Get Rid of Cellulite – Part 1
January 16, 2011 
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Cellulite a word most women are very familiar with. Cellulite is the formation of tiny dimples on the skin, usually appearing on the thighs and your bottom. Now dimples were really cute when we were children, but the puffy puckering dimples we find on our body are a curse to most women. Statistics say that over 80% of women develop cellulite.
Cellulite is very difficult to treat. Cellulite is constructed of small pockets of waste and studies indicate is tied to poor circulation and a sluggish metabolism. The most effective treatment involves enhancing your natural cellular function and speeding up your metabolism so it is better capable of eliminating toxic waste from the body.
There is a huge selection of cellulite remedies on the market, all claiming to reduce or rid the body of cellulite. Its pretty easy to get caught up in the hype of the miracle cellulite cure. So how does one determine what will or will not help? Below is useful information to help you make an intelligent choice.
Up until recently most of the treatments for sale were merely topical treatments which by themselves are not very effective at treating cellulite, It is important to remember that until now very few if any remedies were more than simple topical treatments, which alone are not very effective in treating cellulite. There are many creams on the market the mix combinations of vitamins, herbs, and antioxidants. Some will do no more than make your skin appear smoother and healthier. Although a superficial treatment, it will reduce the appearance of the cellulite areas.
The better creams will contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and ingredients that stimulate the flow of blood. Cellulite areas are damaged skin pockets which are normally dehydrated. . Increasing the blood flow and reducing inflammation help the skin repair itself. The best treatment comes from the inside out.
Weve all heard the commercials or ad campaigns that claim that their cream can decrease the size of the thigh and repair cellulite. What these products actually do is draw waste water away from the area, thus temporarily decreasing the size of the thigh and the appearance of the cellulite. This is not a cure, but a temporary fix. Any size you lost will be regained as soon as you drink water. Body size is not relevant to having or not having cellulite.
Topical cellulite remedies can be beneficial, however they have little effect if they are used alone. Creams reach only the epidermis [top layer] of the skin. They are unable to penetrate the dermis where much of the damage is. Because they are unable to penetrate the dermis layer and fight the skin damage, many of these treatments are not successful. The surface dimpling caused by cellulite is merely a symptom of the underlying cause.
To reverse the damage you must go beyond treating the top skin layer. Internal treatments and technological treatments can be very successful in treating the underlying problem. Combine science and nature with your topical treatments for real help.
To really fight celluloid you need to go within the body. By working inside the body and outside with topical treatments, youll have a better chance of fighting cellulite. The more of them that you use, the more success you will be in reducing, preventing, and even eliminating your cellulite.
It is very important to strengthen blood vessels/increase blood flow. Strengthening blood vessels and increasing blood flow you increase circulation. Increasing circulation will then allow more blood flow to the celluloid areas so the body will better be able to break down the toxic areas.
The first stages of cellulite and are not visible to the naked eye. The first stages are the result of blood vessels breaking down. Nutrients reach the skin via blood vessels and when the blood vessels are unable to feed nutrients to the skin damage occurs. This damage is called cellulite. It is very important that the right nutrients are actually able to reach the areas that need them. Feed your body antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, water, and collagen. These will act as reinforcements to help nutrients reach the affected areas. etc., the skin has no way to attain reinforcements. It eventually loses the battle to cellulite.
It is important to encourage the Production of connective tissue. This can be done by increasing production of the matrix (GAGs) that make up connective tissue in your body. A strong dermis will help in preventing and repairing cellulite. The connective tissue is the primary water reservoir for your entire body, so it stands to reason if you have healthy connective tissue your body will be much better able to hydrate itself when needed, keep all of your cells, from your liver to your skin, supplied with their ideal component of water, thereby functioning at their optimal level. The most important Internal needed to form GAGs in your body, is glucosamine. Glucosamine is the primary building block of GAGs. Your body also needs B vitamins and trace minerals so that your body can metabolize the glucosamine into GAGs.
It is also important to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Your body needs ample collagen and elastin to keep the connective tissue strong. When the dermis is strong, fat cells are not able to break through and appear on the surface, with the familiar dimples. Your need to supply the body with amino acids to build collagen and elastin.
Make sure that your cells are fully hydrated. De-hydrated cells become weak and are then unable to hold back the fat from surfacing. By drinking plenty of fluids you keep your body hydrated, which revitalizes your cells. They are then able to push the cellulite forming fat cells back below the surface into the deeper layers of the skin. Keeping your body hydrated has other benefits also, it will keep your skin looking young and beautiful and allow you to better fight disease and infection.
By optimizing the health of your cells they will be able to function at peak levels. Your skin will look younger, smoother, and overall more beautiful.
It is also important to ensure waste is properly removed from the body. If your body is retaining wasted water it can cause problems such as bloating, weight gain, edema, and puffy eyes. It also interferes with your body’s ability to repair cellulite damage.
All of us are exposed to the damage caused by free-radicals. Free radical damage occurs from many sources, such as sun exposure, smoking, and a poor diet. Free radicals damage the skin making it more susceptible to cellulite. The best way to prevent and repair free-radical damage is with the use of antioxidants, both topically and internally.
Your body responds to damage by rushing defensive nutrients to the affected area. It accomplishes this by dilating the blood vessels and releasing specific chemicals. What you witness is the skin becoming warm and red. This is inflammation. Prolonged inflammation causes the free-radical damage and cell wall deterioration that it is attempting to prevent. That is why it is so important to use soothing ingredients, both topically and internally, to calm inflammation before it begins doing more harm than good. Anti-inflammatories are widely available in a variety of products.
Exfoliation is a must. By the time we reach adulthood, the rate our cells turnover has drastically decreased, leaving us with a surface of dead skin cells that not only looks dull, it no longer provides an adequate barrier against the elements and water loss. The most effective way to combat this is to exfoliate. Exfoliation removes the surface layer of dead cells. There are many ways to exfoliate. Chemical formulas use mild agents to dissolve the dead cells. Textured soaps, sponges and brushes strip away the surface cells. When you remove the dead cells from your skin’s surface, a message is sent telling your body to create replacements. The dead cells are replaced with strong young cells that look and feel healthy. But more than that, these cells are better equipped to stand up to the onslaught of cellulite.
Many effective ingredients include essential oils and botanical extracts. Before using a product is always wise to do a patch test. Some botanicals and antibacterial agents can cause reactions in sensitive skin types.
Aloe Vera juice or oil is extracted from the aloe Vera plant. The leaves are made up of water, enzymes, and minerals such as calcium, aluminum, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and sodium. But wait theres more. Aloe Vera juice also contains twenty amino acids. Aloe Vera is well known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids are used in many cosmetic products. Certain combinations of AHA products increase cell turnover rate and increase the thickness of the epidermis. The effect depends on the product’s pH level, the AHA concentration, whether it is a cream or cleanser, as well as how the product is used AHA products make the skin appear smoother and younger.
Lactic acid is commonly found in milk, pickles, and other foods made by bacterial fermentation. Lactic acid can help reduce the effects of photo-aging and can play an important role in the treatment of sun-damaged skin. Glycolic and salicylic increase the cell turnover rate and uncovering younger skin. Hydroxy acids unclog embedded cellular debris from pores and shedding the outermost layer of dead skin.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent fat- and water-soluble antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. ALA penetrates the skin cells the lipid-rich cell membrane and continues to be effective once inside the cell due to its water solubility. ALA works with vitamins E and C, boosting their antioxidant abilities.
Basil extract is used to relieve pain and muscular spasms, and to stimulate blood flow. It is also known for its restorative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bioflavonoids’ have strong anti-inflammatory powers, and are also a strong antioxidant
Niacin improves the ability of the epidermis to retain moisture. When used topically it produces softer, smoother skin with less dryness and flakiness, and it reduces the appearance of fine lines. Butcher’s broom root extract strengthens and tones blood vessels. In Europe it is a popular treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Carnitine is found naturally in the body. It transports fatty acids to your cells, where they are metabolized. It burns fat and strengthens cells.
Cat’s-claw is an effective anti-inflammatory, which also increases blood flow throughout the body. Recently is has been successful in stimulating the immune systems of cancer patients.
The active ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin. Capsaicin not only increases circulation. It also alters the action of the bodys substance P which transfers pain messages to the brain. As a result it is effective in reducing both pain and inflammation by short-circuiting the pain message.
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown its ability to increase resistance to disease and to strengthen the heart. It creates a substance known as ATP in the body’s cells which is vital for energy. It also has great antioxidant abilities, as well as boosting the antioxidant effect of vitamins C and E.
Peptides are the amino acid, the building block for collagen and elastin. Copper peptide is a trace mineral that helps the body convert amino acids into this connective tissue. Copper peptides are an excellent source of collagen and elastin production.
Essential fatty acids are so vital that they have been referred to as vitamin F. They have amazing hydrating abilities in topical creams, and when taken internally they help to build up the cell membranes and attract water to cells.
Fennel is a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory that needs more research to find its full abilities.
Ginkgo Biloba is an antioxidant, but it also increases the blood flow throughout the body, expanding the reach of any nutrients in the food you eat.
Grapefruit oil and extract have been used for muscle fatigue, stiffness, acne, fluid retention, and skin tightening, and as an antiseptic and astringent.
Grape-seed extract inhibits the enzymes collagenase and elastase, which break down collagen and elastin. Because grape seed is able to prevent the damage from ever occurring, it is very effective in the prevention of celluloid.
Green clay is sometimes reffered to as a cellulite solution but does need more study to confirm this. Green clay contains many of the trace minerals that your body needs to metabolize nutrients into new tissue.
Juniper berries extract is high in vitamin C. It is used to treat pain and inflammation from arthritis and varicose veins, and to increase circulation.
When Lecithin is taken internally on a regular basis, it aids your body in repairing and strengthening its cell membranes.
Kelp is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties on the skin. It is rich in minerals and has been used to supply the thyroid gland with iodine in some instances. Kelp can also be used to hydrate the epidermis, nourish the skin, and protect elastin fiber.
Pine oil is used as a disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, as a diuretic, and to stimulate circulation.
Pomegranate is fast becoming recognized for its antioxidant qualitites. Studies have showed the that the topical application of pomegranate extract has an effect on preventing skin cancer. Pomegranate is a very potent antioxidants that work primarily in the skin.
Retinoids applied topically over a long period of time temporarily thicken and strengthen the dermis, making it more difficult for cellulite to push its way through.
Zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, magnesium, boron, chromium, molybdenum, silica, and vanadium are all trace minerals. Our body needs these minerals in trace amounts to r metabolize nutrients. Trace minerals are vital to cellulite.
Vitamin C fights an ongoing battle against cellulite and skin damage. Vitamin C breaks down collagenase and elastinase, two naturally occurring substances in the body that attack collagen and elastin. Vitamin C is also a natural anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant with proven studies that it is effective in battling free-radical damage within the skin.
Vitamin E, both topically and when taken internally, is a very potent fat soluble antioxidant. Because it is fat soluble it can work its way into the fat-rich cell membranes in our bodies, protecting the cell walls from free-radical damage. Vitamin E is also an excellent hydrating and sealing agent in topical creams.
Many popular treatments claim to reduce cellulite. Treatments range from body raps to massage to surgical procedures.
Body Spa Treatments are beneficial on many levels. Great for exfoliating, toning, and stimulating blood flow. A terrific skin care regime.
Body wraps induce sweating thereby having a temporary diuretic effect. However, fat cells and connective tissue are not affected by sweating. With a body wrap you are covered from head to toe for up to an hour in herbal or seaweed-soaked cloth strips to increase circulation and firm the body’s contours. Once you are unwrapped you body is massaged to enhance circulation and send oxygen to blocked tissues.
Watch your alcohol and caffeine intake prior to a body wrap as both are dehydrating. Body wraps are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure, anyone who is dehydrated, or pregnant women.
Deep-tissue massage consists of slow strokes to create micro tears at the surface level, making tissue longer and smoother. It also loosens the connective tissue so that it moves more freely and no longer adheres to underlying structures. Deep massage followed by lymphatic drainage can make the surface layer of skin more flexible.
Massage can improve the condition and appearance of your skin, however it does not remove or decrease fat cells. It is excellent for increasing circulation and thus moving nutrients to tissues. However, if deep massage is too intense, it can also damage blood vessels, which defeats the benefits for cellulite reduction. Areas with cellulite are already sensitive, so be sure to tell the therapist it it feels like too much pressure is being applied. Deep massage provides relaxation and can stimulate the blood vessels and reduce stiffness.
Dermal fillers are expensive. They are a temporary method that improves the appearance of cellulite dimples. The treatment consists of a serious of human fat injections which make dimples less obvious. Other filling agents can be used rather than fat. The dimples appear less noticeable until the fat is absorbed by the body, then the dimples return to their normal appearance. Not only is this procedure quite costly it is a lengthy procedure.
Electronic Anticellulite Devices are a few noninvasive, nonsurgical treatments for skin contour irregularities. This procedure temporary reduces the appearance of cellulite. A vacuum type device creates suction to temporarily immobilize and lift the fatty tissue, while dual rollers create deep, subdermal massage to the connective tissue. This stretches the connective tissue, increases blood and lymphatic flow, and exfoliates the skin. A session can take from forty to ninety minutes, and entail from ten to thirty treatments as well as a monthly maintenance treatment. If you stop treatments your skin reverts back to its original condition. Long term results have never been established either clinically or scientifically.
The lymph system is the body’s waste disposal system. It is the bodys natural defense system, clearing away bacteria, cell debris, excess water, proteins, and wastes from the connective tissue and returning it to the bloodstream for ultimate removal by the kidneys.
If pathways become congested or damaged fluids build up in the connective tissue, leading to edema, swelling, and inflammation. When this occurs the lymphatic system transports the damaged cells, inflammatory substances, and waste away from the area. The sooner this occurs the faster the recovery.
Manual lymphatic drainage is a technique that involves a gentle lymph massage, which enhances and stimulates the lymphatic system to remove wastes more rapidly from around the cells and in the tissues, sending it back into the lymphatic system for removal and ultimate cleansing.
For cellulite treatment, the therapist first assesses the condition of the skin: color, texture, temperature, moisture, and elasticity. The next step is to look at the contour of the hips and legs, and hunt for skin thickening, ridges, lumps, and visible scars that run across lymph vessels and may obstruct lymph drainage. The therapist also examines for visible veins, looking for redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Lymphatic drainage is very useful before and after cosmetic surgery to decrease bruising, edema, and inflammation. The effects are only temporary, and it has not been proven to reduce dimpling in the long term.
Mesotherapy are micro injections injected into the middle of the dermis at a trouble spot, to deliver healing or corrective treatment to a specific area of the body. They can be made of conventional or homeopathic medication. They are mixed with isoproterenol, vitamins and a diuretic when treating cellulite. Isoproterenol is touted to melt fat although no clinical studies are available to back up this claim. Up to two hundred deep injections are delivered into trouble The biggest problem with mesotherapy is that there is no standardized mix for the formula. Long-term, chronic cellulite and wrinkles may require at least fifteen sessions before you notice any result.
Microdermabrasion is a popular alternative to chemical peeling that utilizes a blast of aluminum oxide or salt crystals to exfoliate skin superficially, by passing the particles through a vacuum tube to gently scrape away the aging skin. The results are similar to a light peel. Microdermabrasion devices are available for home use, although not as good as a professional treatment the cost is significantly less.
Nonablative Lasers point the lazer beam at the affected area, causing the collagen and elastin bundles to heat up and move closer to the surface. This firms the skin and reduced imperfections. The results are temporary.
Peels utilize a strong concentration of a chemical exfoliating agent to resurface the skin. New cells made by the remaining dermis result in a newly healed surface, and healthier, more radiant skin. Chemical peels are very flexible and can be adapted to various levels depending on how deep a peel you want and how sensitive your skin is. Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in peels as it is generally gentler and safer than trichloracetic acid Peels work by damaging the skin to a stage where the body needs to build new collagen and elastin bundles. You might feel a burning or stinging sensation, and there will be moderate swelling of the treated areas for about a week and minimal scabbing, followed by healing and a toughening of the skin
Thalassotherapy is rich in sea minerals and nutrients. The therapy combines the sea nutrients with warm sea water to dilate pores and blood vessels, opening the skin to absorb the sea minerals.
In the end the best way to cure celluloid is simply to avoid getting it. Eat a balanced diet low in fat, drink plenty of water, eat fiber foods, and plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Exercise for 20-30 minutes daily to help keep the body in shape, and avoid smoking, alcohol. A healthy life style will go along way towards prevention.
Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.
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