Cellulite affects the three layers of subcutaneous fatty tissue that lie beneath the dermis, which sits just below the skin.Cellulite comes from the French cellule. Its definition is a fatty deposit causing dimpled or uneven appearance, as around the thighs and buttocks. A further definition would be persistent subcutaneous fat causing dimpling of the skin, especially on women’s hips and thighs.
Unfortunately, women are singled out in both definitions. Indeed, women do tend to be the major sufferers of cellulite, mainly due to the formation of their skin; however, a few men do suffer, but rarely.
Also, as those who suffer will agree, it is not only on the hips, thighs and buttocks, but on the upper arms and, in some cases, upper back and neck.
A point to note: cellulitis is an unpleasant, diffuse, inflammatory and often infectious process involving connective tissue cells, which can manifest itself as an angry, pink patch of skin, and not to be confused with cellulite.
So once cellulite has shown itself, the beauty industry has a whole range of expensive treatments to rid women of this horrible condition. It doesn’t always work; in fact, it very rarely has a long-lasting, satisfactory effect. Women, subsequently spend their time covering the offending areas and feeling depressing about the condition of their skin, which was once smooth and attractive to look at.
Cellulite affects the three layers of subcutaneous fatty tissue that lie beneath the dermis, which sits just below the skin (epidermis). As mentioned, the female skin structure is different. Briefly, the first layer of subcutaneous fat in men is slightly thinner than in women and the fat cells have walls of criss-crossing, connective tissue.
In contrast, the subcutaneous fat layer on a woman’s thighs and neck is made up of large, upright fat cells separated by curved, connective tissue walls. When these fat cells protrude up into the dermis, the fatty lumps are projected onto the skin surface, giving it the well-known description of an orange- peel appearance.
As women age, the connective tissue becomes thinner, which contributes to the development of cellulite and its granular texture together with the tightness and heaviness that usually accompanies it.
As well as ageing, if a woman has increased her weight for whatever reason, cellulite may appear. If a woman used to exercise and tone her body but then, for some reason, stopped or decreased the exercise, again the dreaded cellulite can rear its ugly head to affect the toned, muscled areas as the weight is gained.
I will explore five areas that could be brought into your daily routine; together with a gradual weight reduction, lymphatic massage, skin brushing (very important) and vigorous exercise, you could improve the appearance of cellulite, even if complete elimination is not achievable.
• Exercise: female athletes, dancers and slim women tend not to show cellulite. Dancing exercises the thighs and bottom, so a vigorous dancing regime could help. Failing that, specifically-designed exercise in the gym can target the areas affected and will usually include a free weights, resistance machine and cardiovascular programme.
• Massage: this can be approached both at home and by a therapist. A loofah or glove should be used several times a week in the shower or bath. However, a daily dry brushing, using a good-quality brush, brushing in the same direction and quite harshly, will ‘attack’ the fatty tissue affected. This is tedious and requires determination and persistence.
Also, you could even carry out your own massage to all areas using an oil specifically for cellulite. Alternatively, you could mix up your own oils using the following: avocado or almond oil (47ml); fennel oil (1ml); juniper oil (1ml); cypress essence (0.5ml); and lemon essence (0.5ml).
Gently massage the areas twice daily, using five drops of the oil over small areas and 10 drops over large areas.
Cellulite appears not only on the hips, thighs and buttocks, but on the upper arms, upper back and neck
• Diet: your food intake should be low in refined carbohydrates and fats, but high in complex carbs. The easiest regime is a macrobiotic diet, which involves eating rice and other wholegrains as a dietary staple, supplemented with foods such as vegetables, fish and seafood.
Avoid processed, highly refined foods, fatty or animal products, although you may consider lean meats such as chicken. The macrobiotic way of eating puts emphasis on chewing foods and not overeating. Try eating small meals often. This is better looked at as a lifestyle change rather than a short-term diet.
• Homeopathy: there is scientific proof of an effective homeopathic remedy (dichapetalum), when used in lower potencies. A study of a group of male and female practitioners was carried out (Allg. Homoopath Ztg., 1960). For further support and advice, consult a qualified homeopath.
• Herbal medicine: there are numerous studies related to herbal preparations. For example, Centella extract has been shown to support connective tissue by stimulating the synthesis of the essential components of connective tissue and skin that are also the body’s natural moisturisers, without promoting excess collagen or cell growth (Clin. Ter., 1981).
Also, tinctures that are 70 per cent triterpenic acids (natural, bioactive plant compounds with health benefits) taken orally have demonstrated impressive results in the treatment of cellulite.
There are many more herbal medicines that have been tested in trials, so advice from a qualified herbal practitioner would guide you in the right direction.
Whatever you decide, it is clear that perseverance and routine are the keys to success.
kathryn@maltanet.net