Cellulite is the term given to the unsightly formations that occur on the surface of the skin, generally caused by superficial fat deposits.
These fat deposits lie close to the skin’s surface as women have vertical chambers in their subcutaneous fat layers where fat stacks up as it is stored.
When these ‘stacks’ get high enough these chambers may protrude slightly into the upper skin layers, causing those unsightly visible disruptions to the skin’s surface.
The appearance of cellulite gave rise to the term orange peel skin, which is what most people use to describe affected areas.
This problem is more common in women and generally occurs around the buttocks, stomach, upper thigh region and the calves and ankles. There are two types of cellulite, namely hard and soft cellulite.
Soft cellulite is normally sensitive to the touch and gives the skin the characteristic dimpling effect commonly associated with the condition.
Once cellulite formation progresses through this initial stage, it hardens. This form of cellulite is always visible and the tissue may be flabby but is, in most cases, no longer sensitive.
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Cellulite causes
The main causes of cellulite are hormonal, genetic, metabolic and lifestyle related. In terms of hormones, oestrogen is widely considered the biggest contributor to cellulite formation.
However, other hormones such as insulin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones and prolactin are also considered culprits.
Your genes will also determine your susceptibility to cellulite, and there are several other factors that can predispose you to the condition, including your age, race, the natural distribution of fat on your body, and lymphatic and circulatory insufficiencies, which can cause a build-up of toxins that can exacerbate this condition.
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Treating the condition
There are numerous natural ways you can reduce the appearance and development of cellulite. The most important factor in this regard is your diet.
A calorie-controlled and balanced diet will limit the fat-based weight gain that causes cellulite. A healthful diet can also reduce the build-up of toxins in your body and ensures a steady supply of oxygen, vitamins, minerals and nutrients to the skin.
You can add more antioxidant-rich foods to your diet, which will help your body combat the build-up of free radicals and other toxins in your system.
And stay away from refined and processed foods, artificial sweeteners, additives and chemicals, as well as fat-laden products and those with high sugar contents.
Drinking too many stimulants from coffee, tea, and carbonated and energy drinks can also impact lymph drainage and blood circulation, which can result in a build-up of waste products.
The appearance of cellulite is also more pronounced when connective tissue in skin is weak. This allows fat cells to protrude through the connective tissues into the layer of skin just beneath the surface.
To keep your connective tissue strong, eat foods that are rich in vitamin C, as it helps to restore the skin’s structure, and incorporate skin support supplements like the Biogen RE NU range in your regimen.
Water is also an important constituent of firm skin and helps to flush toxins from your system, so drink sufficient water every day.
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Work it out
Combining your healthy eating plan with a high-intensity exercise program can also yield impressive results in the fight against cellulite.
By controlling your calorie intake through your diet and burning more calories than you consume through regular exercise, you will reduce fat stores and limit fat deposits in those problem areas.
Weight training will also help to tone and shape muscles, giving your skin a tighter look. This makes it less prone to the signs of cellulite. And exercise improves blood circulation in the skin, which makes connective tissue more elastic and helps to improve waste and toxin removal.
Extra support
And you can also find help in a bottle! Various supplements can aid your efforts to reduce cellulite, including various minerals and vitamins:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Co-Enzyme Q10
Alternative remedies that many people also use to help reduce cellulite include massage, saunas and steam rooms, acupuncture, reflexology, meditation and relaxation.
A range of commercially available creams and treatments may also help to firm skin and reduce the visible signs of cellulite.
At the end of the day, your best bet for reducing cellulite is to use a combination of all the tips and techniques mentioned above to complement a healthy and active lifestyle.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
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