Scientists describe cellulite as a displacement or distortion of connective tissue by deposits of fat cells. Cellulite causes skin on the thighs, hips, buttocks, stomach and upper arms to appear dimpled, lumpy, and wrinkled. Affecting even the slimmest people, cellulite is much more common in women than in men because of gender differences affecting the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed. Cellulite can occur as early as puberty and tends to worsen with age.
Influences and Environmental Factors
Cellulite occurs in people of all ethnicities and its development is influenced by heredity, skin thickness, gender, the amount and distribution of body fat, hormone levels and age. Fluid retention, a sedentary lifestyle, diets rich in processed foods and poor circulation can contribute to the development of cellulite.
According to Dr. Richard Well of Medicine.net, weight loss and exercise can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Dr. Well recommends performing aerobic exercises 3-5 times per week and resistance exercise 2-3 times per week, particularly working the muscles where cellulite tends to accumulate. Especially effective are side leg raises, low cable pulley work targeting the hips and thighs, squats, lunges, and stair climbing or bench stepping.
Spa Therapies
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved massage therapies and laser therapies as effective treatments for the temporary reduction of cellulite. With regular use, these therapies can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite.
One of the most popular massage treatments for cellulite is Endermologie, which was developed in France and has been used in spas since the mid-1990s. Endermologie techniques, which are reported to redistribute fat, use an electrically powered external device that suctions and massages affected areas. Treatments typically last for 30-45 minutes, and 10-12 treatments are usually needed before significant results are seen. Regular follow-up or maintenance treatments (weekly) are important for continued results.
The FDA has approved two light-therapy laser devices, TriActive and VelaSmooth for the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite. Similar to Endermologie, laser treatments require multiple treatment sessions followed by maintenance sessions for sustained results. Laser/massage treatments are more expensive than massage treatments.
Home Spa Treatments
A number of devices, creams, lotions, supplements and clothing products are available for reducing cellulite. Described in the Bliss catalog as the #1 cellulite treatment worldwide, the Lipomassage Machine has been clinically tested and supported by FDA claims of cellulite reduction. Best results are obtained when the device is used 4 times a week for the first 6-8 weeks, followed by weekly treatments.
Various massage creams and lotions designed to reduce cellulite are available for home use. Most of these produces contain chemicals from the methylxanthine family, including aminophylline, theophylline and caffeine. Methylxanthines are known to break down fat deposits. Herbal ingredients designed to improve circulation may also be present. Scientific studies have shown a small reduction in thigh measurements with some of these preparations, they’re generally not as effective as laser or massage therapies. However, combined with a healthy diet and exercise program, they can help in temporarily improving the appearance of cellulite.
Shoes and Clothing
Various shoes, including the MBT line, are reported to reduce cellulite by massaging and stimulating thigh muscles. The effects are attributed to the shoe’s raised sole. This change is reported to tone muscles and improve circulation.
Medisana Micro-Massage shorts and leggings are reported to reduce cellulite by stimulating lymphatic drainage and circulation via continuous compression and increased heat. These garments are made of a 3-layer latex/cotton fabric with a rubberized core. Lytess Orange Peel Sleeves are worn on the arms to reduce upper arm sagging and dimpling. Farmacell Milk Shorts are a similar cellulite-boosting garment made of polyamide and a milk fiber blend intended to moisturize, smoothe, and stimulate circulation. Firming Rodhysterol, sweet almond, and mango butter are woven into the fabric and gradually released as the polyelestane sleeves are worn under regular clothing.
Dietary Supplements
A number of dietary supplements are marketed as treatments for cellulite reduction. These supplements contain combinations of ingredients used to improve circulation and reduce fluid retention including bladderwack, sweet clover, grapeseed oil, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, soy lecithin, and omega-3 oils. Although there are anecdotal reports of supplements reducing cellulite, there have been no formal scientific studies to back up these claims. Products containing iodine or thyroid extracts should be avoided as they may trigger thyroid imbalances.
Resources:
- Bliss Spa Catalog, December 2008, available online, or by calling 888-243-8825
- BeBeautiful, Holiday 2008 Catalog
- Cellulite at Medicine.net , updated April, 2008, accessed November 10, 2008.
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