Combat Cellulite

Cellulite is a condition in which the skin on the buttocks, thighs, lower abdominal region, and upper arms appears "dimpled." This is believed to be caused by subcutaneous fat cells protruding into the skin cells above them. While both men and women can be affected by cellulite, it is somewhat rare for men to show signs of cellulite.[1] There are several medically proven methods of reducing cellulite, as well as many unproven or "alternative" treatment options.

Steps

Using Medically-Proven Treatments

  1. Apply retinol to your skin. Retinol is a vitamin A compound proven to help improve a number of skin-related conditions like acne and wrinkles.[2] Studies have shown that regular retinol use can also improve the appearance of cellulite.[3]
    • Retinol products are available over-the-counter and by prescription.[4]
    • Use a 0.3 percent strength retinol cream.
    • Apply the cream twice each day to the affected area(s). Studies have shown results after approximately six months of use.
    • Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about putting together an effective skin treatment plan that includes retinol.
    • Ask your doctor about whether it's safe to use retinol during pregnancy, as some studies suggest retinol use may lead to complications.[5]
  2. Use shock wave therapy. Shockwave therapy is a relatively recent treatment option that has been shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Experts believe that shock wave therapy works by restructuring the connective tissues in the skin, though further research is needed on the actual mechanisms that make shock wave therapy effective.[1]
    • There are no side effects to shock wave therapy.
    • This treatment option is non-invasive and is only administered in relatively short sessions.
    • Studies have shown improved skin after twice-weekly sessions over the course of six weeks. Read reviews online before choosing a provider so you know that you'll receive quality care from a reliable clinician.
    • Shock wave therapy can be expensive. Though prices vary depending on your provider and the extent of your treatment, the services can typically run between $130 and $250 per session.[6]
  3. Try a laser and radiofrequency treatment system. One of the treatment options that appears to be the most promising combines laser and radiofrequency technology.[3] The results of these treatments last approximately six months. Search for reviews online to ensure that you visit a clinician who will provide you with good care, and be prepared for a high cost: sessions typically cost several hundred dollars each, depending on where you go.[7] There are several different types of treatment systems but some of the most common components of these systems are:
    • tissue massage
    • diode laser exposure
    • radiofrequency at varying tissue levels

Making Lifestyle Changes

  1. Switch to a low-calorie diet. One of the most effective ways to manage cellulite is by reducing your body fat. Experts agree that a low-calorie diet is an effective way to lower body fat levels and effectively reduce the appearance of cellulite.[1]
    • In addition to promoting weight loss, a consistently healthy diet has also been shown to reduce fluid retention in the skin, which may improve the appearance of cellulite.[8]
    • Choose foods that are low in calories but high in volume, as these are more filling. For example, 1/4 cup (two ounces) of raisins have the same number of calories as a whole cup (eight ounces) of grapes, and the grapes will leave you feeling fuller.[9]
    • Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables over processed foods. Avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar content as much as possible.[10]
    • Talk to your doctor about putting together a low-calorie diet that's right for you.
  2. Increase your exercise regimen. In addition to a low-calorie diet, vigorous exercise can help reduce body fat. Resistance training can also help build muscle, which has been shown to help even out the surface of the skin by pushing subcutaneous fat cells back down.[1]
    • Focus on building muscle in your legs, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, or anywhere else you're prone to cellulite.[3]
    • Resistance exercises like side leg lifts, low cable pulley work, squats, lunges, and stair stepping can all help tone your muscles and improve your skin's appearance.[11]
    • Start out at a relatively low number of repetitions and sets, then build up your sessions as your strength increases.
    • Try to combine aerobic exercise and resistance exercise. Aim to engage in aerobic exercise for 30 to 40 minutes three to five times each week and work in sets of resistance training two to three times each week.
  3. Quit smoking. You may not think of smoking as being a factor in skin fat, but studies have shown that cigarette smoke can make cellulite worse. That's because smoking weakens your body's ability to form collagen, making it easier for fat cells to protrude into the overlying skin tissue.[1]
    • Talk to your doctor about putting together an effective plan to quit nicotine.
    • You can try using a quitting system like nicotine gum or patches, which are designed to gradually decrease your oral or subdermal dose of nicotine.
    • Ask a friend or relative to keep an eye on you and make sure you don't slip up and start smoking again.
    • Consider joining a support group if you're worried about staying committed. You can find information about support groups by searching online.
  4. Be realistic. While lifestyle changes have been proven to help improve the appearance of cellulite, there are no miracle cures for this condition. There's no way to "spot target" cellulite, though general muscle toning should help. Be patient and don't expect diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes to remove all of your cellulite; instead, go into it knowing that these lifestyle shifts will improve your condition while making you healthier and increasing your self-esteem.[11]

Trying Alternative Treatment Options

  1. Use over-the-counter treatments. Many over-the-counter treatments use antioxidants like dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) that are thought to reduce or eliminate the appearance of cellulite.[12] However, these products are generally not considered effective, and some may even be unsafe if their ingredients are not regulated by the FDA.[13]
    • Over-the-counter treatments typically come in the form of creams, lotions, and gels. They are generally available at pharmacies and cosmetic retailers.
  2. Scrub your skin with coffee grounds. There are many alternative treatment options, many of which have been debunked as being unhelpful in treating cellulite. However, one treatment option that may improve cellulite is scrubbing the affected area or areas with a coffee ground paste.[14] It's worth noting, though, that this method is not medically-approved, and results will vary from person to person
    • Measure out enough coffee grounds to effectively cover and scrub your affected area(s).
    • In a hot shower, mix the coffee grounds with just a little bit of water and scrub the affected area(s) for approximately 10 minutes, then rinse the area and continue bathing.
    • Scrub your skin twice each week. Discontinue use if your skin becomes painful or irritated.
  3. Consider trying herbal treatments. Herbal treatments are one of the most common alternative options used for managing cellulite. However, herbal treatments are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and therefore may not be effective or even chemically pure.[1]
    • Some studies suggest that herbal treatments may enhance circulation and promote the breakdown of fat cells in deep tissue layers.
    • Not all experts agree on the effectiveness of herbal treatments.
    • The research that does support herbal treatments also suggests that the skin returns to normal once the treatment regimen is discontinued.
    • Herbal treatments may be taken orally (when safe to do so), as is the case with ginkgo biloba and green tea.[15] They may also be applied topically in the form of pastes, balms, and salves.
  4. Try skin wrap treatments. Some salons offer body wraps that typically involve a blend of herbal treatments. These treatments can improve the overall appearance of your skin, but they don't do much to actually treat cellulite.[8]
    • Some body wraps reduce fluid retention in the skin, which can make your skin appear healthier. However, these effects are not long-lasting.
    • Using body wraps will not "detoxify" your body. They also will not improve the actual cellulite condition.
  5. Avoid treatments that make cellulite worse. Most "alternative" treatment methods not backed by science simply won't work. However, a few treatment options may actually make your cellulite worse, with some causing serious side effects as well. Talk to your doctor about the safety and efficacy of any treatment plan you're considering before you begin that plan.
    • Liposuction can make the appearance of cellulite even worse.[3]
    • Heat therapy may cause the skin condition to worsen.[1]
    • Mesotherapy can make your skin appear bumpier and may also cause a rash or infection.[16]
    • Endermologie , a suction massage treatment, was thought to improve the skin. However, the research on this treatment is minimal, and reviews of the published research have generally discredited any effects that had previously been claimed.[1]
    • Subcision, which involves manipulation of connective tissues with a needle, has not been shown to improve cellulite. It has many negative side effects, including pain, bruising, and changes in skin pigment.



Tips

  • Remember that cellulite affects all body types, including skinny individuals. It's not a matter of weight, but is largely determined by genetics.
  • If you're ever unsure about a treatment option, consult your dermatologist first.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 https://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/cellulite2.html
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/in-depth/wrinkle-creams/art-20047463
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulite/basics/treatment/con-20029901
  4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tretinoin-topical-route/description/drg-20066521
  5. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/
  6. ↑ http://www.remedialwellness.com/#!acoustic-wave-therapy/c190g
  7. ↑ https://vanitymiami.com/cellulite-treatment-miami
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 http://www.medicinenet.com/cellulite/page2.htm
  9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/multimedia/low-calorie-foods/sls-20076175
  10. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/multimedia/low-calorie-foods/sls-20076175?s=2
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 http://www.medicinenet.com/cellulite/article.htm
  12. ↑ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/3859.php
  13. ↑ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cellulite/page2_em.htm
  14. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/18/get-rid-of-cellulite_n_1562687.html?slideshow=true#gallery/231659/1
  15. ↑ http://naturalsociety.com/7-natural-home-remedies-for-cellulite-reduction-get-rid-of/
  16. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulite/basics/alternative-medicine/con-20029901
Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Combat_Cellulite&oldid=351893"