What is Cellulite
Underneath the epidermis and dermis exists three fat layers. Cellulite develops in the most superficial of these layers, known as the hypodermis or subcutaneous fat layer. This layer is structurally unique from the others because its fat lobes are organized into chambers by surrounding strands of connective tissue. Hormones, not exercise and diet, primarily regulate fat storage and metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer.
The fat cells within the two reserve fat layers situated underneath the subcutaneous fat layer are dispersed in a loose network. Fat storage and metabolism in these layers are predicted by genetics and influenced by the two basic elements of lifestyle; diet and exercise. Most notably, these layers are not responsible for the formation of cellulite
Male vs. Female
In women, the subcutaneous fat layer is organized into large vertical chambers where an abundance of fat can be stored. The chambers in men are arranged as small diagonal units, which not only store smaller quantities of fat but are also unlikely to result in cellulite formation
- Adipose cells (fat cells) swell due to fat storage.
- Capillary walls become excessively permeable causing localized accumulation of fluid.
- Inadequate lymphatic drainage slows the removal of excess fluid.
- Adipose cells cluster and are bound by collagen fibers, which further impedes blood flow.
- Connective tissue strands stiffen, pulling down on their anchor points.
The changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat, and connective tissue result in cellulite - a bumpy or dimpled appearance of the skin
Hormones
Special importance is placed on hormonal factors (estrogen, folliculine, etc.), since cellulite develops mainly in women during periods of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and the initial months on birth control pills. Hormones are responsible for regulating the changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat, and connective tissue, all of which play a role in the formation of cellulite.
Lifestyle: Diet and Exercise
Cellulite forms as a result of complex physiological changes to the subcutaneous fat layer, despite attempts to exercise regularly and follow a well-balanced diet. However, without a healthy lifestyle, the overall appearance of existing cellulite can worsen over time due to weight gain, poor nutrition, and inadequate water intake.
Age
Aging results in a loss of thickness and tone of the connective tissue within the dermis and the superficial fat layer. The outcome is a more visible and flabby cellulite.
There are several ways to evaluate and classify cellulite.
- The pinch test is a simple way to locate cellulite. Pinch the skin on your outer thigh between your index finger and your thumb, and look for dimpling. You can also try other regions of the body, namely the buttocks and abdomen.
- The Nurnberger - Muller scale can be used to classify cellulite based on a four-stage process, beginning with normal skin and terminating with its most advanced stage.
- Stage 0
No dimpling when the subject is standing and lying. The pinch test reveals “folds and furrows”, but there is no mattress-like appearance. - Stage 1
No dimpling while the subject is standing or lying, but the pinch test reveals the mattress-like appearance. - Stage 2
Dimpling appears spontaneously when standing and not lying down. - Stage 3
Dimpling is spontaneously positive standing and lying down.
How to combat cellulite
Proper diet and exercise are ideal for combating cellulite. Muscle burns fat, and muscle pushes out the outer layer of skin, making the skin look smoother, less dimpled.
Water not only helps keep the skin hydrated, it also helps to plump the skin helping it look more youthful.
Lymph massage helps to flush toxins from the tissues and breaks down fiacia tissue which can cause a build up of the dimpling under the skins surface, relieving the cellulite channels in the adipose tissue.
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