Cellulite consists of the accumulation under the skin of fat cells and fatty tissue that form dimpled-looking hollows and so-called “orange peel skin,” due to its fruit-like appearance. The areas most prone to suffer from this problem are the thighs, buttocks, hips and belly, although it can also affect other areas of the body.
It is a very common problem among Italian women, in fact according to data available to www.nutritienda.com, the leading online company in the health and beauty products sector, nine out of ten women suffer from cellulite and for 65 percent of them, it also represents a serious aesthetic problem that on many occasions causes shame, especially during the summer season.
Most women look for solutions although many times it is not that easy because the remedies change depending on the cause and degree of cellulite.
The main types of cellulite are as follows:
1. Edematous
It is present on the thighs and buttocks of women in their 20s and 40s: in addition to “orange peel skin,” it is also characterized by water retention and can cause stretch marks. It usually causes pain when we touch the affected area and has a purplish appearance due to lack of blood circulation. Overweight and menopausal people are the most likely to suffer from this type of cellulite.
2. Flaccid
Although it can affect women of all ages, it is most prevalent in the 40-50 age group. It is characterized by extreme flaccidity and is present on the thighs and buttocks but can also appear on the arms, belly, or back. The main causes of flabby cellulite are lack of physical activity and drastic weight-loss diets.
3. Compact
This type of cellulite mostly affects young women and is present on the inner part of the knees, outer thighs or “cartilage” and is usually accompanied by stretch marks. It has a wrinkled and dimpled appearance and causes pain when we touch the affected areas. Among its main causes are hormonal changes, genetics, and poor nutrition.
Most people associate cellulite with being overweight, but this is not the case; you can be very thin and still suffer from it because among the causes of cellulite are some that are due to factors that are difficult to avoid, so the only thing we can do is to try to mitigate it but without being able to eliminate it completely. These are some of the factors to consider:
Genetics
Genetics is one of the main factors that cause cellulite. There is a hereditary component: if our mother or grandmothers suffered from cellulite we are more prone to have it. To this we must also add a greater susceptibility to fat accumulation, poor blood circulation and increased water retention.
There is a test that analyzes DNA to find out whether cellulite is due to our genes , and if so, it is possible to know which genes are involved so as to determine the most effective treatment.
Genus
Another key factor is gender: men also suffer from cellulite but to a much lesser degree, we are talking about 10% of men compared to 90% of women. The most affected areas of men are the abdomen and thighs but still to a lesser extent than women.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes are a key factor because high estrogen levels and increased water retention can cause the appearance of cellulite: puberty, the menstrual cycle, menopause, or taking the pill are some of the phases during which the development of cellulite is most stimulated.
Another crucial time is the pregnancy phase, because in addition to a considerable increase in hormones and water retention, belly growth reduces circulation and lymphatic drainage of the veins and lymphatic vessels.
Lifestyle
A bad lifestyle makes women more prone to suffer from cellulite, but this is the easiest cause to solve. A poor diet with increases and decreases in weight, lack of physical activity, inadequate rest, wearing shoes with very high heels, smoking and showers with water that is too hot are practices that hinder venous return and stimulate the appearance of cellulite.
Regardless of the reason for cellulite, we can try to mitigate its effects with an effective daily routine.
Nutritienda.com experts advise on the steps to follow:
1. Follow a balanced diet
A healthy and balanced diet is essential to keep our weight within healthy limits and reduce cellulite in case our habits are not adequate. Consumption of high-calorie foods increases fatty tissue and worsens the appearance of cellulite. Overuse of salt, present in large quantities in ultra-processed foods can cause water retention, which is one of the main causes of its appearance. Alcohol or caffeine are alsoharmful.
It is important to have vegetables such as asparagus and artichokes, low-calorie foods and sources of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, at the base of our diet. Fruits are a key part of a healthy diet.Prominent among fruits are oranges and strawberries, a source of vitamin C, an antioxidant vitamin.
It is important to stay hydrated, so eating fruits and vegetables and drinking water will help us avoid water retention and eliminate toxins, and as a result, our skin will also stay hydrated, preventing dryness and lack of elasticity. We point you to our guidelines for fighting cellulite:
Green tea infusions
Green tea contains active components such as flavonoids, polyphenols with antioxidant properties, including catechins. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, fighting aging and preserving the appearance of the skin. In addition, green tea contains theine, the same molecule as caffeine, an alkaloid that has a stimulating effect and speeds up metabolism.
Pineapple, orange, strawberry and banana smoothies
Although it is best to consume whole fruit, another way to gradually incorporate fruit into our diet is through fruit smoothies. Most fruits are perfect for preventing water retention since they are composed of water, vitamins and minerals, but the most suitable fruits are the following: oranges and strawberries, which are sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C; bananas, which contain potassium; andpineapple, which contains bromelain, an enzyme involved in protein digestion; and iodine, which promotes energy metabolism. You can combine these fruits in the form of smoothies or juices several times a week.
2. Practicing sports activities
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main reasons why cellulite problems worsen over time. Although exercise will not completely eliminate cellulite, it can reduce and prevent its appearance. Through physical activity we drain fat cells, activate blood circulation and fat cell metabolism, strengthen the immune system and bones, and improve respiratory capacity. Almost any exercise will help improve the appearance of cellulite, the important thing is to combine toning and cardio exercises. Here are two good examples:
Running
Running is one of the most complete exercises because the movement improves blood circulation, stimulates metabolism and helps avoid possible water retention. We also firm and tone the skin, strengthen muscles and reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is advisable to run a couple of times a week by performing a warm-up before and stretches after the run.
We can combine running with squats and workouts that strengthen the glutes. There is no excuse, if we think running is too strenuous we can walk 45 minutes a day, we won’t get the same effects but it certainly helps.
Water aerobics
It is one of the most comprehensive activities because it includes various exercises that offer optimal results when done in water but are also effective when done out of water. Water activity stimulates circulation and prevents water retention, plus the pressure exerted in water by our body requires more effort. Ideally, we should combine water aerobics and swimming, one of the most beneficial sports for our health.
3. Reduce stress
The stress is another common cause of the appearance of cellulite or its worsening, as those suffering from stress increase their cortisol levels , which causes fat deposits to increase. We can reduce stress by practicing yoga, a technique that helps relax and strengthen muscles and increases body flexibility, greatly improving cellulite.
4. Avoid tight clothing
Tight clothing worsens circulation and consequently cellulite. In addition to impeding circulation, they promote water retention and prevent proper elimination of toxins.We should try to wear comfortable clothes and preferably cotton, avoiding synthetic fibers and Lycra.
5. Massage with creams and oils
Anti-cellulite creams and oils are very useful; they contain ingredients that activate fatty acids and eliminate them, improving the appearance of the skin. These products help reduce fat deposits, activate circulation and lipolysis, and firm and smooth the areas to be treated by exerting a draining action and counteracting water retention.
We must apply the cream or oil by performing a gentle massage, it is very important not to rub or compress the massaged area, and massages should be gentle: in this way we will activate the purifying function and by stimulating the lymphatic points we will improve circulation and facilitate the absorption of these products.
There are also massagers on the market that optimize results. Some of the most effective ingredients in creams and oils include caffeine, centella asiatica, birch, retinol, vitamin E, or ginkgo biloba.
6. Aesthetic clinics
Today there are specialized clinics that use treatments with ultrasound , which destroys accumulated fatty tissue under the skin; radiofrequency, which applies heat to the deeper layers of the epidermis, reducing flaccidity; shock waves, which break down fatty tissue by smoothing the skin; or pressotherapy, which stimulates lymphatic drainage and reduces fat accumulation.
Noelia Suarez, communications manager of Nutritienda.com, said: “Cellulite is one of the aesthetic problems that most concerns Italian women and is one of the most difficult to solve because most of its causes such as genetics, gender or hormones, cannot be avoided. We must learn to appreciate our bodies as they are, however, it is not easy and many women seek solutions to improve the appearance of their skin. Therefore, we want to tell these women that all is not lost because there are many remedies, exercises, and techniques that help reduce cellulite and its effects. The Nutritienda team encourages everyone to follow these tips because they will not only improve their appearance considerably but also their health, which after all is the most important thing.”
