Cellulite is found in 80% of women. It is a mistake to think that loose skin appears only in people who are overweight. The observations of American nutritionists have shown that even slim and fit women have cellulite. This is due to the structure of the body and hormonal background. In this article, we will understand what cellulite is and try to figure out where the idea that cellulite is bad came from.
Cellulite is a change in the structure of the skin in the subcutaneous fat layer. Outwardly manifests itself in the form of bumps, skin irregularities. Laxity of the skin appears on the buttocks and thighs, sometimes on the lower abdomen and arms. This happens after puberty.
Changes in the structure of the skin are more common in women, but can also be in men. Research shows that male cellulite is caused by a lack of male hormones. But the reason for the appearance in women is not exactly known.
Scientists suggest that the "orange peel" appears due to the fact that fat cells and connective tissue in women are arranged vertically. Cells protrude onto the surface of the skin and form irregularities. In men, adipose tissue has a cruciform structure, which means that the likelihood of flabbiness is less. There is also an opinion that hormones are the cause of cellulite. Estrogen, insulin, norepinephrine, thyroid hormones, and prolactin regulate all processes in the female body, including the formation of irregularities.
For example, over time, estrogen decreases, blood flow to connective tissue decreases, and edema appears. Because of this, cells are poorly supplied with oxygen and less collagen is produced. Fat cells also increase due to the drop in estrogen levels. The combination of these factors makes body fat more visible. Aging is another factor. With age, the skin becomes less elastic and thin, which increases the likelihood of cellulite development.
Another study shows that the presence of cellulite depends on genetics. Scientists have found that a person's metabolic rate, the distribution of fat under the skin, ethnicity, and blood circulation are transmitted through genes. These factors are responsible for the "orange peel" formation. In addition to factors that do not depend on a person, skin laxity can appear due to an improper and sedentary lifestyle.
Studies have shown that people who eat too much fat, carbohydrates, salt, and malnourished fiber have more cellulite than people who follow “macros”. Also, sagging skin is more common in smokers and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle than in active people. Therefore, we advise you to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat properly.
For the first time, the term "cellulite" appeared in French medical literature at the beginning of the 20th century. By definition, the French understood a diagnosis describing laxity on the hips and buttocks. This was considered a deviation from the norm. Most of the girls had cellulite, so they immediately wanted to find out as much as possible about it.
So the demand for information about the "orange peel" pushed the owner of the beauty salon, Nicole Ronsard, to publish the book "Cellulite: Those Lumps Bumps and Bulges you Couldn't Loose Before" It became a bestseller. The book said that cellulite is the “wrong” fat and a sign of impaired lymph flow. The reason for the formation is the accumulation of toxic substances in the subcutaneous layers that the body cannot take out. The book also advertised products that help solve the problem: cosmetics, anti-cellulite massages, sponges from cactus needles, vitamin supplements, and much more.
In the early years, cosmetics companies got rich, but later sales began to fall. And then four stages of cellulite were identified. The first one was called “hidden cellulite”, hinting that a person definitely has a problem, even if he does not see it. And the latter, according to the description, was similar to fibrosis - a disease due to which scars appear on organs. Many again became concerned about their health and began to spend hundreds of dollars on cosmetic services in the hope of getting rid of the problem.
Scientists later refuted the theory of the negative impact of flabbiness on health. In 1978, the American Medical Association announced that there was no diagnosis of cellulite. However, the belief in the magical properties of the cream, which can penetrate the subcutaneous layers and dissolve fat cells, remains. So girls are still trying unsuccessfully to get rid of cellulite with a water bath, plastic bags, anti-cellulite exercises, and so on.
But we have to admit that getting rid of cellulite forever is impossible. The only way to stop thinking about the problem is to love yourself.
If you find it difficult to accept your cellulite, consider that this problem does not make you a terrible person. Focus on what you like about your body. These can be both external factors and internal ones.
Realize that cellulite is not an issue. To overcome dissatisfaction and love yourself, psychologists advise you to look in the mirror every day and admit your love to yourself. Say three things every day that you like about yourself. Hobbies, sports, socializing with friends, walking in the fresh air and much more will also help to distract from obsessive thoughts about "flaws". It is worth saying that a survey by Harris Poll - a company that monitors the behavior, mood, and motivation of American adults - showed that most men do not pay attention to cellulite and consider it normal.
At the moment, there is no magic way to combat cellulite. The latest development in this direction is the Cellulaze laser technique, which was patented in 2012. With the help of it, an optical laser melts fat, destroys connective tissue fibers, and stimulates collagen synthesis. The procedure is almost painless, and the result is noticeable immediately after the operation. However, this surgical intervention also gives a cosmetic effect for a maximum of two years, so it makes no sense to fight cellulite.
The only way to make bumps less noticeable is through prevention. Watch your diet, lead an active lifestyle, drink water, eliminate stress if possible, take care of your body, and love yourself.
