There are a lot of myths around cellulite. These include how it is caused, how it is prevented and how to get rid of it. But there are things you can do to minimise its appearance without resorting to risky surgery or expensive creams.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is nothing more than fat beneath the skin which is pushing against connective tissue. It affects 90% of women compared to only 10% of men. This is due to the structure of collagen fibres in the lower body and its appearance has little to do with being overweight. Slim people can show it but being overweight does increase the amount you might have. And although perfectly harmless and natural it is not what most people want to see when they look in the mirror. This is why there is so much talk about how to prevent it.
Cellulite is divided into 4 different grades:
Grade 1 – No visible cellulite even when skin is pinched.
Grade 2 – No visible cellulite when lying down or standing. When skin is pinched an orange peel texture can be seen.
Grade 3 – Cellulite is visible when standing, but may disappear when lying down.
Grade 4 – Visible cellulite when standing and lying down.
What Causes Cellulite
Although cellulite doesn’t mean there is anything wrong there are certain things that can increase its appearance. For instance, the more fat there is on a body, the more likely it is that cellulite will be visible. But there are specifics that are also believed to contribute:
Genetics
Certain genes may make some people more prone to having cellulite than others. These include gender, race, metabolism and poor circulation
Hormones
Hormones such as oestrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, prolactin and thyroid-related hormones are all though to play a role in the presence of cellulite.
Diet
A diet that is high in fat, carbohydrates or salt and low in fibre is likely to cause more cellulite. Likewise, processed foods and artificial sweeteners, additives, too much sugar and not drinking enough water.
Lifestyle
Smokers, people who do little or no exercise and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods are thought to be likely to have cellulite. It is also more likely to appear with the release of hormones that are related to stress and anxiety.
Treatment
Although there are numerous treatments that are meant to remove and prevent cellulite, a lot of them are expensive and don’t actually work. However, there are a few things that can and all of them will also improve your general health.
Exercise
Any activity that gets you moving will also get the blood moving around your body. But ideally it should be something that gets you out of breath. This will in turn reduce the effects of stress and anxiety which then lowers production of stress hormones linked to cellulite. It will also help to lower the amount of body fat present in general.
Diet
A healthier diet low in processed foods, fat and carbohydrates and high in fibre is another change that will help to reduce fat and improve health. As will drinking at least 2 litres of water a day.
Reduce Stress
Even more effective than treating the stress in your life is to avoid it in the first place. If the source is your job or your daily commute this might not be possible, so try learning some better ways of dealing with it.
Massage
A massage is beneficial as it helps with many of the causes already mentioned. It lowers stress and anxiety stored up in muscle tension which reduces stress hormones related to cellulite. It increases blood flow and helps with lymphatic system drainage, which in turn helps with water dispersion and removal of toxins. And it can help with fat breakup so areas are less concentrated and therefore less visible. Combined with the other suggested treatments there is plenty that can be done to help you remove excess cellulite(1).
Book A Mobile Massage
If you would like to book a mobile massage in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here