What is cellulite? Main causes, stages of development, consequences. The most effective methods of dealing with the "orange peel".
Cellulite is a local increase and accumulation of fat cells, which is accompanied by impaired blood circulation and lymph flow, as well as the proliferation of connective tissue. Visually, it is identified by specific bumps on the skin - the so-called "orange peel". Cellulite develops in different ways: sometimes a cosmetic defect occurs as early as adolescence, and some women do not know what it is until very old age. To get rid of the "orange peel", an integrated approach is important: you can use a variety of cosmetic products and folk remedies, carry out procedures in the salon and at home, and exercise. It is also imperative to reconsider your lifestyle.
What is cellulite?
In the photo, the girl's cellulite
Cellulite is a structural change in the subcutaneous adipose tissue that leads to impaired microcirculation and lymphatic drainage. In fact, such phenomena are nothing more than stagnation, which leads to metabolic disorders and dystrophy of subcutaneous fat.
By the way, doctors prefer not to use the name "cellulite": it does not reflect the essence of the processes, since the suffix "- it" indicates the presence of inflammation, and it does not exist as such with such changes. Therefore, from experts you can hear another term - gynoid lipodystrophy.
Normally, fats are synthesized in the connective tissue, followed by their transformation and introduction into the circulatory system. This process involves small fat cells, which are collected in "fat lobules", and around them - collagen and reticular tissue. "Lobules" are directly related to the circulatory system. Thanks to them, lipids enter the bloodstream, and it carries fats as a source of nutrition to all tissues of the body.
However, this system fails for various reasons. Fat cells, also called adipocytes, stop functioning properly. Fats accumulate, capillaries weaken, swelling occurs, which further interferes with the circulation of blood and lymph - a vicious circle is obtained.
There are four stages in the development of gynoid lipodystrophy:
- The first … Stagnation of the intercellular fluid is formed. Beauticians also call this cellulite on the thighs and in other places soft. At this stage, you may notice swelling.
- Second … As adipocytes cease to function properly, fat cells accumulate, contributing to the thickening and hardening of collagen fibers. It is more and more difficult for lymph and blood to make their way to the cells. At this stage, when pressing on the skin, dents remain: such marks indicate a loss of elasticity.
- Third … Experts call this stage liposclerosis or hard cellulite. Just at this stage, the "orange peel" appears clearly. The specific effect is explained by the formation of tissue fibrosis, provoked by the grouping of fat cells into nodes. It can be considered that cellulite on the legs, thighs or buttocks is neglected if the skin is bumpy, uneven.
- Fourth … At this stage, the situation gets worse. In addition to the fact that the nodules grow, the integuments become more and more lumpy, pain is possible.
It is important to know that neglected lipodystrophy is not only ugly, but also dangerous to health! Since blood and lymph flow is disturbed, cramps occur in the legs, and a feeling of numbness may appear. Cellulite also provokes the development of varicose veins.
The main causes of cellulite
Despite the rapid development of medicine, doctors still cannot give a definite answer as to why cellulite occurs. Since the phenomenon of pathology has not been fully studied and disclosed, it also complicates the fight against the "orange peel". In any case, it can be firmly argued that gynoid lipodystrophy occurs as a result of several factors.
The main reasons why cellulite appears:
- Improper nutrition … An abundance of fatty, fried foods, sweets, smoked foods. Adipocytes, satisfying the body's energy needs, trigger the production of endorphin, a hormone that gives a feeling of satisfaction. When a person abuses tasty and junk food, addiction arises: the body requires more and more leptin, in response, adipocytes are actively formed, and they need additional nutrition … Appetite grows, fat reserves increase in parallel, inhibiting the movement of lymph and blood - the pathological process is running.
- Heredity … Genetics directly affects the rate of metabolic processes and blood circulation, the distribution of fat cells.
- Diseases of the endocrine system … They lead to hormonal imbalances. Hormones, in turn, directly affect metabolism. When their production is impaired, blood supply deteriorates, lymph stagnation occurs, and an "orange peel" appears.
- Sedentary lifestyle … Modern people do not have time to expend energy consumed with food. Therefore, its excess is "stored in reserve", as a result, fatty deposits appear, which leads to a deterioration in the movement of blood and lymph.
- Smoking … This habit causes disturbances in the circulatory system. In addition, nicotine destroys vitamin C. This also affects blood vessels, losing elasticity, becoming brittle. The outflow of fluid worsens, stagnation occurs, cellulite appears.
- Stressful situations … They provoke hormonal surges, knocking out the endocrine and other systems from the rhythm. Many people have a tendency to “seize” stress with junk food. Therefore, fatty deposits increase, blood supply and lymph flow deteriorate.
Ways to combat cellulite
Having studied in detail the causes of cellulite, we can conclude that the fight against the "orange peel" should be complex. It is even more important to start taking action at an early stage: the more pronounced the fibrosis, the more difficult it is to eliminate it.
Proper nutrition for cellulite
If cellulite is found on the buttocks, thighs or legs, it is necessary to adjust the diet. It is necessary to eliminate everything fatty - margarine and mayonnaise, fatty meat and dairy products. It is important to forget about smoked meats, canned food, sugar and its substitutes. The situation is aggravated by sweets and pastries with white flour, pickled foods, black tea and coffee. You should not use seasonings with flavor enhancers, carbonated drinks.
It is important to replenish the menu with foods that start the process of bile production, help eliminate toxins from the body. Therefore, it is useful to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, drink water (1.5-2 liters per day) and fruit drink without adding sugar to it.
It is necessary to switch to green tea, in which you can put honey for sweetness, but not abuse it. Herbal teas with the addition of rose hips, peppermint, chicory help to normalize the production of bile.
It is very helpful to start the day with whole grain cereals. Instead of the usual desserts, it is better to eat seeds and nuts. Alternatively, you can sometimes allow sweet curd.
You should also limit the use of salt, which provokes fluid retention in the body. Recipes for cellulite that use olive oil and lemon juice as a dressing will be very useful.
Note! It is useful to eat seasonal food, eating as little food as possible that has been heat-treated.
Anti-cellulite creams
In the photo, the cream-active Floresan Fitness Body from cellulite
External influence is especially important in the early stages of the appearance of cellulite. A high-quality and correctly selected cream will help to restore the disturbed outflow of lymph, to establish the nutrition of cells and the elimination of toxins, excess fluid.
Priority for formulations containing components that normalize metabolism. Metabolism is restored thanks to the presence of vitamins A and C, B and E. Another valuable supplement that is included in an effective cellulite cream is caffeine. The fact is that it has a fat burning effect.
The most effective creams for cellulite:
- Active cream Floresan Fitness Body … A budget product that can show high performance. The composition is enriched with vitamin E and algae extract, mint and orange oils. The cost of a bottle of 125 ml is only 102 rubles. or UAH 39.
- Cream Vitex "Bath, Sauna, Massage, anti-cellulite" … Another inexpensive beauty product that has received positive reviews. It contains mint and lemon oils, rosemary extract. Caffeine and red peppers help burn fat cells. This cream costs 103 rubles. or 40 UAH.
- Cream Pure line "Slimming" … This tool is recognized as effective and is also relatively inexpensive. It contains caffeine, shea butter. The cost of the product is 172 rubles or 65 UAH.
- Professional cream ARAVIA Organic Slim Shape … A product that starts the process of fat burning, tones and moisturizes the skin. It contains grapefruit oil. This product is more expensive - 740 rubles. or UAH 282.
- Histomer cream С30 Zone 1 Cellulite Treatment … This is a product with lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite effect. Due to the presence of L-carnitine in the composition, it burns fat cells, and is also enriched with shea butter. True, for the Italian cream you will have to pay 4711 rubles. or UAH 1798
Scrubs to eliminate cellulite
Photo of a coffee scrub for cellulite
To combat cellulite, it is useful to use homemade scrubs, as they will help remove dead cells so that beneficial substances can penetrate into the skin. Correctly selected composition stimulates blood circulation and lymph flow.
It is recommended to use such a remedy for cellulite after steaming and moisturizing the skin. The scrub must be applied, kept for a few minutes, and then the treated area must be well rubbed with a massage mitt or brush, and only then can it be washed off.
Effective recipes for cellulite scrubs:
- Based on red and black pepper … These ingredients take 1 teaspoon. The same amount of cinnamon in a powdery state is added to them. Plus you need a tablespoon of sea salt. After mixing the composition, it is enriched with a couple of drops of orange essential oil. It is important to listen to the sensations! If it becomes unbearably painful, it is better to wash off the mass. But a noticeable burning sensation is normal. Pepper warms up the skin, causes a rush of blood, in parallel, the metabolism is activated, fat cells disintegrate.
- On mint essential oil … This cellulite scrub has the opposite effect - it cools. Cells experience stress, so the processes inside them are activated, metabolism is accelerated, fat is burned, blood circulation is improved. For such a composition, it is necessary to prepare a glass of coffee, grinding grain. You should also grind green tea and seaweed, taking half a cup of them. After mixing the components, add a tablespoon of finely ground salt and 1/2 tbsp. l. olive oil. After mixing the ingredients again, drip mint essential oil into the scrub - 10-15 drops. You can also add rosemary and eucalyptus or lemon.
- From shower gel and coffee … Since caffeine burns fat, you can grind the beans and add the resulting powder to your favorite product.
- From coffee and fermented milk product … These ingredients will complement each other, burning fat deposits and supplying valuable substances to the cells. Take plain yogurt without additives, kefir or yogurt. For 6 tablespoons of fermented milk product, you will need 2 tbsp. l. coffee.
- With honey. This beekeeping product improves blood circulation and metabolism. If you take 1 tbsp. l. honey 1 tsp cognac and the same amount of ground coffee, there will already be a very effective scrub that will help remove cellulite on the butt and in other places. And if there is fir oil at home, just drop 5 drops of it, the result will show itself even faster.
- From sea salt … It is rich in numerous minerals, and its crystals remove dead cells. If possible, it is best to buy Dead Sea salt. The same amount of olive oil is needed for 1 tablespoon. After mixing the mass, add your favorite essential oil to it, but better than citrus tree.
- From sugar … Surprisingly, the sweet product will also fight cellulite. Mainly because it acts as an abrasive, exfoliating the skin. But the composition is also enriched with other components to enhance the effect and accelerate the elimination of cellulite. For example, at 4 tbsp. l. granulated sugar take olive oil. Or, alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of sugar and cocoa, olive oil and cream. After such a scrub, the skin will be silky and soft.
Anti-cellulite massage
Anti-cellulite massage will help smooth out irregularities under the skin and remove the "orange peel". You can do it in the salon, but it is also quite possible to conduct sessions at home, including on your own, without the assistance of assistance.
Before doing a massage for cellulite, you need to get acquainted with its basic rules:
- It is important to cleanse the skin and relax the muscles before the procedure.
- It is useful to use special massage creams. Alternatively, use natural honey or citrus essential oil.
- It is better to remove hair before the massage, as it can be damaged or grow into the skin - the effect will be quite active.
- It is important to complete the procedures in a course of 5 sessions, at least, with an interval of a couple of days.
- To obtain the effect, one procedure should last from 30 minutes.
- During the massage, movements should be directed from bottom to top.
How is massage done for cellulite: first, they warm up the area with soft movements, gradually the massage becomes more and more intense: alternating stroking, rubbing and patting.
How much the area is affected is calculated taking into account the condition of the skin. On the abdomen, movements should be soft, you do not need to press hard on this zone. The thighs, buttocks and legs are treated more intensively. If you visit a professional massage therapist, you can make sure that he works hard enough after warming up. You do not need to tune in that you can relax during the session - rather, painful sensations are guaranteed, but it's worth it.
It is not recommended to massage the inner thighs in close proximity to the pubis. Also, you do not need to massage the groin and the area under the knees - this is unhealthy!
Vacuum massage for cellulite is even more effective. Its effectiveness is explained by the fact that negative pressure is created on the site, provoking an influx of current to the zone, activation of metabolism, and opening of capillaries. Moreover, the deep subcutaneous fat layer and even muscles are being worked out.
There are two types of such massage - canned and vacuum-roller. In the first case, special massage cans are used, and in the second, an apparatus in which cans and rollers are combined. Such equipment should only be used by professionals in cosmetic clinics!
Cupping massage can be done on your own, if you want to try all the methods that help to remove cellulite at home. And in this case, warming up is necessary first. Cans affect the skin treated with oil. It is necessary to move from bottom to top in a clockwise direction, without staying in place for more than three seconds. Under the influence of vacuum, the skin turns red, minor pain sensations are permissible. But if you overdo it, severe pain is possible, and then bruising.
Even during the massage, a special cellulite brush is used. In this case, the procedure is performed on dry skin, and it is called brushing. It exfoliates the stratum corneum of the epidermis, causes blood flow, activates the lymph flow. Although many experts do not consider brushing as a truly effective weapon against cellulite, it can be used as an additional measure.
In order not to harm, it is necessary to choose the right brush: on the one hand, it should be tough, but, on the other, not too much. Otherwise, it is easy to damage the skin. A dry brush for cellulite made of synthetic bristles is considered the most gentle. A little rougher - from a cactus. The toughest is from boar bristles. Alternatively, first it is better to accustom the skin to soft, and then buy a harder one.
The massage is performed without wetting the body or applying oil. They move in a straight line from bottom to top or in a circle, but also in the same direction. It is necessary to press perceptibly, but not to the point of pain. At the end of the procedure, it is important to take a shower, rinse off the peeled skin particles, and then apply a moisturizer.
Although you can massage problem areas on your own, learning the technique does not hurt. You can watch the video before doing a cellulite massage. But, as an option, you can go for a couple of sessions to the salon. The procedure without the use of cans and a special apparatus will cost an average of 1600 rubles. (treatment of thighs and buttocks). Cupping massage will cost more - about 2,000 rubles. Vacuum roller - about 3000 rubles.
Anti-cellulite wraps
In the photo, clay wrap from cellulite
When studying how to remove cellulite, you should not ignore the wraps. Their great advantage is that such sessions can be done at home without any problems and even without outside help.
Provided a good recipe, the effect can be seen literally after 3-5 procedures. On average, the procedure lasts 20 minutes. But the duration depends on the composition: if there are burning components, it is better to reduce it. In any case, the wrapping must be done in a spiral, moving from the bottom up.
It is useful to prepare the skin in advance - to clean it, including using a scrub, and massage to warm up the tissues.
For the procedures, you will need cling film that is wrapped around the body to create a greenhouse effect. Shorts are put on over it. There are special ones, but regular tight ones are also suitable. To make the effect even more expressive, it is worth wrapping yourself in a blanket.
The most effective anti-cellulite wraps:
- From clay … Use a regular cosmetic product that is sold in any store. White, black or blue clay is diluted with water to form a mass that resembles thick sour cream in consistency. You can drip citrus essential oil.
- With honey … Heating this product a little, it is mixed with yolk and essential oil. Alternatively, a wrap is made from honey and milk. Another interesting recipe is with the addition of algae, which must first be soaked and then squeezed out.
- From oils … Take a base oil - olive oil is ideal, and essential oils are added to it. Almond, jojoba, lemon, juniper, lavender work well.
- Apple cider vinegar … This product should be diluted 1 to 1 with clean water. Although the cost of wrapping is cheap, it is quite effective.
- Green tea … It is necessary to make a gruel from crushed leaves by pouring hot water over them. Then add a couple of drops of essential oil and start up the composition.
- Ginger … Rub the root to make 2 tablespoons of gruel. Then add the same amount of warm milk to it. Since this is a burning product, it is necessary to listen to the sensations and not keep the mass on the body for more than 20 minutes!
- From flour and pepper tincture … Another warming compound with which you need to be careful. For 3 tablespoons of flour, you will need one yolk and 50 g of pepper tincture. After combining the components, a kind of liquid dough should be obtained. It is better to apply the mass for the first time literally for 10 minutes. And then gradually the duration of the session is increased to half an hour.
Mesotherapy against cellulite
At any stage of cellulite, you can turn to professionals to quickly get rid of the "orange peel". But cosmetologists are especially helpful when the situation is running. If you can't cope on your own, you can take a course of mesotherapy.
The essence of the method is to inject special cocktails under the skin. Dietary supplements stimulate metabolism, help remove congestion, and establish biochemical processes. A specialist individually selects a cocktail, having studied what cellulite looks like, without fail taking into account the peculiarities of the skin and associated problems.
How mesotherapy is done for cellulite:
- First, complexes are used that help remove stagnation, activate lymph outflow.
- Further, drugs are used that break down fat cells.
- After that, it is necessary to activate the blood flow so that it cope with the restoration of metabolism.
- The complex is completed by the introduction of cocktails that increase the tone, saturate the tissues with moisture, and restore elasticity.
Cosmetologists can inject drugs by doing microinjections. It is painful, but the effect will be maximum.
In addition, in search of a solution to how to quickly get rid of cellulite, you can turn to the hardware version of the procedure. In this case, pain is practically excluded: cocktails are introduced by means of ultrasound or electrophoresis. However, more procedures may be needed.
There is also a third way - fractional. The master works as a mesoscooter. A tingling sensation is indispensable, but it is not as painful as injections. However, the fractional method will not help get rid of neglected cellulite.
What scares away from the use of mesotherapy is the cost of the procedures. The price is predetermined by the scale of the task assigned to the master. On average, one zone costs 2500-3000 rubles. At the same time, one visit to the beauty salon is not enough, you need a complex of 10-15 sessions at least. If the moment is missed and you have to look for methods of how to deal with cellulite of the fourth stage, then the number of procedures reaches 20.
Exercise for cellulite
Regardless of the degree of neglect of gynoid lipodystrophy, exercise will be useful, but it is best to play sports for a preventive purpose. Regular exercise prevents the formation of "orange peel", but when it appears, it will be much more difficult to get rid of cellulite at home, and certainly one charge is not enough.
At an early stage, running, cardio loads are useful. If the "orange peel" is very pronounced, you will need strength exercises against cellulite. Only in this case, fat cells will truly be burned, healthy muscle tissues will form, unpleasant bumps will gradually disappear, and beautiful body outlines will be outlined. Ideally, combine cardio and power loads.
The following exercises for cellulite are effective:
- Reverse lunges … From the starting position, standing straight, feet shoulder-width apart, lunges backward, bending your knees in turn at an angle of 90 degrees. Weights will be needed - for example, dumbbells weighing at least 2 kg. Repeat exercises from 10 attacks on each leg.
- Squats … From a standing position, with feet shoulder-width apart and with a straight back, they squat, imagining that they are about to touch the chair with their buttocks. It is important to ensure that the knees do not protrude forward - do not go over the toes. And in this case, for greater efficiency, you need to take dumbbells in each hand. You need to squat from 10-15 times in one go, gradually increasing the load.
- Burpee … A dynamic complex that affects almost all muscle groups. From a standing position, you need to sit down and rest your hands on the floor. At the same moment, the legs jump back, and the body is pulled into the bar. Further, the legs jump forward just as quickly to the arms. Now it remains to jump higher and slap your hands over your head. Then everything is repeated in a circle for 2 minutes. For beginners, it is enough to perform 3-4 of such visits, and then you can increase the load.
How to get rid of cellulite - watch the video:
The more complex the fight against cellulite is, the faster you can achieve a good result. According to experts, such a problem clearly reflects that the lifestyle is fundamentally wrong. Therefore, it is so important to establish a balanced diet, get rid of bad habits, and do not forget about physical activity.