FITNESS & BEAUTY · AUGUST 2018
WHAT
CAUSES
CELLULITE
AND WHAT
MAKES IT
GO AWAY
O
h, the dreaded cellulite – the one
thing women fear, and men never
even notice. Ninety percent of
women and up to ten percent of men will
be affected at some point in their lives. This
regular occurrence often appears ab-normal
on the skin. With it’s lumpy, orange-peel
like appearance, it can cover large surfaces
of the skin, most no-tably, the legs, arms,
and buttocks. You’re more likely to develop
cellulite if you lead an inactive lifestyle, sit
for long periods of time on a regular basis,
experience the reduction of estrogen during
menopause, or suffer from hyperinsulinemia.
This puckering of the skin occurs when the
layer of fat that sits just beneath the skin
pushes against the connective tissue and
bulges. That causes a cottage cheese or
orange peel-like appearance. Unfortunately
for women, the risk of developing cellulite
increases exponentially with menopause and
increased age.
When a woman experiences hormonal
changes, she undoubtedly will experience
a decline in estrogen levels. These changes
may contribute to changes in circulation and
a reduction in the production of collagen.
Fat cells be-come larger or increase in
numbers. The collagen layer thins. Those
factors in combination with a change in the
blood supply all contribute to or lead to
the production of cellulite. While unsightly,
cellulite isn’t dangerous. There is no pain
associated with the production of it.
Nutrition also plays a role in the production
of cellulite. High levels of carbohydrates in
the diet increase the risk of hyperinsulinemia.
This increases the formation of fat cells and
growth of the current cells.
There are four distinct stages of
development of cellulite. Generally, they
start at or about sixteen years of age.
•
•
•
•
Grade 0: No cellulite present
Grade 1: Smooth skin while in a standing
position, bumps and dimples while
sitting
Grade 2: Cottage cheese appearance
when sitting or standing
Grade 3: Orange peel appearance while
sitting or standing with deep raised and
depressed areas.
Currently, there is no known cure for
cellulite. The over-the-counter treatments
make grand claims to know the secret to
eliminating cellulite for good, but none have
been proven, and often, the results have been
disappoint-ing. However, there are smart
strategies that may reduce the appearance of
cellulite temporarily.
Dry Skin Brushing has many benefits, not
only for aesthetic reasons. This technique
offers benefits for the whole body as well.
38 HEALTHY MAGAZINE
It might help to soften hard fat deposits
below the skin and help to distribute fat
deposits more evenly throughout the body.
This helps to reduce the visibility of the
cellulite. It also stimulates the lymphatic
system, increases circulation, im-proves
digestion, and exfoliates the skin.
Myofascial Release is an effective
technique used to release tissue restrictions
in the connective tissue that sits just beneath
the surface of the skin. Most often, it is
caused by inflammation, surgical procedures,
and/or trauma.
Coffee scrubs work to stimulate lymphatic
flow (blood) to an area can also exfoliate and
tighten the skin. A scrub can be made with
coconut oil and finely ground coffee beans
to form a facial mask which can tighten the
skin. One could also choose laser or light
therapy, even acoustic wave therapy. All help
break down fat molecules or de-crease in the
visibility of cellulite.