The Cellulite Solution : A Doctor's Program For Losing Lumps, Bumps, Dimples and Stretch Marks

The Fat Flush Fitness Plan
 

No More Cellulite : A Proven 8 Week Program for a Firmer, Fitter Body

Cellulite (60 Tips)

Dr. Kunin´s The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual

 

Cosmetics Database - no animal testing and Sal-Free^TM section

Blackwell Synergy: Int J Cosmet Sci, Vol 28, Issue 3, pp. 175-190: Cellulite and its treatment (Abstract)
 

Cellulite Treatment Options

What causes it and what can you do about it?
Note:  All products recommended here are free of animal testing.

As most of us know only too well, cellulite is that unsightly lumpy/bumpy cottage cheese look that shows up under the skin and most often appears on our thighs and buttocks. You don't have to be overweight or older to have it because it occurs even in slim, young women.  Men usually do not get it but most women (90%) do. 

Cellulite is thought to be caused by a combination of hormones, heredity and aging.  It appears when connective tissues (collagen and elastin) beneath the skin becomes weak, a condition that occurs with age or with impaired circulation and/or lymph drainage.  This connective tissue is made up of fibers and acts as an anchor between the muscles and the skin. It also forms the chambers that hold the fat that lies beneath the skin.  As a result of weak connective tissue, fat becomes displaced and the fibrous bands that are supposed to tether the skin down start to trap this displaced fat creating the appearance of cellulite.  In addition, as we age, we produce less of the enzymes needed to breakdown stored fats and prevent the deposit of fats which contributes to cellulite formation and appearance.

Some alternative medical sources feel that cellulite is caused or worsened by toxins that are trapped in the subcutaneous skin layers.  These trapped toxins cause fluid retention, poor lymphatic drainage and further breakdown of the surrounding tissues/collagen.  Some feel that cellulite appearance can be improved by detoxifying the body thereby increasing lymph drainage and allowing trapped fluid and fat to leave the body.

There is considerable controversy over cellulite treatments. It seems clear that there is no instant cure however evidence suggests that cellulite can be disguised, minimized and perhaps even gotten rid of with the right combination of treatments. 

The information in this article is not a judgment of what is and is not effective but simply a presentation of the available options along with resources for those who are interested in looking into treatments for cellulite.
 

Cellulite Treatment Options

• Diet and Exercise

• Creams

• Deep Massage

• Special pantyhose and other garments that are made to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage.

• Reduce fluid retention

• Detoxify your body
   

Diet and Exercise for the treatment of Cellulite
Many books have been written about this subject but there is a lot of controversy about the effectiveness of diet and exercise for the treatment of cellulite.  Some people have reported moderate success in reduction of cellulite. 

If cellulite can be caused by poor circulation and lymph drainage then exercise would certainly help because it will increase both circulation and lymph drainage.

Diet may or may not reduce cellulite but it does make sense that a good diet can help you stay healthy and reduce excess weight which could in turn improve cellulite to some degree.  The healthier your tissues, the less likely you will have breakdown of collagen which is partly why you have cellulite.

Check along the left side panel for books on diet and exercise cellulite treatments.


Creams for the treatment of Cellulite
Some versions of cellulite creams (older versions) use theophylline (an asthma medication) to temporarily plump up the skin for a few hours to create a smoother texture.  Most creams work by plumping the problem area temporarily.  Studies have shown that the use of topical L-Ascorbic acid helps promote the formation of collagen bundles by stimulating fibroblast activity within the dermis and now there are creams that use this in their formulation such as Cellex-C, listed below.


Cellex-C Body Smoothing Lotion
Smoother sleeker skin becomes apparent in 5-8 weeks of continued use.


Osmotics Lipoduction Body Perfecting Complex
Independently clinically tested in two double blind studies. Strengthens the capillary system and helps prevent breakdown of the collagen matrix. This action promotes a smoother, firmer, more toned appearance
.


Nivea Body Reshaping Treatment *Sal-Free^TM
Coenzyme Q10 and Natural Soy Extract work to improve the appearance of common problem areas (stomach, thighs, backside).



Cellulite Rx LipoLift Firming Cream


Cellulite Rx LipoSmooth Body Polish


Massage for the treatment of cellulite
Endermologie
Several studies have confirmed that endermologie (a type of deep tissue massage) results in some improvement in the appearance of cellulite.  It works via motorized rollers and controlled suction.  It improves blood flow and lymph drainage which helps remove excess fluid retention and disperses some of the fat that contributes to the appearance of cellulite.  It is one of the first non-surgical, FDA approved treatments for cellulite.

Endermologie treatment is administered in a series of initial treatments.  Maintenance treatments are needed at regular intervals in order to maintain cellulite improvement.  Endermologie treatment tends to run over $1,000. 

Lypossage
Lypossage was developed in 1999 by a massage therapist as a treatment for cellulite.  It includes several massage techniques from physical therapy, lymphatic drainage and deep tissue massage

This type of deep tissue massage removes stagnant, stalled lymphatic fluid from the tissues. The deeper Lypossage strokes break up adhesions under the skin that cause the dimpled, uneven skin surface.

Lypossage can also help tone the muscles, lifting and firming sagging tissue. It is performed by hand and the technique can safely be applied to the hips, thighs, and lower abdomen, as well as the upper body, including the arms, the face, and neck in almost anybody. There are few contraindications, such as fresh scar tissue, infected tissue and certain skin and blood disorders.

Lypossage must be performed by trained massage therapists, who are required to attend specific training courses and demonstrate proficiency in the technique.
Find a Lypossage Therapist - look in the left panel

If you can't afford endermologie or Lipossage, you may be able to get some results at home with skin brushing and massage since they both increase lymph drainage and may be able to smooth or reduce the look of cellulite.  Look particularly at the motorized, deep tissue massage tools and roller type tools.
Home massage tools



Pantyhose and other garments that are made to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage.
There are several garment manufacturers that claim to have developed garments that help reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Reduction of cellulite is accomplished by compression and micromassage.  This reportedly promotes circulation, lymph drainage and excess fluid removal, all of which help improve the look of cellulite.

Micromassage Magic by Solidea is a line of tights and panties that combines massage with compression.  The micro-massaging knitting process uses the natural movements of the body to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage. The technology combines a three-dimensional construction that micro-massages with graduated support.
Solidea Cellulite Treatment & Compression Hosiery.

Reduce Fluid Retention to improve the look of cellulite
Fluid retention worsens the look of cellulite by pushing fat even closer to the top of the skin where it is visible.  It also hinders lymph drainage which can cause more toxins to be trapped.

How can you tell if you have fluid retention?

• Do your rings seem tight on occassion?

• Does your stomach feel tight and swollen at times?

• Do you ever have breast tenderness (women)?

• Does your weight ever fluctuate by several pounds within the space of  24 hours?

Fluid retention can be caused by several potentially serious medical conditions so you should consult with your doctor before undertaking self-treatment.

If your fluid retention is not caused by a serious medical condition then there are things that you can do to alleviate it.  Diuretics are not generally recommended for fluid retention unless prescribed by your doctor because they can often can make it worse.  Some suggest that weight loss can help resolve fluid retention but it really depends on  the cause of  your fluid retention.  

A good source of information about causes and solutions of fluid retention is a book called The Waterfall Diet by Linda Lazarides. 

Detoxify your body for the treatment of cellulite
As mentioned previously, some in the alternative medicine field feel that a toxic body contributes to or may even cause the formation of cellulite.  For information on detoxifying your body, please see:
Detoxification Information


 

The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We do not accept any responsibility for the use or misuse of any of the information contained herein.

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