Fight against cellulite: understand it to act better

Cellulite, also called "dimples" or "orange peel skin", is the result of a inflammation of the fat cells in the adipose tissue present in the body.

It is a cluster of fat cells located under the skin that reaches a maximum storage capacity, giving the skin a "lumpy" appearance, considered unsightly.

Cellulite is mainly observed on the back of the thighs, on the buttocks, the stomach, and the upper arms. This complex phenomenon results from a combination of several factors, including female hormonal variations. Considered a normal physiological phenomenon, cellulite primarily affects women, regardless of their age or body shape.

This is explained for genetic reasons, notably, since the woman's body contains fat cells that the man's body does, in order to meet the increased needs of the body during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Nearly 9 women 10 out of 10 are affected at some point in their lives, compared to 1 man out of 50.

Cellulite, although considered unsightly, is not a disease. It is often seen as an aesthetic problem, but it is important to understand that it results from normal biological processes. The structure of female skin, with larger fat compartments and a different orientation of collagen fibers, promotes the appearance of cellulite.

Also read: collagen and cellulite

Moreover, certain external factors can worsen the situation. An unbalanced diet, rich in sugars and saturated fats, can increase the accumulation of fat cells. Lack of physical exercise and poor hydration are also aggravating factors. Toxins accumulate more easily in a poorly hydrated body, which promotes inflammation of adipose tissues.

Finally, clothes that are too tight can hinder blood and lymphatic circulation, thus contributing to the formation of cellulite. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and paying particular attention to hydration, diet, and physical exercise can help fight cellulite.

Also read:  What is cellulite?

Cellulite reflects a dysfunction of the adipose tissue of the hypodermis, that is to say the fat cells.

Within the hypodermis, fat cells, or adipocytes, are housed in small fibrous and fairly rigid compartments. The adipocytes enlarge as storage increases. They can multiply their size up to 50 times. Thus, when one gains weight, the volume of the fat cell increases.

On the other hand, when one experiences water retention, the excess water accumulates within the body's tissues and surrounds the fat cells.

These two phenomena affect the fibrous partitions of the hypodermis: they cannot stretch and are compressed because they are arranged in a grid. Thus, these "small compartments" swell, and this impacts the dermis and epidermis.

The surface of the skin then becomes bumpy, hence the expressions "orange peel skin" or "dimples".

How to remove cellulite from the thighs?

The combination and succession of several factors can explain the causes of cellulite:

Adipose cellulite can appear in cases of excessive consumption of bad fats (cooked fats, saturated fats) and/or due to a lack of physical activity. 

Excess fats will cause fat cells (adipocytes) to swell, disrupt circulation, and lead to an accumulation of toxins creating tissue inflammation. Some areas of the body are more affected than others, simply because fat cells are more numerous there (hips, thighs, buttocks).

Circulatory disorders are caused by the compression of lymphatic vessels by overly large fat cells. 

This leads to an accumulation of fluid in the tissues causing swelling (edema) which worsens the circulatory problem. 

In women, normal hormonal activity, sometimes amplified by puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or the use of the pill, creates fluid retention that will contribute to worsening the problem.

Circulation, thus disrupted by excess storage or circulatory problems, reduces the drainage and waste elimination capacities and causes an accumulation of water and toxins in the tissues, which then swell and form an irregular appearance on the surface of the skin.

Daily habits and environmental factors also play a crucial role in the formation of cellulite. 

Stress, lack of sleep, an unbalanced diet rich in sugars and saturated fats, as well as excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco, can contribute to fat accumulation and water retention. 

Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle reduces blood and lymphatic circulation, thereby exacerbating the appearance of cellulite.

Genetic factors can also play a role in the predisposition to cellulite. If immediate family members, such as the mother or grandmother, have pronounced cellulite, it is more likely that other family members will develop it as well. 

Genes influence fat distribution, blood and lymph circulation, as well as skin elasticity, which makes some people more susceptible to developing cellulite.

The aging process also contributes to the formation of cellulite. With age, the skin loses its elasticity and tone due to the decrease in collagen and elastin production. 

This loss of firmness allows fat cells to move more easily toward the surface of the skin, thus creating the characteristic dimpled appearance of cellulite. Additionally, blood and lymphatic circulation tends to slow down with age, which can worsen the accumulation of toxins and fluids in the tissues.

By understanding the various factors that contribute to the formation of cellulite, it is possible to develop more targeted and effective strategies to reduce it. 

Changing lifestyle habits, adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and using specific products can help reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve overall skin health.

There is no miracle cure to make cellulite disappear, but there are effective solutions to reduce and fight cellulite. 

Diet and exercise help but are not always enough since cellulite is fat trapped and poorly irrigated in a network of fibers where the lipolysis process is not very active. Our training alone cannot eliminate cellulite.

2. Facing the aqueous version

Water retention cellulite is linked to poor blood and lymphatic circulation. Drainage massages, regular physical exercise, and a balanced diet can help reduce this form of cellulite.

Water sports such as swimming or water aerobics are particularly beneficial for gently improving blood and lymph circulation. Furthermore, hydration plays a crucial role, so it is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.

3. Facing the fibrous version

Fibrous cellulite is more difficult to treat because it has been present for a long time. Deep massages, spa treatments, and specific creams can help to reduce this form of cellulite.

It is often necessary to use more intense massage techniques, such as mechanical kneading or radiofrequency, which warm the tissues to promote the breakdown of fat cells. The use of creams containing active ingredients like caffeine can also be beneficial.

4. Facing stubborn cellulite

Embedded cellulite is the most resistant. Treatments combining massages, creams, and specific devices are often necessary to achieve visible results.

Advanced methods such as cryolipolysis, which involves freezing fat cells to eliminate them, or mesotherapy, which injects active substances directly into the affected areas, can be considered. Each treatment must be adapted to the condition of the skin and the depth of the cellulite.

1. Specific treatment of the thighs

Cellulite on the thighs can be reduced through targeted exercises, massages, and a balanced diet. Dietary supplements can also help improve circulation and reduce water retention.

Exercises like squats, lunges, or stationary cycling are particularly effective for toning the thighs and fighting cellulite. A diet rich in fiber and lean proteins also promotes the reduction of localized fat.

2. Specific treatment of the legs

To reduce cellulite on the legs, it is important to promote blood circulation through regular exercise, massages, and a diet rich in antioxidants.

Activities such as brisk walking, yoga, or Pilates can help improve circulation and tone the leg muscles. It is also advisable to avoid sitting or standing for too long without moving, in order to prevent fluid stagnation.

3. Treatment of the hormonal version

Hormonal cellulite is often linked to hormonal fluctuations. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and dietary supplements can help regulate hormones and reduce and fight cellulite.

Plants such as chaste tree, fennel, and soy, known for their hormone-regulating properties, can be incorporated as dietary supplements. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor the intake of sugar and saturated fats, which can exacerbate hormonal imbalances.

4. Effective strategies to fight cellulite

To fight cellulite, it is essential to combine several approaches: a balanced diet, regular exercise, massages, and dietary supplements. Treatments at institutes can also be effective.

Detoxification treatments, lymphatic drainage sessions, and cryogenic care are options to consider to complement daily efforts. A holistic approach is often the most effective way to achieve lasting results.

Natural solutions to fight cellulite include a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, massages, and the use of plant-based dietary supplements.

Infusions of green tea, dandelion, or ginger can help drain toxins and stimulate circulation. Regular practice of meditation or yoga also contributes to better hormonal balance and a reduction in stress, a factor that worsens cellulite.

During pregnancy, it is important to favor gentle and natural solutions to combat cellulite. Gentle massages, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercises can help reduce cellulite.

Techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage are particularly suitable during this period. It is also advisable to consult a healthcare professional before introducing dietary supplements.

D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS has developed a program specially formulated to treat cellulite and its internal causes.

This ultra-complete program contains 34 active ingredients that work in synergy to eliminate excess water, boost blood circulation, and activate fat burning, for a firmer body and smoother skin.

The Action-Capitons Program operates on 3 axes:

1 - Promotes the elimination of excess water (Detox Draining)

Water retention traps fats and gives the skin a dimpled appearance. Thanks to cleansing phytotherapy, excess water is drained to make room and access deep fats. In this formula, extracts of fennel and bearberry promote elimination through the urinary tract.

2 - Promotes good blood circulation (Active Circulation Complex)

Thanks to extracts of horse chestnut and melilot rich in coumarin, blood circulation compressed by fat cells will then be stimulated again and the vein walls strengthened to prevent water from escaping again.

3 - Activate the burning of these released fats (Metabolism Activator)

To accelerate weight loss, the burning of released fats is promoted thanks to kola nut, cayenne pepper, and raspberry ketones. Day by day, the body becomes firmer and the skin smoother.