So what actually is cellulite?
Simplifying it, cellulite is essentially trapped fat. It is caused by the build-up of fat deposits beneath the skin, which push against connective tissue and cause the skin to pucker or dimple. Factors that may contribute to the development of cellulite include your genes (yep, you get to blame your parents for this one), hormonal changes, poor circulation, and a sedentary lifestyle. The skin appears dimpled or lumpy, often described as having an orange peel-like texture. It most commonly appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks but can appear in other areas. Fat stored as cellulite is unable to be used for energy or nutrient consumption.
It develops because of increased fat, which stretches the connective tissue cords below the surface of the skin that surround the fat, entrapping them. These tough cords pull down around the fat and create unevenness and dimpling. Although common and harmless, this action separates fat into different areas in the shape of honeycomb, which causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen.*
Cellulite can affect people of all ages and genders, although is more common in women.
Cellulite is more common in women than men because of differences in the way muscle, fat and connective tissue are distributed in the body. Women tend to have more fat than men, and the fat is typically distributed in a way that is more prone to the development of cellulite. As well as this, women's connective tissue is arranged in a way that allows for more flexibility and movement, which can contribute to the appearance of cellulite. Hormonal differences between men and women may also contribute, as oestrogen can contribute to the development of cellulite by weakening the connective tissue and promoting the build up of fat.
Cellulite is not necessarily a sign of poor health.
Did you know that cellulite affects the bums and thighs of between 80-90% of women. This is compared to only 10% of men.*
While there is no known cure for cellulite, there are various treatments that can help reduce its appearance, such as massage, non-surgical treatments, and topical creams.
Certain massage techniques such as lipo-massage or endomassage stimulate the lymphatic system to help encourage the break down of fibrous septae and improve circulation.
LED phototherapy (in particular, red light) will help to improve skin density and the improvement of the collagen matrix in the dermis, reducing the spiral fatty composition of the adipose tissue below the dermis.
There are topical creams available such as Eve Taylor's Cellu-lose Contour Cream that uses quinoa seed extract to discourage orange peel textured skin, hyaluronic acid to smooth and hydrate skin while squalene provides optimum skin smoothing and softening benefits.
Radio frequency promotes lipolysis, encouraging the adipocyte (a cell specialised for the storage of fat, found in connective tissue) to use fat for energy rather than store it as cellulite. Simplifying it, radiofrequency releases heat that is essentially melting fat and smoothing tissue.
If you're looking to treat cellulite on your body, Collagen Lift could be just what you're looking for. Collagen Lift is a non-surgical treatment, using radio frequency, that tightens, tones and lifts and can have amazing results with improving the appearance of cellulite. Find out more here.
* Source - professional beauty.co.uk
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