The term cellulite originated in European spas and salons and they explain it as deposits of tiny fat globules on the buttocks and thighs. Cellulite is a buildup of lumpy, thick, irregular fat deposits with an orange peel appearance. The most common areas are around the buttocks, hips, and thighs, and is not necessarily a factor of body weight. You do not have to be heavy to have cellulite. Nevertheless, it is possible to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Cellulite is not a medical term. However, medical professionals agree that it is a buildup of common fatty tissue. The skin is connected by strands of fibrous tissues to deeper tissue layers, which separates the fat cell compartments. The increase in the size of fat cells is accompanied by a waffled appearance of the skin that results in the bulging of the fat cell compartments.
Speedy metabolism and detoxification in the body help in gradual elimination of cellulite. A healthy metabolism is capable of eradicating cellulite forever. The proper functioning of the liver is also necessary for detoxification.
Bio-ceramic additive reflects your body's own infrared rays, which help to break down cellulite cells and revitalize tissue. Increased heat and molecular stimulation enhances the effectiveness of exercise, increases blood flow, and accelerates metabolism to burn more calories.
Women who are concerned about cellulite can take certain steps to reduce the appearance or eliminate it altogether. Eating a well balance diet that is low in fat will help to reduce and eliminate further progression. Exercise is also an important factor; if the body is toned, it results in good circulation, thus another step in reducing cellulite. In addition, drinking plenty of water has many health benefits and will aid in fighting cellulite.
Genetics and hormones may also play a factor in whether you develop cellulite. While there is not much we can do about genetics and hormones, eating a healthy diet and exercise has proven to reduce and even avoid cellulite.
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First off let me start by saying, no one is cellulite free. We all have a certain amount of cellulite underneath our skin. Of course some do have more then others, but it's a natural thing for us to have some. In a nut shell cellulite is simple fat deposits held in pockets just below the skin. The form of lipids (fats) below the skin aren't much different then those found elsewhere in the body, how ever it's because they are close to the skins surface that they cause the negative appearance.
So what can you do about cellulite?
Exercise is a viable option for many. Partaking in cardio activities several times a week will help burn fat, and tone the leg muscles. While this method will work for many, often sometimes some women need more then just exercise to help rid themselves of cellulite.
Next on the list is the numerous medical procedures we can have done. From liposuction too vacuum and roller techniques some of these processes can be effective, how ever painful, costly, and have some nasty side effects. For some people this is the only avenue they evaluate for treating cellulite, but they're skipping over what really should be the first attack on cellulite.
Cellulite Treatment Products
With our aging population, cellulite treatment has been receiving more and more attention from cosmetic and supplement manufacturers. Our population is becoming more affluent, and therefore looking for more alternatives then just surgery and exercise to solve cosmetic issues such as cellulite. Hence there has been a dawn of a range of cellulite treatment products.
While like anything new some of these cellulite treatment products work better then others. It's important to do your homework prior to trying one out. While there is minimal if any side effects it's still important to not waste your time on something that isn't going to provide you with results.
The majority of these cellulite treatment products a comprised of natural ingredients. Most work on a basis of shrinking the cellulite molecules, or using some sort of ingredient to speed up the burning of fat. Both of these methods work well, and take next to no time on your part to apply the product. For those of us that don't have the spare time in our hectic schedules to exercise several times a week, or drastically change our lifestyles, an cellulite treatment product is the best option for ridding ourselves of that pesky cellulite problem.
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"Cellulite" is a skin condition that gives the appearance of small bumps and ripples under the skin. The bumps are caused by the underlying fat cells growing too large and stretching the natural fiber compartments that hold the skin to the underlying layers of tissues.
"Cellulite" is ordinary fat, but ordinary fat that affects the appearance of the skin. Strands of fibrous collagen tissue connect the skin to the subcutaneous layers and also separate compartments that contain fat cells. When fat cells increase in size, these compartments bulge and produce a rippled appearance of the skin.
Women tend to have cellulite more often than men because they have a vertical pattern of collagen in the underlying layer that holds the fat cells, and when the fat cells become very large, they bulge out of the chambers and appear as cellulite. In men, the pattern of collagen is tighter, in a diagonal pattern, and they have thicker skin, so there is less bulging of the individual fat cells. Another factor in cellulite is high levels of estrogen, since this hormone has a direct effect on the holding capacity of fat cells through the increase of alpha-adrenoreceptors, the chemical doorways that tell your fat cells to hold on to their contents. Poor diet, bad circulation, and poor lymphatic circulation can all contribute to the appearance of cellulite.
TREATING SKIN WITH CELLULITE
There are several extra steps you can take for the treatment of cellulite. Consider your skin care regimen, and fine-tune it to meet the needs of skin that has a tendency to swell with fluids, store fat and have poor circulation.
Nutrition: Although cellulite is a skin condition, it's closely tied to the storage of excess fat. If you are significantly overweight, you should certainly alter your diet. The dietary enzyme bromelain can improve overall circulation to your skin and adipose tissues by removing the buildup of fibrin on the walls of blood vessels. Treating cellulite requires a two-pronged approach - one being the shrinking of the fat cells themselves, the second being the regeneration of collagen and strengthening of the skin outside of the swollen fat cells.
Cleansing: When cleaning your skin, use your wash cloth or loufah to massage the area where cellulite occurs. At first, use a circular motion and then a brushing motion upwards towards the bowels. This will improve circulation and edema, and help remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the tissues and interstitial spaces around the collagen and fat cells.
Other Treatments:
· Dry Skin Brushing: Learn to dry brush your skin at least twice every day - upon rising and before going to bed. Skin brushing provides many benefits in the treatment of cellulite. First of all, it's "exercise" for you skin, and strengthens the underlying dermis and pattern of collagen in the subcutaneous layer. It stimulates the growth and repair of the tissues by increasing blood flow to the area. It also helps remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the interstitial fluids surrounding the tissues for disposal. Dry brushing is good for you skin all over, but if you are suffering from spider or varicose veins, brushing these areas vigorously several times every day, first in a circular motion and then upwards towards the colon, can improve the appearance of cellulite.
· Hormones: Cellulite is often associated with the use of HRT and birth control pills. High levels of estrogen from these medications can cause an increase in the fatty tissues ability to store fats and cause them to bulge, pushing out the skin and causing cellulite. If you are using birth control pills for contraception, you may want to ask your doctor for a lower-estrogen dose formula or a non-hormonal form, such as an IUD. If you are on HRT, you may want to consider switching to a lower dose, adding progesterone cream, or using a weaker formula, such as an estrone cream.
· Habits: Get out of the habit of crossing your legs, knees and ankles. This reduces circulation and increases swelling. Try to keep moving regularly, neither sitting nor standing for long periods.
· Exercise: Regular exercise is necessary for the improvement of cellulite. Not only does it help reduce the appearance of cellulite by burning the fatty acids that are causing the cellulite. It also improves circulation and helps to remove toxin-filled wastes away from the skin. Take up a walking program, or sneaking in a set of exercises in the restroom during breaks. Teresa Tapp's "T-Tapp" program is renowned for short, effective exercise movements that reduce cellulite and increase overall blood and lymph circulation. Rashelle Haines program "LifeLift" is also excellent for improving lymphatic circulation, burning excess fat and glucose and improving muscle and skin tone.
· Body Wraps: Body wraps, both professional and homemade can improve the appearance of cellulite. Body wraps use a combination of minerals and herbs that stimulate the fat cells to release their contents, they absorb toxins from the skin and reduce swelling. Generally you will find stimulant herbs like kelp or algae that stimulate the fat burning process in the cells. You will find cosmetic clays that will remove toxins and wastes from the pores, and horsetail and horse chestnut that reduce edema (swelling) and provide minerals for strengthening the skin. These formulas are applied to the skin with the use of compression wraps. For recipes for doing home wraps, go to the Botanical Beauty Lab website.
· Massage: Massage, particularly the kind that improves lymph flow, is very good for reducing the appearance of cellulite. It improves the removal of metabolic wastes and toxins from the interstitial tissues around the adipose tissues, and gives the skin a smoother appearance. There are many professionals offering massage for cellulite, including lymphatic massage and endermology, but if that is out of your budget, you may want to try a home massage device. Many are available, from a simple round-prong hand tool to a powered massager that provides heat, massage and suction similar to the professional endermology machines.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR CELLULITE REDUCTION
Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a natural diuretic that helps balance the body's interstitial fluids and reduces edema and swelling. It's also a phytoprogesterone, which helps balance the excess estrogen that can exacerbate cellulite.
Borage Oil: Borage oil contains high amounts gamma linoleic acid, which is an important fatty acid to the strengthening of cell walls.
Bromelain: Bromelain is a naturally occurring enzyme in natural foods that aid in the digestion of proteins. The consumption of bromelain aids in the removal of fibrin buildup in fine blood vessels. This improves and increases circulation to the skin, and aids in repair and rejuvenation.
Horsetail: Horse Chestnut herb contains high levels of the mineral silica, which is used in the repair and maintenance of skin cells.
Cider Vinegar contains an array of important enzymes and aids in balancing body pH. It's also a good source of potassium, which is necessary for fluid balance in the body.
Coconut Oil contains medium chain triglycerides which are easily absorbed and used by the body for fuel. It has the capability of stimulating the thyroid gland, which increases body temperature and metabolism and is known for improving the burning of excess fat.
Ginkgo Biloba is a natural blood thinner that increases the microcirculation to skin and fat cells.
Gotu Kolu is a natural source of caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the beta-adrenoreceptors on the surface of the fat cells to release their stores of fatty acids, aiding in the burning of excess fat.
Green Tea: Green tea is a mild stimulate that contains caffeine as well as powerful antioxidants that aid in the proper replication and repair of skin cells.
MSM: Is an important mineral that is necessary for skin cell repair.
EXTERNAL TREATMENTS FOR CELLULITE
Aloe Vera contains alatoin, which sooths and heals skin. It has been shown clinically to increase microcirculation of the skin and to speed healing of skin tissues.
Betonite Clay is a natural mineral clay that is known for its ability to absorb impurities and toxins from the skin through the pores.
Horsetail, ginkgo biloba, kelp and green tea also work externally and can be added to lotions or creams for massage into problem areas.
Many experts have recommended using coffee grounds as a scrub for cellulite prone areas. The grounds work as an exfoliant, as the caffeine absorbs into the skin and stimulate the beta adrenoreceptors in the fat cells to release their contents.
Dead Sea Salts and Kelp or bladderwrack contain powerful minerals that aid in the repair of skin cells as well as the mineral iodine which can aid in the metabolism of the underlying fat cells.
There are also many commercial formulas and methods for the reduction of cellulite. Most contain caffeine or a similar chemical called theophylline or aminophylline. Many also contain kelp, bladderwrack and other herbs mentioned herein.
Just remember that cellulite reduction is a two step process. The cause of cellulite is over-sized fat cells that have stretched out the collagen structure underlying the skin. The first step is to reduce bodyfat, and many herbs and nutrients both external and external can accelerate the process. The second step is to increase the strength of the skin and the collagen webs under the subcutaneous tissues. Skin and collagen require vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to rebuild themselves properly. Excess fluids can exacerbate the problem, so proper fluid intake and circulation is important. Drink plenty of fluids, and stay active to increase the circulation of the lymph system. With a little diligent effort the appearance of cellulite can be reduced.
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Mesotherapy has been practiced in Europe successfully for over a decade and is now becoming one of the hottest new cellulite reduction procedured being requested in American Medi-spas and doctors offices. Along with its rising popularity has come questions about its proven effectiveness and scientific rigor supporting claims of its ability to melt fat and reduce cellulite deposits.
Mesotherapy Cellulite Treatment involves the use of medication compounds injected right into localized areas of the skin for fast absorbsion into the dermis layer. This fairly new procedure has rapidly become the latest trend for eliminating localized fat deposits and cellulite. Some new studies suggest it may also have some anti-aging benefits. Mesotherapy claims to work by delivering tiny amounts of all natural extracts of vitamins and other pharmaceutical agents directly into the dermis, which then starts to melt away the fat deposits trapped inside the dermis layer which form part of the cellulite problem. It also claims to improve circulation, repair weakened connective skin tissue and improve lymphatic drainage.
After an injection of the mesotharapy medication, practictioners claim your body will begin the process of stimulation and start to heal itself. Mesotherapy is usually practiced to target localized areas on the body for cellulite treatment, however it can also be used over the entire body for overall fat reduction. Mesotherapy is virtually painless with little or no side effects other than possible bruising or swelling which will usually last about a week and clear up. Comprehensive scientific studies on the effectiveness of Mesotherapy at reducing fat and cellulite is limited in the established medical community. Mesotherapy has been practiced in European cities for well over a decade with generally positive overall annecdotal results and has also reported a good safety track record.
Mesotherapy is a well practiced cellulite reduction procedure that can help thousands of people every day in the treatment of cellulite and has been accepted as a standard procedure in most European anti aging skin care clinics for the last decade. This hot new way of treating cellulite may cost less than other more invasive cosmetic cellulite treatments, and overall is generally considered to be quite safe if performed by skilled practictioners that provide the highest grade of injectible ingredients. The cost for Mesotherapy will depend on the location or area of where you live and doctors fees for this treatment will vary. Most patients start to see actually improvement with as little as a couple of treatments. As with any treatment you should consult your health practictioners and not be afraid of seeking second opinions.
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