Reducing cellulite is possibile but there is no treatment that can completely eliminate it, but it can be attenuated and to combat it you can start by focusing on diet and greater physical activity.
Cellulite spares no one, it is resistant to diets and also affects slim people, which explains researchers’ interest in developing and offering increasingly innovative techniques to treat this blemish.
But what exactly is accumulated cellulite and how do we control it?
Cellulite is fat lying just below the skin, and is therefore visible because it gives the skin the appearance of orange peel. The most affected areas are the thighs and buttocks, but the belly and arms are not spared either.
Reducing cellulite: the first actions to take
- Diet To prevent the appearance of cellulite, it is necessary to avoid an excess of: processed foods, cheese and cured meats, salt, cooked fats, fried food, refined sugars (white bread) and foods containing casein (yoghurt, cheese). In the meantime, the products most suitable for combating fat accumulation are lean meats, oily fish (anchovies, mackerel, sardines), fresh and dry fruits and vegetables and rice.
- Sport. Studies have shown that exercising the muscles helps combat the orange peel effect, because both deep and superficial muscles are strengthened, and blood circulation is improved.
Reducing cellulite: are food supplements any use?
Tablets, capsules or infusions can be taken if needed.
Avoiding a do-it-yourself approach, it is best to ask the doctor, especially if you are taking any other medications.
Nutraceuticals are complete vitamins that the body needs to perform its functions properly.
For drainage, useful for removing waste and toxins, the most effective are:
- Green tea
- Caffeine
- Orthosiphon
Lipolytics are used to promote the burning and evacuation of fats.
These are:
- Capsicum
- Equisetum (horsetail)
- Green tea
Reducing cellulite: with machines
Pressotherapy is lymphatic drainage performed using a machine. The aim is to activate venous and lymphatic circulation. Pressotherapy lasts 40 minutes and is also an effective weapon against fluid retention.
Reducing cellulite: with infiltrations
Another option is mesotherapy. This involves injecting lipolytic products that act on accumulated fat. It is particularly recommended in cases of circulatory problems and widespread cellulite.
Reducing cellulite: liposuction
Liposuction is performed under general anaesthesia and is used to suck out excess subcutaneous fat. However, it should be borne in mind that it is a surgical procedure, and only works on some types of stored fat; it is not ideal for cellulite, but can improve the overall picture. Even this option is not guaranteed to eliminate the unpleasant orange peel effect.
Reducing cellulite: more innovative treatments
Some of the more recent methods use:
- Tissue stabilized guided subcision
- Electric currents at very low voltage
- Ultrasound
- Infrared radiation
- Cutting of fibrous septae
It has 3 effects on the skin:
- Improved tone
- Reduced adipocytes
- Increased collagen production
In short, these techniques significantly improve blood circulation, allowing the toxins to be expelled and facilitating the oxygenation necessary for the skin to improve the orange peel appearance.
Reducing cellulite: cream
Creams promise much but it should be remembered that their effectiveness is quite low. Not penetrating into the deeper layers where cellulite nestles, they only have superficial effects, improving the appearance of the skin if used constantly.
Reducing cellulite: carboxytherapy
Carboxytherapy is one of the techniques used to combat fat accumulation. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is injected subcutaneously with a thin needle, accompanied by a massage. The result is a flow of blood and the mobilisation of the incorporated fats, in a way that greatly improves the appearance of the skin and reduces the volume and heaviness of the legs.
Reducing cellulite: hydrotherapy
This is practised in thalassotherapy centres, wellness centres and spas. Water drainage is one of the techniques and consists of specific water gymnastics. The goal is to strengthen the postural muscles, as action on the venous return is four times higher than that of the superficial muscles.
Whirlpool, baths and jet showers, in turn, stimulate venous and lymphatic return. Underwater jets ensure more powerful manual lymphatic drainage, with the active power exercised by the water on the body.
Reducing cellulite: finding the balance
Improving sports performance as much as possible and taking care of your diet help improve the appearance of cellulite which, through changes in lifestyle, skin care products and special treatments, can be made much better. Personal equilibrium and self-esteem remain key factors.