When does cellulite appear? Cellulite

Cellulite is related to the structure of the skin as well as fat deposits in the tissues. Both overweight women (most often) and quite thin young ladies can suffer from cellulite. Cellulite is more pronounced if the skin is thin.

“Orange peel”, “lumpy skin”- this is what people call cellulite. Such areas of skin feel more sensitive and denser to the touch. But it is the aesthetic side that causes women the most suffering - skin with cellulite looks less attractive. That is why the fight against cellulite is far from the last place on the list of women's to-dos.

It is interesting that doctors and physiologists consider cellulite (or rather, its first stage) to be a normal phenomenon and even classify it as a secondary female sexual characteristic. Most of them believe that cellulite, especially in the initial stages, is a purely cosmetic defect and call cellulite a “contrived disease.” And all because the volume of fat cells in women naturally increases under the influence of estrogens (female sex hormones), and cellulite tends to appear in women in reproductively significant areas - on the stomach, hips, buttocks - after all, in these areas there are alpha receptors that respond for fat synthesis, women have 6 times more beta receptors responsible for its breakdown.

For the first time cellulite was called a defect in appearance not so long ago - in 1973(after the publication of an article about this shortcoming in fashion women's magazine). Until then, cellulite was considered normal for women.

How do I know if I have cellulite? Stages of cellulite

To find out if you have cellulite, you need to squeeze the skin of your thigh with both hands. If a characteristic “orange peel” appearance appears at the site of compression, then this is the first sign of cellulite. But before you immediately faint or run to a cosmetologist, read about the different stages of cellulite.

Cellulite has three main stages:

At the first stage There is a noticeable loss of skin elasticity, but signs of “orange peel” are visible only if the skin is squeezed or the muscles are strongly strained. In a relaxed state, the tuberosity is not noticeable. At this stage, many cellulite remedies help well.

Second stage characterized by the manifestation of symptoms with relaxed muscles and without compression of the skin. The skin looks lumpy and flabby. And this is already the “first bell” in order to tone the muscles and the body in order.

Third stage of cellulite It is officially considered a disease, since from a purely cosmetic problem it develops into one that brings discomfort to the body. The surface of the skin looks rough, uneven and swollen, often the bumps have a bluish tint and are painful. You can observe a loss of skin sensitivity, which means serious circulatory problems and even the death of small nerve endings.

Whether you will develop cellulite depends on several factors.

Causes of cellulite:

Heredity;

Sedentary lifestyle;

Poor nutrition, excessive consumption of carbohydrates and preservatives;

Fluid retention in the body or dehydration;

Hormonal disorders;

Circulatory and metabolic disorders;

Cellulite is a fairly common cosmetic defect that sooner or later occurs in approximately 80% of women. It is associated with changes in the structure of the subcutaneous fat layer. In this case, first irregularities (bulges and depressions) appear on the surface of the skin, and then small compactions (the so-called orange peel effect). Changes in the condition of subcutaneous tissue are a consequence of hormonal imbalance in the body.

People began to view cellulite negatively less than 50 years ago. For the first time, beauty salon owners started talking about the fact that the presence of “orange peel” contradicts ideas about female beauty and sexuality, and this statement was quickly picked up by manufacturers of various cosmetics. A phenomenon that has always been considered natural has been turned into one of the most pressing problems associated with appearance.

Some women who consider it their duty to mercilessly fight the “orange peel” have a very rough idea of cellulite and real ways to get rid of it. This is facilitated by numerous misconceptions that are supported by unscrupulous manufacturers of supposedly anti-cellulite products. Let's try to deal with the most common of these myths.

Cellulite is a disease

If we consider the above statement to be true, we will have to admit that 8 out of 10 women are terminally ill. Fortunately, this is not the case. A tendency to change the state of subcutaneous tissue under the influence of hormones is the norm for the female body.

Doctors distinguish four stages of cellulite development. The first of them practically does not manifest itself externally, while the second and third create exclusively cosmetic problems that do not affect health in any way. The pathology is only the fourth stage of cellulite development, which is characterized by serious disturbances of venous and lymphatic outflow, the presence of large, painful subcutaneous fat nodes fused with the skin, swelling, and scar formation. This condition really reduces the quality of life and requires immediate medical intervention.

Source: depositphotos.com

Cellulite occurs at a certain age

The appearance of cellulite is associated not so much with age as with hormonal changes in the body. For example, skin conditions corresponding to the first and second stages of cellulite development sometimes occur in very young girls going through puberty (the so-called teenage cellulite). After the hormonal levels stabilize, the problem disappears by itself. Some women experience similar skin defects during pregnancy or the postpartum period.

Most often, “orange peel” occurs in women during menopause. Most likely, this is precisely what is associated with negative ideas about cellulite as a phenomenon indicating the decline of female sexuality.

Source: depositphotos.com

“Orange peel” – a problem for obese women

Cellulite can appear in both overweight and thin women. The likelihood of its development is largely determined by heredity. Other risk factors include the presence bad habits and heavy chronic diseases, sedentary lifestyle life, stress, as well as constant eating disorders.

Experts note: cellulite sometimes occurs against the background of sudden changes in body weight. So radical diets designed to provide fast weight loss, in this sense are very unsafe.

Source: depositphotos.com

Cellulite is a consequence of excessive fluid intake

One of the most common mistakes women make when trying to get rid of orange peel skin is trying to limit their fluid intake. They believe that congestion in subcutaneous adipose tissue arise due to water retention in the cells. In fact, the appearance of cellulite has nothing to do with excess fluid entering the body. Refusing to drink enough is not only useless, but also extremely dangerous, since dehydration negatively affects the condition of tissues and, above all, the tone of the skin.

Source: depositphotos.com

Athletes do not have cellulite

No one denies the benefits of playing sports (as well as the harms of physical inactivity). However, regular physical exercise They do not save you from cellulite, but only help to delay it. The fact is that during training, the body produces endomorphin, which, among other things, helps improve blood supply to tissues and prevents the development of congestion.

It has been noticed that in women who have recently stopped playing sports, “orange peel” on the thighs and abdomen appears very quickly. It turns out that the risk factor in this case is not so much the absence of loads as their abrupt cancellation.

Source: depositphotos.com

You can get rid of cellulite with diets

To maintain skin tone and normalize cellular metabolism, a balanced diet, consumption of sufficient amounts of microelements, vitamins and other biologically active substances are very important. However, there are no special anti-cellulite diets or individual products. By eating right, you can slow down the processes of change in subcutaneous tissue and make their consequences less noticeable, but it is impossible to completely avoid troubles of this kind.

Source: depositphotos.com

Sunbathing helps fight cellulite

This is wrong. Ultraviolet rays activate negative processes in the subcutaneous layer and enhance cell degradation. In addition, excessive heating contributes to dehydration of the integument. Therefore, women prone to developing cellulite should be very careful and not get carried away with sunbathing.

Currently, problems of maintaining and/or restoring aesthetics appearance are becoming more and more relevant. Aesthetic health has a significant impact on a person’s adaptation in society, his quality of life and social well-being.

In the structure of reasons for visiting dermatological and cosmetological institutions, cellulite occupies a leading position. Its prevalence among women aged 20-35 years is about 96%, and over 35 years old - an average of 80%.

General overview

The term "cellulite" applied to certain objective changes in skin characteristics in problem areas body image for most women is incorrect and is used only in everyday life. A more accurate formulation of these changes is “estrogen-dependent local lipodystrophy” or gynoid (i.e. female type) lipodystrophy.

Cellulite is not normal, but it is not a disease either, despite the presence of the suffix “itis,” meaning inflammation. This and other terms used to define this condition are not found in the International Classification of Diseases.

Gynoid dystrophy is an aesthetic, cosmetic defect characterized by certain specific transient or permanent tissue changes, which are based on local degenerative processes in the subcutaneous fatty tissue and dermis of problem areas, manifested by irregular skin texture and the so-called “orange peel” effect.

What causes cellulite?

This cosmetic defect almost never occurs in men. It appears relatively rarely in girls adolescence during puberty. This served as the basis for some authors to call the cosmetic defect in teenage girls the term “juvenile cellulite.” But the irregularity of the skin relief in areas susceptible to this cosmetic defect (on the buttocks, on the legs, mainly on the hips and to a lesser extent in the area of the knees and ankle joints, on the hands) occurs in the vast majority of women of reproductive age (85%).

The main manifestations in the form of dystrophic changes in the fatty tissue of the listed zones in females, their age-related correlation and compliance with hormonal changes of the reproductive period are explained by the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the female body.

What does cellulite look like post-anatomically?

The pathological picture is represented by hypertrophied adipose tissue cells grouped into lobes. The latter are surrounded by septa consisting of thickened fibrous fibers. Hypertrophy of fat cells occurs due to an increase in the activity of the processes of formation and accumulation of fats or a decrease in the activity of metabolic processes (according to various reasons). In these tissues, there are disturbances in blood microcirculation and lymph flow, the severity of edema of the interstitial (intercellular) tissue, which further disrupts the blood flow in the capillaries and the outflow of lymph.

Thus, gynoid lipodystrophy is not a pathological condition, but physiological feature subcutaneous fat tissue of local (estrogen-dependent) areas of the woman’s body.

Causes and mechanism of cellulite development

It develops as a result of the influence of various factors, combined into two groups:

Internal.
External.

In each individual case, some reasons are of a primary nature, others are of a secondary nature. However, despite the fact that the causes of cellulite may be different, the fundamental mechanism of its development is similar in all cases. This similarity manifests itself in the final result in the form of a local disruption of metabolic processes that cause the formation of fat cells different sizes and forms, swelling of interstitial tissue and the development of fibrosis.

Internal etiological factors

These include mainly factors:

anatomical;
hormone;
vascular and discirculatory;
genetic.

Anatomical factor

The fact of the presence of lipodystrophic changes in women and their absence in men for a long time was based on hypotheses that took into account the difference only in the anatomical structure of adipose tissue. In accordance with this version, subcutaneous fatty tissue is divided by elastin septa, which in women are arranged crosswise, and in men - in a strictly horizontal direction.

In this regard, with an increase in the volume of fat cells in men, the elastin elements stretch evenly, resulting in a uniform, without the formation of relief, skin tension. In women, the consequence of an increase in the volume of adipocytes with a cruciform structure of adipose tissue is a raised skin surface, or the “orange peel” symptom, which cannot be a pathological condition, that is, a disease.

Other hypotheses were only clarifying the first. For example, it was assumed that the lack of regularity in the location of fatty tissue is characteristic only of the lower layers, but they protrude the upper layers, creating relief of the dermis. In accordance with another hypothesis, cellulite was divided into primary, which is a hypertrophy of cells located only in surface layer adipose tissue, and secondary, developing as a result of age-related or sun-induced decrease in skin elasticity.

These assumptions are united by the characteristics of typical changes (hypertrophy) of fatty tissue and the identification of one or another of its layers as the object of changes. They have a certain significance in the morphological and clinical picture. However, as a cause, these hypotheses contradict the empirical observations of dermatologists and cosmetologists, since gynoid lipodystrophy is present not only in overweight women, but also among those whose indicators are close to the lower limit of normal.

Hormonal factor

The implementation of hormonal changes can occur at the level of the central nervous system through the hormones of the hypothalamus and tropic hormones of the pituitary gland, as a result of which the content of estrogen and prolactin in the blood increases. The latter have a general anabolic effect, which contributes to the activation of fat formation and accumulation.

Particularly significant severity of lipogenesis processes is observed during periods of life accompanied by maximum hormonal changes - adolescence, pregnancy, menopause. Therefore, the individual hormonal characteristics of each woman, certain changes in her body, can participate in the mechanism of cellulite development or become its direct cause.

In addition, the theory of the formation of the changes discussed in the article, based on the biochemical processes occurring in adipose tissue under the influence of endocrine factors, is convincing. Among its many functions, subcutaneous adipose tissue also performs an endocrine function, which attracts particular interest in terms of explaining the causes and mechanisms of development of gynoid lipodystrophy.

The female body has such a feature of the reproductive period of life as the regularity of hormonal fluctuations, which determine the ability to conceive and bear a fetus. The defining characteristic of the hormonal background is the corresponding activity of the ovarian tissue in which estrogens are produced.

However, in the subcutaneous adipose tissue localized in the femoral and gluteal areas, in the area lower sections front abdominal wall and (to a lesser extent) in the area back surface shoulder, in the area knee joints biochemical processes of aromatization of male sex hormones (androgens) occur. The result of these processes is the peripheral synthesis of estrogens.

At the same time, the subcutaneous tissue of these zones is exposed to local estrogen. This is especially pronounced during pregnancy and lactation. One of the functions of female sex hormones is the destruction of collagen fibers, including in the cervix, which is important for its gradual preparation for childbirth and increasing the degree of extensibility during childbirth. This is associated with an increase in the appearance of cellulite in many women after childbirth.

The main stages of the mechanism of development of gynoid lipodystrophy are the following:

an increase in estrogen levels leads to activation of the synthesis of collagenase (an enzyme that breaks down) in the dermis and hypodermis, as a result of which the number of collagen fibers in the tissues of estrogen-dependent zones decreases;
when a critically low quantitative level of collagen fibers is reached, hypertrophied adipocytes acquire a chaotic arrangement and form groups in the form of small and large nodes that protrude in the superficial dermal layers;
the accumulation of a critical number of enlarged fat cells against the background of estrogen stimulation leads to the activation of differentiation of preadipocytes (precursors of fat cells) and the formation of new adipocytes;
new fat cells also participate in the aromatization of androgens, which leads to the synthesis of even more estrone, and this, in turn, further enhances the synthesis of the collagenase enzyme.

Thus, the degree of spread and severity of cellulite processes is determined by the overall level of estrogen content. Women who have this level are high tend to develop and spread the manifestations of gynoid lipodystrophy more quickly than other women.

Other, less significant internal etiopathogenetic factors of an endocrine nature, leading to an imbalance of lipolysis and lipogenesis and contributing to the appearance and/or development of cellulite or accelerating its course, include:

dysfunction of the endocrine glands of the hypothalamic-pituitary system and adrenal glands;
hypofunction of the thyroid gland;
dysfunction of the pancreas, especially diabetes;
ovarian diseases (tumors, polycystic disease, oophorectomy);
metabolic disorders, as well as diseases of the liver, biliary system, stomach and intestines, contributing to disturbances in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

Vascular and discirculatory factor

This factor is the second (after hormonal) in importance in the development of gynoid lipodystrophy. It may not only be a consequence of the influence of some other causes, but often serves as the initial cause of the development of this condition. Histological examination of tissue in the area of cellulite reveals not only hypertrophied fat cells, but also the presence of signs of edema, fibrosis and sclerosis, which is associated with impaired tissue nutrition as a result of disruption of normal blood and lymph circulation.

This is explained by the following mechanisms. Enlarged (hypertrophied) adipocytes compress small vessels. This leads to a deterioration in microcirculation, a slowdown in the outflow of venous blood and lymph outflow, an increase in the permeability of the vascular wall and the release of the liquid part of the blood into the interstitial tissue, swelling of the latter and even more pronounced compression of blood vessels, impaired blood microcirculation and a slowdown in the outflow of lymph.

In addition, chronic swelling of interstitial tissue is also associated with the influence of progesterone in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. As a result of a cyclic increase in progesterone concentration, a temporary physiological increase secretion of aldosterone, a hormone that reduces the excretion of sodium salts from the body. The latter retains water, which is another reason for the increase in its volume in the fluid of the intercellular structure, that is, edema of the interstitial tissue.

Chronic edema that develops in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle also leads to disruption of blood microcirculation and lymph flow, and this, in turn, is a factor in activating the transformation of preadipocytes, stimulating the function of fibroblasts, and the development of fibrosing and sclerosing processes.

Thus, the main reason for the development of cellulite is both the direct local effect of estrogens on tissues and the influence of progesterone in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The longer this effect, the more pronounced the hypertrophy of fat cells, the phenomena of edema and fibrosis and, therefore, the earlier their external signs appear, progress and spread.

Therefore, the definition of local estrogenic lipodystrophy as age-related changes, and not as a disease, is fully justified, since, starting from adolescence, the subcutaneous fatty tissue of estrogen-dependent zones in women is under constant influence of estrogens. As age increases, this leads to the progression of cellulite.

The duration of the menstrual cycle depends on the duration of the luteal phase and can be up to different women from 21 days to 35-40 days. The individual duration of the follicular and ovulatory phases is relatively constant. The longer the luteal phase, the longer the elevated levels of progesterone in the body persist and, therefore, the characteristic symptoms of cellulite are more pronounced.

Depending on these factors, the following main groups of women are distinguished who are more susceptible to rapid development and the progression of age-related estrogenic lipodystrophy. These are women:

With a relative or absolute increase in the content of estrogen in the blood.
Those whose menstrual cycle length exceeds the average, that is, more than 30-32 days.

Other, less significant internal risk factors, which are based on disorders of microcirculation and lymphatic drainage:

pregnancy, in which, in addition to an increase in the content of prolactin and insulin in the blood, compression of the organs by the enlarged uterus occurs abdominal cavity, veins and lymphatic vessels, which leads to a slowdown in the flow of venous blood and lymph and disruption of microcirculation;
varicose veins;
primary and secondary lymphostasis;
heart failure;
cirrhosis or fibrosis of the liver, leading to impaired blood flow from the portal vein;

The listed pathological conditions cause a decrease in venous and lymphatic outflow and, consequently, impaired microcirculation and fluid retention in the area lower limbs abdomen and buttocks. All this leads to stimulation of fibroblast function and the development of fibrosis of interstitial tissue in the thighs, buttocks, abdominal wall, legs, knee and ankle joints.

Genetic factor

The main one is the polymorphism of certain genes that encode enzymes of the two phases of detoxification. The consequence of their polymorphism is high sensitivity to disorders of estrogen metabolism. The latter can arise as a result of the influence of negative environmental factors against the background of an existing genetic predisposition.

External risk factors

As a result of external influence, internal factors are realized or their influence is enhanced. Processes caused by external factors can lead to the development of local “secondary” lipodystrophy, which is associated not so much with the individual characteristics of the body itself, but with its general condition, the woman’s lifestyle and the nature of her nutrition.

The main ones external factors are:

Smoking

Nicotine increases the risk of hyperestrogenemia. It helps reduce the activity of cytochrome, which is responsible for the transformation of estrogens into 2-hydroxyestrogens, which are a more active form of female sex hormones, especially during the premenopausal period. Nicotine also suppresses lipolytic processes (the breakdown of fats), first causes dilation and then spasm of peripheral vessels with disruption of microcirculatory blood flow, the development of lymphostasis and chronic venous insufficiency. In addition, it leads to accelerated destruction of collagen fibers in the skin, due to which dystrophic changes develop in the subcutaneous tissue, and causes resistance to treatment for obesity. Thus, smoking activates absolutely all factors contributing to the development of gynoid lipodystrophy.

Excess weight body

Obesity leads to the accumulation of estrogens in subcutaneous fat. This is due to the content of a large amount of the enzyme aromatase, which transforms androgens, which are synthesized in the adrenal glands, into estrogens. In addition, obesity significantly increases the risk of vascular disorders, aggravates venous insufficiency, but, first of all, contributes to the progression of lymphostasis.

Improper diet and poor nutrition

Deficiency in food products of vitamins, macro- and microelements, many of which are part of enzymes involved in the metabolism of sex hormones. With their deficiency, the function of enzymatic systems is disrupted, which leads to the accumulation of estrogens in the body. It is also necessary to limit foods that contribute to the development of cellulite - high-calorie foods and fats of animal and plant origin, flour products, products containing easily digestible carbohydrates, extractives and spices, marinades and other products containing a significant amount of salt, sweet and carbonated drinks, as well as drinks containing caffeine (strong tea, coffee, Coca-Cola, etc.), products with a low content of fiber, potassium salts.

Taking certain medications

Taking oral combined contraceptive drugs, as well as estrogen drugs in medicinal purposes, long-term therapy with beta blockers, antithyroid hormones and antihistamines.

Physical inactivity

Physical activity promotes the processes of hydroxylation and destruction of excess estrogen. With a sedentary lifestyle, there is a decrease in oxygen saturation of tissues, a slowdown in metabolic processes and disruption of tissue nutrition, which leads to the activation of collagenases (enzymes that destroy collagen proteins). In addition, as a result of physical inactivity, due to a decrease in muscle activity that promotes the “pumping” of lymph through large lymphatic vessels, lymphostasis develops in the soft tissues pelvic area and lower extremities.

Stress

Frequent and/or prolonged stressful conditions, prolonged negative psycho-emotional stress contribute to the acceleration of the processes of destruction of collagen fibers, dysfunction of the neurovegetative system, resulting in the development of disorders of the regulation of vascular tone, sometimes quite persistent. This leads to prolonged vascular spasms, disruption of the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and a slowdown in the outflow of metabolic products.

The accumulation of external influences on the body can significantly accelerate the progression and increase the severity of cellulite, which is associated with the peculiarities of estrogen metabolism. It is not so much the presence of gynoid lipodystrophy itself that depends on external factors, but rather its characteristics.

Stages of cellulite

In the development of gynoid lipodystrophy, four clinical and morphological stages are distinguished.

Stage 1

Pathomorphological examination reveals thickening of the hypodermal areolar layer, differences in the size and shape of fat cells, expansion of capillaries and increased permeability of their walls, diapedetic (through the vascular wall without damaging it) pinpoint hemorrhages, microscopic spindle-shaped aneurysms in postcapillary venules.

At this stage, there are no clinical manifestations - the skin surface over the areas of development of cellulite processes is not visually changed, it is smooth and with an even texture. The subcutaneous tissue is soft on palpation, and sometimes slight swelling may be noted. In these areas, longer persistence of hematomas and healing of microtraumas are noted.

Stage 2

The histological picture is hypertrophied and hyperplastic preadipocytes, the basement membrane of the capillaries is thickened, the capillaries are dilated in some areas, microscopic hemorrhages, bundles of argentophilic connective tissue fibers are found around the capillaries.

Upon palpation over the lesions, a decrease in skin temperature, a decrease in skin elasticity and an increase in swelling and density of subcutaneous fat are determined. When you tense the muscles in the area of the lesion or take your fingers into a fold of the skin above the lesion, pallor and unevenness of the skin surface in the form of an “orange peel” appear.

Stage 3

Called micronodular or microlobular. Pathomorphologically, it is characterized by the progression of changes that are described in the 2nd stage. In addition - new formation of connective tissue (fibrous) fibers, growth of new capillaries, expansion of venules, numerous microaneurysms, formation of small nodules, blurring of the border between the hypodermis and dermis, association of hypertrophied adipocytes into small lobules, the beginning of the development of sclerosis of fat cells and their inclusion in connective tissue structures deep dermal layers. Thus, this stage is already fibrous cellulite.

Its clinical manifestations are a clear “orange peel” effect, not only with muscle tension or skin folding, but also in a calm state. The surface of the skin is flabby and has a bumpy texture. Its elasticity over the lesions is significantly reduced, it is dry, pale and cold on palpation, and with deep palpation, which is accompanied by pain, multiple small, the size of a grain of rice, painful nodules are determined.

Stage 4

Macronodular, or final, irreversible (quite rare). Its histological and clinical picture characterizes already “advanced” cellulite. The histological picture reveals the loss of the lobular structure of the subcutaneous tissue. Groups of small nodes form large nodes, surrounded by a connective tissue capsule and penetrated by coarse fibrous fibers that look like cords. There is diffuse sclerosis of fat cells and their replacement with fibrous tissue, microscopic varicose veins small vessels, small hemorrhages, atrophy of the epidermal layer of the skin and telangiectasia.

The clinical signs of this stage are more pronounced compared to those of the 3rd stage. Large nodes are noticeable in a calm, relaxed state. The skin over the lesions is cold, with a bluish tint and a venous “mesh”. The general texture of the skin is wavy and bumpy. Upon palpation, large painful nodes are identified, fused to the dermis.

Let's answer main question: how to get rid of cellulite?

Methods to combat cellulite

Results after LPG massage

Some cosmetologists and specialists from individual companies producing cosmetological devices and preparations consider it as a pathological condition. In order to remove cellulite from the buttocks and other areas of the body, they recommend “destructive” agents and hardware techniques that are aimed at removing subcutaneous fat tissue or destroying it. Based on information about the causes and general mechanism of development of local estrogen-dependent lipodystrophy, it becomes clear that such methods of therapy are absolutely unacceptable.

The fight against cellulite must take into account the stages of its development and concomitant pathology. It consists in eliminating or limiting the influence of external factors, in the complex use of drugs and methods aimed at correcting impaired blood microcirculation, activating venous outflow and lymphatic drainage.

Combination of electric pulse influence with, etc.

So, cellulite, or local age-related estrogen-dependent, or gynoid lipodystrophy is not a pathological condition. It is a physiological feature of subcutaneous fatty tissue in the so-called estrogen-dependent areas of the body. It is this approach to determining this cosmetic defect that should be used to guide the choice of methods of its treatment and prevention.

Orange peel syndrome, lumpy thighs, lymphatic drainage system failure - cellulite has many nicknames. And each of them sounds unappetizing enough to make us frantically search for methods of treating it. We don't want to think about it or look at it - otherwise why would magical Photoshop so purposefully smooth out the thighs of every professionally photographed woman? But all these views on cellulite are based on many myths, in the creation of which the multimillion-dollar cosmetic industry plays a significant role.

How effective? And is cellulite the obligatory curse of any woman who has gained even a little excess weight? It's time to dispel the myths that add unnecessary complexes to women regarding their appearance.

Myth 1. Only fat people have cellulite

98% of women have cellulite. Even supermodels and anorexics have it. And although the more excess weight you have, the more cellulite, in itself, does not cause the “orange peel”. Well, who are these lucky women who are included in the cherished 2% who do not have cellulite? Cellulite professionals say it's simply women with thicker skin, and the vast majority of them are of African descent.

Myth 2. Cellulite is fat deposits

In fact, it is an uneven mixture of tissue and fat deposits. Under the skin there is a layer of tissue fibers, which, as a rule (but not necessarily), contains fat cells. Fat cells and lymph held by these fibers may be deposited unevenly, causing them to bulge and the fibers themselves to shrink.

Myth 3. Only women get cellulite

This is partly true. Although men also have cellulite, albeit rarely, it does happen. These are usually men with genetic and chromosomal abnormalities. Why is this typical for women? Previously it was believed that the reason was hormones. But now there is a new theory about the origin of cellulite. According to it, the fibers connecting the skin and muscles in women have a vertical orientation. When they are stretched, all the contents between them begin to bulge, thus creating a honeycomb effect. In men, these fibers are arranged crosswise; this design prevents fat cells from protruding. And although not everything is known about cellulite, one thing is clear - women are not to blame for this.

Myth 4. If you lose weight, cellulite will disappear

Healthy eating, physical activity and adequate sleep have never spoiled anyone's appearance. And sometimes losing weight actually leads to visual reduction of cellulite as the size of fat deposits decreases. But it often happens that, especially fast, the skin becomes more flabby, sags, and cellulite becomes even more noticeable.

Myth 5. Cellulite can be removed with creams

Regardless of the high cost of the cream and the “promotion” of the brand, creams are not able to remove cellulite. What they can do is create a slight illusion of smoother skin for a couple of hours and thereby slightly soften the appearance of cellulite. They, as a rule, contain reflective particles, due to which uneven terrain does not appear so noticeably. By the way, self-tanning sprays can disguise cellulite just as well.

Myth 6: You can get rid of cellulite through cosmetic procedures or surgery.

Nowadays a huge variety of cosmetic procedures are offered that supposedly get rid of cellulite. These include ultrasonic waves, cryotherapy, various types of massages, and wraps. These manipulations can only improve the visibility of cellulite, and even then only for a short time. They are not able to somehow influence the condition of the subcutaneous tissue in the long term. A new trend in cosmetic surgery is cellulaze, an hour-long operation designed to rid women of the hated “orange peel.” Doctors use lasers to destroy fat cells in the "bumps" of cellulite. The procedure is simple, with a quick recovery period, but it costs from 10 thousand dollars and more. On this moment considered the most effective means against cellulite, but does not guarantee completely even and smooth skin.

So is there anything you can do to reduce cellulite?

Well, at least you can prevent it from getting worse. Harmful solar radiation and smoking worsen the appearance of cellulite. The sun and smoking destroy collagen fibers, causing the skin to lose elasticity and firmness. These are the two most terrible enemies beautiful skin, and not only in relation to cellulite.

It will definitely contribute to the beauty of your legs and proper nutrition. You should eat plenty of fiber and minimize the consumption of “acidic” foods: sugars and carbonated drinks. The Mediterranean diet is best in this regard. Remember to drink lots and lots of water and add a little lemon juice to your meals and drinks whenever possible.

And, of course, nothing serves as such an excellent prevention of cellulite as sports. Physical activity stimulates the body's lymphatic drainage system and is also a kind of deep tissue massage. All this will help reduce the symptoms of cellulite and prevent its worsening.

And remember that having cellulite on your thighs, buttocks and even your stomach is NORMAL. Even if it doesn’t look very attractive in certain sizes and ages. There were times when this was considered just attractive. All of the above does not mean that you don’t need to take care of yourself. But if you remember that cellulite is normal, inevitable and invincible, then it will be easier for you to come to terms with yourself, accept your reflection in the mirror as it is, and direct your energy in a more beneficial direction.

Until relatively recently, cellulite was a problem for overweight women. Today it is becoming more common. Girls began to more actively use any means to improve general view of your body. The site will help you understand this issue.

Cellulite is certainly not a disease, but it does cause a lot of anxiety. fair half humanity. These are changes in skin condition and imbalance of adipose tissue. Appears as dimples on the body. It is also called "orange peel". Cellulite in young people signals a malfunction in the body's functions.

If we take the female population of our planet, then every third person faces the problem of cellulite. He spares neither the fat nor the thin, neither the old nor the young. Today, cellulite occurs even among high school girls.

Why does cellulite occur in young people? Let's look at the main reasons

Reason one:

Young people, for the most part, lead a sedentary lifestyle. These include computers and TV. There is no doubt that these benefits of civilization have become an integral part of our lives, without which we can no longer imagine our existence. A long-term sitting position, during which blood stagnates in the body, metabolic processes are disrupted and, as a result, cellulite appears.

Reason two:

Cellulite in young people appears most often among those who practice “snacks on the go.” Hamburgers, pies, sandwiches, in combination with carbonated drinks - these are not products that belong to the category, but are extremely popular among young people.

Reason three:

Smoking has a detrimental effect not only on the entire body as a whole, but also blocks the flow of oxygen to enrich all internal organs. A metabolic disorder occurs. The skin becomes earthy in color, flabby, dehydrated - the best environment for the formation of cellulite in young people.

Reason four:

Experts have published that cellulite is many times more common among urban residents than among rural residents. Gas pollution and sparse tree plantings contribute to less oxygen penetration into the body and slagging at the cellular level.

Don't be lazy while you're young

If you want to meet your old age “in beautiful body”, not disfigured by cellulite, you should reconsider your lifestyle. After reading the reasons, do everything exactly the opposite.

Stick to it proper nutrition. No homogenized products. The diet should include cereals, boiled meat, fresh vegetables and fruits.
Drink plenty of fluids. With the help of simple water, you can cleanse your body of waste and toxins, which will immediately leave your body.
Aerobic exercise, swimming, even a little warm-up will increase your chances of fighting cellulite.
Try to be in the fresh air more often, outside the city.

It is worth taking care of your body from a young age. It is within your power to defeat cellulite and prevent its occurrence. Try and you will definitely succeed.