How to Eliminate Cellulite or Orange Peel Skin
Description:
Orange peel skin, or cellulite, is a condition that causes great concern among those who suffer from it, but it cannot be considered a disease. It's more of an aesthetic problem that doesn't pose any health risks in itself, but it can cause real self-confidence issues and undermine self-assurance.
Orange peel skin, a common term to refer to Gynecoid lipodystrophy (I know, what little names we give it) , is an alteration of the skin on the buttocks and the back and sides of the thighs of most women .
It produces indentations or dimples with bumps . I like to use the following analogy to explain it: When we are born, our skin is smooth, like the part of the beach that gets wet with water, and starting at puberty, the skin can start to resemble sand covered in footprints left by people as they pass by. With this analogy, we understand why it is called orange peel skin, because of the indentations or bumps in its skin.
Causes and Symptoms:
Unfortunately, we know relatively little about the causes of cellulite. But what we do know is that it has to do with the connective tissue between the skin, muscle, and the fat stored between them.
As you can see in the image above, in normal skin , the connective cords hold the skin to the muscle. Since there isn't much fat between them, they don't deform the skin. In the case of orange-peel skin, the accumulation of fat creates tension in the connective cords, pulling the skin inward while the fat pushes it outward, producing lumps and indentations .
To see mild cellulite we must pinch the skin in the problem areas , when the problem is greater the skin looks directly wrinkled and with the typical characteristic indentations.
Cellulite is most common in women and occurs around the thighs and buttocks, but can also be found on the breasts, lower abdomen, and upper arms.
Another cause may be a hormonal imbalance due to estrogen, a female sex hormone. This hormone is responsible for increasing the activity of fat cells, which are responsible for accumulating fat.
Treatment and Prevention:
Before starting any anti-cellulite treatment, we must determine the cause. If there is a hormonal imbalance, the treatment should be accompanied by medical treatment along with the cosmetic treatment.
If there isn't a hormonal cause, we have several cosmetic options. Anti-cellulite creams have been shown to be effective as long as they are used consistently and continuously . They should be used until the cellulite disappears completely; otherwise, it will return.
For a cream to be effective it must have one or more of these active ingredients:
It is recommended to exfoliate the areas to be treated beforehand , followed by a gentle massage to activate microcirculation so the active ingredients penetrate properly.
Caffeine: It can act as a local fat burner, reducing the pressure of fat and cavities.
Retinol: Retinol helps thicken the skin, which reduces dimpling. These products are applied once or twice a day. Any effects from a retinol cream won't be noticeable for six months or more.
Blackcurrant: It is capable of breaking down fat deposits as it is detoxifying.
Alpha hydroxy acids: increase the thickness of the deep layer of the skin because they stimulate the formation of new collagen.
Aminophylline: is a molecule that breaks down fats and glycogen.
Fucus vesiculosus: has a lipolytic or fat-burning effect.
L-carnitine: It is an amino acid that intervenes in the transport of fats into the cell.
Other plants with anti-cellulite action : Birch, pineapple, Arnica montan, calendula, horse chestnut, centella, horsetail, fucus, garcinia, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, guarana, Hedera helix, chamomile, melilot, papaya, ruscus, sage and viburnum.
Remember that any anti-cellulite treatment must be accompanied by diet and exercise to reduce fat accumulation . This is essential, as without a diet, the effects on cellulite will be minimal.
Surgical Treatments:
Surgical treatments vary widely, and it's important to discuss them carefully with your doctor or specialized plastic surgeon, as these treatments may have side effects. To date, there are four effective treatments, and several studies demonstrate that their combined use improves results.
1.- Cryolipolysis: the surgeon uses a modern device that, through vacuum aspiration, reduces accumulated fat.
2.- Surgery : Today, there are multiple techniques for separating connective tissue cords. Fat grafts are also used to fill the gaps.
3.- Radiofrequency: Radiofrequency produces heat that, after several sessions, is capable of destroying the connective cords, thus smoothing the skin.
4.- Acoustic Waves: This is an innovative technique through which a device that emits acoustic waves is able to make the membrane of adipocytes (the stored fat) permeable. By making it permeable, it allows the fat to escape into the bloodstream and be eliminated.
Well, now you know enough to solve the problem. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
Angel The Vanaclocha Order
Community Pharmacist at the Nuria Vanaclocha Pharmacy