Cellulite at bay

Cellulite (or lipodystrophy) is a modification of the connective tissue that is characterized by an accumulation of localized fat, due to an enlargement of adipocytes, which are the fat cells of the hypodermis or the deepest layer of the skin. The special characteristics of the subcutaneous tissue of women allow adipocytes to grow greatly and lead to considerable disruption of the connective tissue. In men, the organization of the connective tissue is different, it is more compact and does not allow such growth of adipocytes. For this reason, cellulite affects a woman in 98% of cases.

Cellulite has not always been a cause for concern as it is now. For women from earlier times, being "plump" and with cellulite was to conform to the beauty canons of the moment, it can be seen by looking at paintings and sculptures such as those by Rubens, Goya and Rodin to give a few examples.

Types of cellulite

Cellulite can be generalized, and in this case affects women or localized, which is one that develops in a specific way in women, with or without overweight, in some or several areas: hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, knees, arms and nape. The most frequent location is the one that affects the thighs, “riding pants” or the entire leg “leg in boot”.

Four stadiums

The degree of cellulite of a skin is assessed on the thighs as it is the most frequently affected area. The more or less smooth appearance of the skin in this area, at first glance, or once pinched down to the subcutaneous tissue, allows us to distinguish four stages or levels of involvement that correspond to four different internal situations:

• STAGE 0 or absence of cellulite: physiologically normal skin, which appears smooth and when pinched it folds and wrinkles without the appearance of lumps or dimples. This is the ideal state, only common among young and thin women.
• STAGE I: the permeability of the blood capillaries is altered, edema is formed and the size of the adipocytes increases. The skin thickens although it still looks smooth, unless it is pinched. When pinching the surface it is perceived with holes like "orange peel" or "padded skin". This is the natural state of most women.
• STAGE II: the adipocytes agglutinate in a non-homogeneous way and the collagen fibers constitute an irregular weave around the capillaries and the adipocytes themselves. If the woman is lying down, the skin looks smooth, but when standing up the so-called "orange peel" becomes visible without the need for any manipulation. This state is common among overweight women and over 35-40 years.
• STAGE III: collagen fibers encapsulate adipocytes, giving rise to nodules. There is an increase in the thickness of the skin that acquires a permanent padded appearance, visible whether you are lying down or standing. This phase occurs after menopause and in obese women.

Obviously the goal of most women is not to go beyond Stage I, which implies preventing and treating cellulite in the early stages and not allowing it to progress to II and III. When before treatment is started and with more rigor it is followed; better.

Causes

Various factors aggravate the formation of cellulite. Some are intrinsic such as hormonal factors, circulatory disorders, heredity, different evolutionary states, puberty, pregnancy, menopause ... And others are extrinsic such as an unbalanced diet, stress, postural habits ... They will have to be considered in order to select the most suitable treatment.

Treatment

Cellulite can be fought from different fronts. Many times the most effective is to perform a combination of different treatments:

• Exercise: practicing favors blood and lymphatic circulation and the compaction of connective tissue. For this same purpose, it is also advisable not to wear very tight clothes or too high heels.
• Diet: it must be light and balanced, rich in fiber (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes ...) and vitamin C (citrus, kiwi, strawberry, pepper ...), in which the techniques of, without sauces or condiments, are prioritized powerful. It must include two liters of liquid a day (water, broth infusions ...) and reduce to the maximum the consumption of animal fat (sausages, whole milk, butter ...) and salt, which causes fluid retention. Also avoid tobacco, alcohol and coffee. The diet is necessary especially in cases of overweight, when it is important to lose weight gradually. And it is that a sudden weight loss in women whose connective tissue is already undergoing changes due to aging can lead to sagging of the tissues.
• Massages, whirlpools ... including self-massage, are very beneficial in activating blood and lymphatic circulation.
• Cosmetic care: the application of anti-cellulite products requires constancy in time and in the form of application. They must be used daily all year round. Many brands include initial "shock" products or guidelines to initiate treatment, followed by lighter "maintenance" products or applications.

The products that we find on the market usually contain active ingredients that have one or more of the following activities:

• Venotonic and antiedematous, which improve superficial blood circulation and prevent the formation of edema. They are always plant extracts such as: horse chestnut, Asian pennywort, Ginkgo biloba, Rusco, Ivy and Red vine.
• Rubefacient, such as Menthol and Camphor, which temporarily increase the temperature in the area of ​​application, which activates the circulation and local metabolism of the skin.
• Lipolytics, which reduce the accumulations of fat located in adipocytes and correspond to stimulating substances of classic plant origin such as: Caffeine, theophylline, Guarana, Cola Nut and Algae with Iodine. Or new active ingredients from exotic plants: Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii) and Visnaga (Amni visnaga).
• Antilipogenic, which act by preventing the maturation of preadipocytes into adipocytes, including Glaucine and Genistin.
• Restructuring agents: ingredients that through various mechanisms counteract the destructuring and disorganization of connective tissue fibers such as mucopolysaccharides and various trace elements (Silica, Manganese, Copper and Zinc) and vitamins (A, B, C and E).

Food Complements

In recent years, food supplements with anti-cellulite action have been formulated that constitute a complement, often essential, to topical treatments. They are formulated with nutrients and substances that act physiologically to help fight cellulite from the inside, promoting circulation, fighting fluid retention and facilitating the mobilization of fats, which are the three main causes of cellulite. The main ingredients used are: Green tea, Red tea, Pineapple, Papaya, Grapeseed, Chicory, Prebiotics and fatty acids that favor lean mass such as CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid).

Medical treatment

It includes pharmacological treatment, mesotherapy or drug injections, liposuction, ultrasound techniques to break nodules, laser and electrotherapy for severe cases or those perceived as serious by women.

PROTOCOL OF ACTION AGAINST CELLULITE Once cellulite, its evolution and treatment have been known and understood, all that remains is to get down to work and follow the following protocol, partly known but very often forgotten:

• Identify what type of cellulite "attacks" us.
• Follow a healthy diet, drink fluids, avoid alcohol and tobacco abuse.
• Get real exercise (not just walks) and avoid being sedentary.
• Choose suitable anti-cellulite products and apply them thoroughly with a good massage: give yourself the time necessary for this.
• Choose a good food supplement to take in more troubled times, such as Christmas, which are often "intoxicating", or spring, which leads to peripheral circulation problems.
• Follow the established guideline rigorously but also with joy, sure that all cellulite can be controlled.

• Female: in 98% of cases it affects women.
• Types: generalized or localized (especially hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen and knees).
• Treatment: exercise, diet, massages, food supplements, cosmetic care and medical treatment.

Mercè Camps Miro

Pharmacist, specialist in Dermopharmacy