The term cellulite is often associated with cellulite. However, cellulite is an inflammation of the dermis, the subcutaneous connective tissue and the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Cellulite, on the other hand, is not a disease, but a cosmetic problem that affects almost all women at some point in their lives. Many women are ashamed of their dimples, which is why they hide their legs under long pants or skirts.
The assumption that only overweight women suffer from cellulite is therefore widespread. However, this is not correct. There are indeed overweight women who have flawless skin and firm connective tissue. Conversely, many slim women also suffer from cellulite, and some men are also affected by orange peel skin. However, this phenomenon is associated with a reduced testosterone level, which is particularly evident in prostate diseases.
Due to its appearance, doctors also like to refer to this cosmetic problem as orange peel skin. Women are much more frequently affected by this form of connective tissue weakness, as the connective tissue is less elastic than in men. Due to the lack of elasticity, the underlying fatty tissue can penetrate into the upper layers of the skin, making the classic dimples visible. The effect is even intensified if you squeeze the skin with your fingers.
As female fatty tissue is much thicker than male tissue, women are also affected more frequently than men. The collagen fibers of the connective tissue are also more coarsely meshed, so that the underlying fat cells press against them and create the typical dimples of orange peel skin. The effect is intensified by the female sex hormone oestrogen. The female body stores fat cells mainly in the hips and thighs, which is why these regions are most frequently affected.
Cellulite is to a certain extent a genetic problem that affects slim and overweight women.
The following factors are possible causes of cellulite:
- Stress
- lack of exercise
- nicotine
- alcohol
- genetic factors
- A diet high in sugar and fat
While the dents in the first stage only appear when you pinch certain skin folds, the orange peel skin is very pronounced in the advanced stage (especially during the menopause).
Diets, cosmetics, superfoods: the market is booming because many women suffer from cellulite. However, the products do not deliver what they promise. Diets and starvation cures are particularly popular and often lead to a classic yo-yo effect. Nevertheless, most women do not want to live with their orange peel skin. That's why they try out numerous diets and cosmetic products to finally get rid of those annoying dimples. In many cases, however, there is no success. Take a look at the following tips to reduce excess fat cells and tighten the skin.
Please bear in mind that the predisposition to cellulite is often inherited and therefore no form of treatment will lead to flawlessly smooth legs and bottom. However, the following tips can at least reduce the annoying dents.
Sport ensures strong muscles and firm connective tissue
It is not a myth that exercise is useful for cellulite. Sport can actually help to get rid of the unwanted fat cells. However, you should combine endurance and weight training to improve your fitness.
The most effective endurance sports include
- Swimming
- Walking or Nordic walking
- jogging
- Spinning
Spinning (indoor cycling) is the ideal fat burner because you burn between 450 and 540 kcal. In general, the more muscle you build up, the less fat you will have. Targeted muscle training strengthens your entire body. However, you don't have to go to the gym to tone your problem areas. Simply train your body in the comfort of your own home! These exercises will definitely help you fight cellulite.
Stair climbing: The bottom and thighs are among a woman's main problem areas. Stair walking is ideal in this respect because you train your bottom and thighs in equal measure.
Wall sit: The wall sit is a perfect exercise for the thighs and buttocks. Lean against a wall with your legs slightly apart. Then squat down until your knee and hip joints are at a 90 degree angle. Press your bottom and back against the wall to prevent a hollow back. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds before straightening up again. Pause for 10 seconds and repeat the exercise twice more.
Bridge: Lie on your back and straighten your legs. Your knees are hip-width apart. Your feet are firmly planted on the surface. Your arms are next to your body. Now lift your bottom until your thighs, hips and upper body form a straight line. Hold the position for 15 seconds before slowly returning to the starting position. Repeat the exercise twice more.
You can perfectly complement your daily workout with individual fascia training . Fasciae are strands of connective tissue that surround the muscle. Keep your connective tissue in shape by doing special stretching and jumping exercises. With the help of fascia rollers, you can noticeably improve the elasticity of your muscles and fascia.
Treating cellulite: brush massages, creams & co
The effectiveness of creams is controversial, although many manufacturers advertise them. The fact is: creams and special washing lotions will never melt your fat cells. Pimple balls and wash gloves, on the other hand, stimulate blood circulation in the skin, which is why they are suitable as an accompanying therapy.
Focused shock wave therapies, which destroy the fat cells in a targeted manner and strengthen the connective tissue, are promising. As soon as you combine this therapy with muscle training, you will achieve good results.
The be-all and end-all for cellulite: a healthy & wholesome diet
It is now well known that stimulants (alcohol, nicotine), sugar, white flour products, fast food and convenience foods as well as animal fats increase cellulite. Sausage and fatty meat should be completely eliminated from your diet. Healthy fats are better, especially those found in
- fish
- nuts
- linseed, wheat germ and olive oil
olive oil. Combine these foods with some cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit, pulses, yogurt, rice, millet or quinoa.
Promising cosmetic products have little effect on cellulite. Much better are endurance and weight training, ideally combined with fascia training. A low-fat diet is essential for cellulite in order to tighten the connective tissue and reduce fat cells.
