bag and wash it off.
Lifestyle Changes
To address cellulite, eat a balanced diet. Limit processed and high-sugar foods. They can lead to toxin and fat build-up in the body. Also, increase your fiber intake.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial. Keep your body hydrated, as dehydration can accentuate cellulite.
Women should aim for at least nine cups of water daily to help flush out toxins. Also, cutting toxin intake through lifestyle choices helps.
For example, avoiding smoking and too much alcohol can minimize cellulite. They do this by lowering the amount of toxins stored in your body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cellulite, mainly affecting women, is easily recognizable by its bumpy appearance. Treatments range from Acoustic Wave Therapy to Cryolipolysis, with varying success.
Topical creams can temporarily improve skin appearance. Simple home remedies and lifestyle changes can help. These include a balanced diet and staying hydrated. They are also beneficial in managing cellulite.
References
- Mlosek RK, et al. (2011). Imaging of theskin and subcutaneous tissue using classical and high-frequencyultrasonographies in anti-cellulite therapy. DOI:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21332811 - Pianez LR, et al. (2016). Effectiveness ofcarboxytherapy in the treatment of cellulite in healthy women: A pilot study.DOI:
https://dx.doi.org/10.2147%2FCCID.S102503
