Cellulite: what it is and how to treat it

The natural and usual thing is to have cellulite. Yes, I'm sorry to be so clear, but it is a reality and that is why 98% of women suffer from it. Perhaps we should not say “suffers” but, rather, “has” cellulite. It is something normal and every woman, to a greater or lesser extent, has it in one or more parts of her body. Today we are going to address this topic, cellulite: what it is and how to treat it.

Almost all women have cellulite, some more, others less, but we can always distinguish dimples and irregularities in areas such as the hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen or even the arms.

It is logical to think that we find it in areas where more adipose tissue can accumulate, areas where we naturally have more fat which makes up and characterizes the female body. Is it really a problem? Or have we transformed something natural into a problem?

What is cellulite?

The term “cellulite”, in aesthetic medicine, refers to the alteration of the skin surface that causes the orange peel appearance, but outside the field of aesthetics, cellulite is an inflammation of the cells caused by bacteria and treated with antibiotics (infectious cellulitis), therefore, they must be distinguished.

Curiously, calling these irregularities that we see in the skin “cellulite” began to be used in the 1920s, but we also know it as the aforementioned orange peel skin or other more technical terms such as nodular liposclerosis or lipodystrophy, among others.

Luckily, women today are more informed and opt for naturalness and health, escaping from ideal bodies and opting for reality, thus taking care of their self-esteem and mental well-being.

How is cellulite formed?

Anatomically, women differ from men in the supporting structures of our skin, the fibrous septa, which are collagen partitions or “walls” that separate the different lobes of fat. These collagen partitions or walls are oriented differently in women and men, so that when the fat cells inside them increase in size, in the case of women, they protrude towards the surface, creating these dermal irregularities. The most noticeable would be cellulite on the legs, thighs, hips and buttocks.

There are also other causes that cause these changes in the skin, such as alterations in microcirculation that give rise to edema (the accumulation of fluid and inflammation in the subcutaneous fat).

There are several factors that give rise to cellulite and not just one is the cause. Let's look at each of them:

• Women are more predisposed to having cellulite or orange peel skin since estrogens are, in part, responsible and we are the ones who have higher levels of this hormone in our fertile stage, from adolescence. There may be times in life where this level of estrogen increases even more, potentially aggravating orange peel skin, as happens in adolescence, during the first trimester of pregnancy, premenopause or under estrogen treatments.

• Sedentary lifestyle: lack of physical activity aggravates cellulite, and is also harmful to health. Being still or sitting for long hours hinders good blood flow. Therefore, opt for strength exercises that increase your muscle tone and low-impact exercises.

• Diet: diet is very important to control the causes of cellulite, such as fat gain, constipation or fluid retention. The key guidelines to reduce cellulite will be:
  Good hydration: drink water throughout the day.
• Healthy fats: omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential fats that, on many occasions, we do not consume enough. These are found in fish and shellfish and are great allies for endothelial function and as anti-inflammatories.
• Low glycemic index carbohydrates: that is, less white flour and more whole wheat, legumes and vegetables. Sugars and simple carbohydrates should be avoided.
• Protein intake: proteins are necessary nutrients for our muscle mass. Foods rich in protein are meat, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts. Try to maintain a balance in the consumption of all of them since protein foods also help us make collagen, essential for elastic skin and good support.
• Vitamin C: it is an essential vitamin for the formation of proteins, such as collagen, which we need for firm skin. We will find it very concentrated in fruits such as strawberries, citrus fruits, kiwi, melon or other vegetables such as red pepper, parsley or green sprouts (as long as you do not cook them).
• Iron: necessary for the transport of oxygen to the tissues, so try to keep the previous point in mind (vitamin C helps absorb this mineral) and do not skip foods rich in iron, such as meats, seafood and legumes.
• Diuretic foods: they help drainage and this is noticeable in the skin, such as pineapple, grapefruit, melon, onions, artichokes, asparagus and cucumbers... or infusions such as horsetail, dandelion, ginger or green tea.
• Avoid some types of oral contraceptives. Birth control pills can promote fluid retention which, in turn, favors the appearance of cellulite, as microcirculation and the drainage of fluids from the body are affected.
• Manage stress: yes, yes, once again stress negatively influences our body. They increase catecholamines (adrenaline and norepinephrine) which, unfortunately, promote the formation of fat or lipogenesis, so it is worth investing in peace of mind and trying to highly value a relaxed and pleasant life.

Classification or degrees of cellulite

Although cellulite is normal, there are a series of degrees that must be addressed to improve symptoms such as pain and edema.

• Grade I: no skin alteration is visible. The skin is smooth and soft.
• Grade II: if we compress the skin, or due to muscle contraction itself, such as in the thigh, we can observe orange peel skin. We also notice the area with the lowest temperature.
• Grade III: there may already be pain and the skin appears, without the need to compress it, with the irregularities typical of cellulite.
• Grade IV: In addition to the above, the nodules are clearly palpated and observed and are deep. Microcirculation is more affected and pain and fluid retention are more bothersome.

How can we treat cellulite?

Improving cellulite involves making a series of changes, from different obvious points such as diet, physical exercise, specific supplementation and topical treatments.

Previously we have discussed the keys to a diet that helps relieve cellulite. We have also mentioned the importance of physical exercise since it will improve circulation and this is beneficial for our tissues. In addition, physical activity helps maintain body weight and prevent the increase in excessive adipose tissue (fat). Correct daily hydration should not be forgotten, through water and infusions.

Now, what food supplements can help us reduce cellulite? All those who fulfill the following functions, basic to act from the origin:

• Collagen with Magnesium and Vitamin C: improves skin elasticity, smoothness and appearance, making it a very suitable supplement to prevent and treat it. Remember that we can reduce the deformation of fibrous septa (those walls between fat packets), since they are structures rich in collagen and they must be well nourished. Magnesium, for its part, will improve circulation and, together with vitamin C, the synthesis of new collagen.
• Algae ( Fucus seaweed): this is one of the most interesting seaweeds for its key properties to improve cellulite. The skin is grateful for fucus supplementation since it contains a compound, fucoidan, with anti-inflammatory, circulatory and antioxidant properties, which improves the flexibility and elasticity of the skin. On the other hand, fucus is an algae rich in iodine that contributes to increasing basal metabolism by stimulating the thyroid, improving fat burning and fluid retention. Fucus also contains fiber that improves digestion and constipation. The anti-estrogenic effect of fucus can help control menstrual cycles better and consequently reduce cellulite caused by excess estrogen. You should not take bladderwrack if you are taking thyroid medications.

We hope that this information helps you understand the reality of cellulite, to be able to improve it and promote the health of your skin and tissues within normality, with totally healthy and recommended guidelines.