– Cellulite

Women in particular suffer from bumps in the buttocks and thighs. Approximately eight out of ten women are affected by this aesthetic problem.

Especially in summer, when clothes become shorter and more airy, the question arises as to what can be done about these deformities. Cellulite is the slag of metabolism that accumulates in the connective tissue instead of being excreted or processed by the body.

Cellulite is more common in women than in men. The form of cellulite varies, ranging from barely visible to extremely noticeable. The word cellulite is not a description of a clinical picture, but the word refers to the visible effects of excess fat beneath the skin’s surface that are visible on the surface of the skin.

Cellulite is also known as orange peel skin and some people are even ashamed of it. You can control cellulite fairly well, but unfortunately it is not always entirely preventable. You have the best chance if you are willing to change your personal hygiene, lifestyle and eating habits for the better.

Everyone knows what cellulite looks like because it is easy to spot. It looks like the skin of an orange (hence the term orange peel) or, at worst, the unique pattern is reminiscent of cottage cheese.

Causes of cellulite

Cellulite does not usually develop before puberty. It is only with the hormonal changes of puberty that a layer of fat forms inside the skin.

Our body counteracts this by neutralizing the acids that are created with the help of minerals. Our connective tissue serves as a reserve of minerals. If many minerals are now needed to neutralize the acid, the level of minerals drops and the slag is stored instead. This changes the structure of the connective tissue and there is a lump, called cellulite.

The tendency to cellulite increases with age.

By breaking down the muscles of old age, the fat content increases accordingly, which promotes cellulite. If you had no cellulite problems when you were young, you will normally be spared from old age or will usually only get smaller bumps.

Hormones as a reason for cellulite

The body’s fat cells provide estrogen. This hormone provides elastic collagen fibers, which ultimately lead to cellulite. Because birth control pills contain estrogen, this can increase the tendency to cellulite. Common micro-pills nowadays use much less estrogen and mini-pills do without it completely.

Is cellulite hereditary?

Our genes can have a certain influence on the tendency to cellulite. In this way, the tendency towards weaker connective tissue is inherited, which ultimately promotes the development of cellulite. If your mother has to deal with bumps on the skin, there is a very high probability that you will peel off the orange peel. In such a case, appropriate measures should be taken to prevent this in good time.

Cellulite in humans

Men are hardly affected by cellulite, this is due to the different structure of the skin and also to the different levels of hormones. Men’s skin is stronger and more elastic, and the structure of collagen fibres is also more stable.

How to treat cellulite

You can cover cellulite with clothes, but most people can’t and won’t just walk around in long pants all the time. A cellulite treatment is offered in several forms, we present the most effective ones.

Baths against cellulite

Seaweed and salt baths in particular would be effective against cellulite in the long term. It’s always worth trying to find out if it’s good for you.

Creams for cellulite

Appropriate creams are part of the mandatory cellulite program, as their effects are the most effective remedy for skin bumps. Ideally, you apply the respective cream to the problem areas in the morning and in the evening. Creams, gels or ointments provide firmer skin and are supposed to support the metabolism in a targeted manner, day and night. In addition, the blood flow is stimulated to support the connective tissue.

Don’t exaggerate diets

Rapid weight changes promote cellulite, so avoid radical diets for the benefit of your skin. Those that decrease and then increase again repeatedly damage skin structures so that skin bumps can easily spread.

Anti-cellulite diet

The main rule is to drink enough water. You should drink 2.5 to 3 litres of water or unsweetened tea every day. This is essential for beautiful and healthy skin, and the metabolism is also stimulated.

Make sure you have enough vitamins, especially vitamin C, to help build up collagen in the connective tissue. Other vitamins are necessary to keep our skin healthy. In general, you should stick to basic foods, including vegetables, fruit and salad. Fat and acid nutrition should be largely avoided. Alcohol, flour products, soft drinks and sweets should be less frequently on the menu.

Help for cellulite

If you suffer from cellulite or wish to avoid it, you should use the appropriate skin creams (see above) in good time.

For the treatment of cellulite of any kind, products with which you can massage are particularly effective.

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Massages against cellulite

Massages are an effective way to stimulate blood circulation and thus start the fight against cellulite. Ideally, the corresponding areas should be massaged at least once a day. Anyone can do this themselves at home. There are a variety of products specially designed to combat the signs of orange peel skin.

Three tools for massaging against cellulite

Massage appliances: These appliances are available in different versions, depending on the area concerned, you choose the one that suits you.

Massage gloves: A cheap but effective method is a massage glove. This should not be missing in any household if you are serious about cellulite on your body.

Massage rollers: Massage rollers for massaging the affected areas are also very popular.

It is recommended that you try either tool to massage the skin areas with the bumps to find the most suitable product. Unfortunately, there is usually no better product, but as already mentioned, at least the massage glove should always be handy.

Smoking is harmful

Smoking promotes the development, but also exacerbates cellulite. This inhibits the metabolism in which blood vessels contract due to nicotine. On the other hand, the collagen fibres of the connective tissue and skin cells are damaged.

Avoid the sun

UV rays in particular can weaken collagen fibres and thus promote the appearance of skin bumps. If you always want to be exposed to the sun, you should pay attention to correspondingly high UV protection. In the summer, this must also be taken into account on overcast days, even under a tree, a certain amount of UV radiation is to be expected.

Sports against cellulite

There is no doubt that sport and physical exercise can combat the manifestations of cellulite. In the end, any kind of movement strengthens the muscles, which improves blood circulation. More intense training would certainly be an advantage, but other types of exercise can also help. For example, you can use the stairs instead of the lift, even walks and bike rides are useful in the fight against cellulite.

Of course, longer daily units would be recommended to stimulate the metabolism so that stored slag can be released more easily. Exercise always increases lymphatic function.

If the connective tissue is too weak, sports activities that put too much pressure on the fibers should be avoided. In such cases, gentle sports such as cycling, swimming, walking or training on the equipment in the gym are ideal.

Alternating showers for cellulite

You hear again and again that alternating showers are a real marvel in the fight against skin bumps. In fact, both blood and lymphatic circulation are stimulated, which leads to an improvement in the structure of the skin. It is advisable to rinse three times with lukewarm water and then with cold water. This order should be observed as much as possible and should be integrated into the daily shower routine. Do not expect a clear softening of the orange peel skin, but smaller visible successes can certainly be expected.

So there are ways to break down stored fat deposits and give the skin a healthier appearance. It is best to start treating cellulite as early as possible, as treatment becomes more difficult as the symptoms progress.