Cellulite - Find a Doctor and Get Information

Many people confuse the term “cellulite” with “cellulitis.” However, cellulitis is an inflammation of the dermis, the subcutaneous connective tissue, and the subcutaneous fat tissue. 

Cellulite, on the other hand, is not a medical condition but a cosmetic issue. Almost all women are affected by it at some point in their lives. Many women are self-conscious about 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 certainly overweight women who have flawless skin and firm connective tissue.

Conversely, many slim women also suffer from cellulite, and some men are affected by “orange peel skin” as well. However, this phenomenon is associated with reduced testosterone levels, which is particularly evident in cases of prostate disease.

Because of its appearance, doctors often refer to this cosmetic issue as “orange peel skin.” Women are affected by this form of connective tissue weakness much more frequently, as their connective tissue is less elastic than that of men. 

Due to this lack of elasticity, the underlying fatty tissue can push through into the upper layers of the skin. This results in the classic dimples. The effect becomes more pronounced when you pinch the skin between your fingers.

Since female fat tissue is much thicker than male fat tissue, women are affected more frequently than men. The collagen fibers of the connective tissue are arranged in a coarser mesh, allowing the underlying fat cells to press against them. These fat cells create the typical dimples of cellulite. 

This effect is exacerbated by the female sex hormone estrogen. The female body stores fat cells primarily in the hips and thighs, which is why these areas are most commonly affected.

Cellulite is, in a sense, a genetic issue that affects both slim and overweight women.

The following factors may contribute to cellulite:

• Stress
• Lack of exercise
• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Genetic factors
• A diet high in sugar and fat

In the early stages, dimples appear only when certain skin folds are pinched together. In the advanced stage (especially during menopause), cellulite is very pronounced.

Diets, cosmetics, superfoods: The market is booming because many women suffer from cellulite. However, these products don’t live up to their promises. Diets and crash diets are particularly popular, but they often lead to the classic yo-yo effect.

Nevertheless, most women don’t want to live with their cellulite. That’s why they try numerous diets and cosmetic products to finally get rid of those annoying dimples.

However, success often eludes them. Take a look at the following tips to break down excess fat cells and firm up your skin.

Please keep in mind that a predisposition to cellulite is often hereditary. Consequently, no treatment can guarantee flawlessly smooth legs.

The following tips can, however, at least reduce those annoying dimples:

Exercise

Exercise builds strong muscles and firms connective tissue

It’s no myth that exercise is beneficial for cellulite. Exercise can actually help you get rid of those unwanted fat cells. However, you should combine endurance and strength training to improve your fitness.

Among the most effective endurance sports are:

• Swimming
• Walking or Nordic walking
• Jogging
• Spinning

Spinning (indoor cycling) is the ideal fat burner because you burn between 450 and 540 kcal. As a general rule, the more muscle you build, the less fat you have. With targeted strength training, you can strengthen your entire body.

However, you don’t have to head straight to the gym to tone your problem areas. Why not simply work out right in the comfort of your own home?

These exercises are sure to help you fight cellulite:

• Climbing stairs: The butt and thighs are among the main problem areas for women. Climbing stairs is ideal for this because it works both your butt and thighs equally.
• 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 knees and hips form a 90-degree angle. Press your glutes and back against the wall to prevent your lower back from arching. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds before standing up again. Rest for 10 seconds and repeat the exercise two more times.
• Bridge: Lie on your back and bend your knees. Your knees should be hip-width apart. Keep your feet firmly on the floor. Your arms should be at your sides. Lift your glutes 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 two more times.

A personalized fascia training routine is the perfect complement to your daily workout. Fascia are strands of connective tissue that surround the muscles.

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.

Cellulite Treatment: Brush Massages, Creams, and More

The effectiveness of creams is controversial, even though many manufacturers advertise them. The fact is: creams and special body washes will not make your fat cells disappear.

Spiked balls and washcloths, on the other hand, stimulate blood flow to the skin, which is why they’re suitable as a complementary therapy.

Focused shock wave therapies, which specifically destroy fat cells and firm up connective tissue, show promise. As soon as you combine this therapy with strength training, you’ll achieve good results.

The key to combating cellulite: a healthy, balanced diet

It is now well known that recreational toxins (alcohol, nicotine), sugar, white flour products, fast food, and processed foods—as well as animal fats—exacerbate cellulite. You should completely eliminate sausage and fatty meats from your diet.

Better choices are healthy fats found in the following foods:

• Fish
• Nuts
• Flaxseed, wheat germ, and olive oil

Combine these foods with some cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit, legumes, yogurt, rice, millet, or quinoa.

Cosmetic products that promise results have little effect on cellulite. Endurance and strength training—ideally combined with fascia training—are much more effective. A low-fat diet is essential for treating cellulite in order to firm up the connective tissue and reduce fat cells.