What is cellulite?
Cellulite refers to two different skin problems. Often, people mean lumpy skin on the upper legs, known as "orange peel. In the medical world, however, cellulite means a bacterial infection of the subcutaneous tissue, often with fever and a red, warm leg, also known as erysipelas. This article discusses cosmetic cellulite.
How does it look?
Cellulite occurs almost exclusively in women, especially on the buttocks and thighs. The skin looks bumpy because of fat deposits just under the skin, in an irregular pattern. This creates bulges and dents. This is reminiscent of orange peel.
How does cellulite develop?
Flat under the skin are fat cells that store fat from the blood and grow larger. In women, fat cells are stored mainly on the buttocks and hips. These fat cells form clumps surrounded by connective tissue. As the fat cells increase, the lumps bulge, while other parts of the skin remain taut because of the connective tissue. This causes dents and a bumpy appearance.
What are the causes?
Cellulite can be caused by several factors. Being overweight, eating too much and not exercising enough play a role. The skin also loses elasticity with age. But cellulite also occurs in young people, children and slim women. Expanded fat cells seem to be the main cause. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, hereditary factors and smoking can also contribute.
Can cellulite be treated?
Losing weight and exercising a lot can help as the fat layer decreases and muscle mass increases, tightening the skin. Beauty salons also offer treatments such as exercise and nutrition programs, massages with special oils and various devices. Think cupping and rollers or treatment with radio waves. A more permanent reduction or improvement of your orange-peel skin can be achieved through laser treatments. Ask your dermatologist or a certified skin specialist about this.
In the pharmacy, we can advise you on firming products, with a caveat. Creams and lotions only do something to get rid of orange peel skin to a certain extent. Cellulite massagers and creams usually help temporarily, but as soon as you stop, the pits are visible again. If you do want to get started with a firming cream, it is important to stick with its use. For example, consider a firming body lotion after showering. There are also concealer products. Cellulite is less visible on darker skin, so a spray tan or good self tanner may also be an option. More advice? Ask us at the pharmacy.
Source: skin diseases.co.uk, vichy.co.uk