What is cellulite and how to get rid of it?

Does the skin on your thighs, buttocks or abdomen appear uneven and undulating? It is probably cellulite, which most women in their 20s struggle with. Much less often this problem affects children and men. Check out how to get rid of cellulite from thighs and other parts of the body.

What is cellulite?

Lipodystrophy, as cellulite is otherwise known, is a condition that manifests itself as uneven, lumpy skin. It can result from the abnormal distribution of fat tissue or the accumulation of excess water or toxins beneath the surface of the skin. Changes of this type most often appear on the surface of the thighs, on the buttocks and abdomen. Sometimes you may also observe them on the arms and breasts.

Water cellulite vs. fat cellulite – how are they different?

There are two basic types of cellulite: aqueous and fatty. How do they differ from each other?

• Water cellulite is a common condition that occurs when the process of removing toxins and water from the body is upset. Water cellulite manifests itself as wrinkled and soft skin. It is most common in people who have a problem with excess water in the body.
• Fatty cellulite, as the name suggests, occurs when excess fatty tissue accumulates under the skin. In this case, the epidermis is harder, uneven and sagging.

What does cellulite look like on the thighs and other parts of the body?

In appearance, as well as to the touch, cellulite resembles an orange peel. Its characteristic symptoms are localized under the skin, accentuated lumps of fat. There are also depressions on the epidermis, which can change their position – the result of uneven skin tone. Cellulite on the legs, as well as other parts of the body, can also cause a change in the color of the skin. In addition, this affliction is sometimes accompanied by micro veins, vascular spider veins and stretch marks.

Cellulite – causes

Cellulite on the abdomen, buttocks and other parts of the body can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common direct cause of cellulite is a problem with the storage and release of fats. When there is too much of it in the body, fat cells enlarge, and this leads to bumps on the skin. However, the formation of cellulite is favored by many other factors.

The formation of cellulite is favored by:

• Improper diet – if your diet is high in salt and at the same time low in fiber sources, you may be struggling with water cellulite.
• Use of stimulants – smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol also have a negative impact on the condition of the skin and the formation of cellulite.
• Hormonal changes – cellulite on the buttocks, thighs or abdomen often appears in menopausal or pregnant women, as well as ladies who take contraceptives. It happens to be both water cellulite (resulting from excess water in the body) and fat cellulite.
• Low levels of physical activity – insufficient exercise results in excessive fat deposition, which in turn contributes to the formation of fatty cellulite.
• Stress – it, too, causes too much fat to be deposited in the body, in addition to aggravating the swelling that often accompanies cellulite.
• Genetic conditions – cellulite itself is not hereditary, but a predisposition to its formation (for example, poor blood circulation and slow metabolism) is.
• The use of certain medications – for example, anti-allergic preparations and agents for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases also promote the formation of orange peel on the thighs, abdomen and buttocks.

Cellulite – treatment

Wondering how to get rid of cellulite? The basis for treating such lesions is to determine whether you are dealing with water cellulite or fat cellulite, and to diagnose the causes. Consult an aesthetic medicine specialist, dermatologist or internist. You may also benefit from the support of a nutritionist in the next stages.

The key to treating cellulite is to introduce healthy habits. Ensure a balanced diet and proper hydration, and limit the use of stimulants. Be sure to get regular physical activity and enough sleep. It is also important to avoid wearing tight clothing and high-heeled shoes.

Treatments used to treat cellulite

If you are struggling with cellulite, you can also opt for aesthetic medicine treatments. However, be sure to consult a specialist before performing them to check whether you have any contraindications to undergo a specific treatment. What treatments will be effective in combating cellulite?

• Lymphatic drainage – a non-invasive treatment for cellulite that promotes detoxification of the body and nourishment of the skin.
• HIFU treatment – ultrasound therapy, which penetrates the deep layers of the skin and, as a result, revitalizes and regenerates it.
• Endermologie – a gentle anti-cellulite therapy, through which you can reduce the lesions formed on the skin, in addition to modeling the silhouette.

How to get rid of cellulite? Are home remedies and exercises effective?

In addition to lifestyle changes and specialized treatments, when fighting cellulite, you can also try other ways. Taking a shower, alternate between cold and warmer water – such a bath will improve your blood circulation. In addition, use anti-cellulite cosmetics – for example, with caffeine. Also perform simple exercises, which not only promote the reduction of orange peel, but will also improve your condition. Which exercises will be most effective? First of all, squats and backward leg lunges. Remember that by acting comprehensively, you have the best chance of eliminating cellulite.