Cellulite!

Cellulite has to be every woman's worst enemy!!

Whether your a size 8 or a size 18, cellulite affects us all.

Everyone wants that perfectly toned, cellulite-free, pert bum..

Unfortunately, the reality for most women is this..

In order to begin our fight against cellulite it is important to understand what it is and how it is formed.

So.. What exactly is cellulite?

Cellulite is the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests as skin dimpling, most often on the buttocks, lower limbs, and abdomen.Cellulite is thought to occur in 80-90% of females. It is rarely seen in males, but is common in male patients receiving oestrogen therapy for prostate cancer. The cellulite becomes more severe as the androgen deficiency worsens in these males.

The causes of cellulite include changes in metabolism, physiology, dieting too hard or too much, alteration of connective tissue structure, hormonal factors, genetic factors, and subtle inflammatory alterations.

Hormones play a dominant role in the formation of cellulite. Oestrogen has been thought to be the hormone to initiate and aggravate cellulite. However, there has been no reliable clinical evidence to support such a claim. Other hormones, including insulin, adrenaline and noradrenaline, and thyroid hormones, are all believed to participate in the development of cellulite.

Even slim celebrities cannot escape it!

This is due to the fact that no matter what we do, there is a genetic element in individual susceptibility to cellulite. Several factors have been shown to affect the development of cellulite. Sex, race, distribution of subcutaneous fat, and predisposition to lymphatic and circulatory insufficiency have all been shown to contribute to cellulite. A high-stress lifestyle will cause an increase in the level of catecholamines, which have also been associated with the evolution of cellulite. Certain dieting practices can also diminish the level of these chemicals, and decreasing body fat typically results in the reduction in appearance of cellulite.

There are a number of things we can do at home to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, regular body brushing being the most effective.

Click here to view my post on Body Brushing:

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/05/body-brushing.html

Regular exercise, drinking plenty of water; 2 litres daily, avoiding caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee and also eating less saturated fats and more un-saturated fats.

Foods high in Saturated fats:

Croissants

Donuts

Muffins

French fries

Potatoes 

Milk

Cheese

Ice cream

Sausage

Duck with skin

Poultry with skin

Fried chicken

Pate

Bacon

Noodles

Oils/Fats

Butter

Cocoa Butter

Fast food sandwiches

Cheese sauce

Cookies

Cheesecake

Milk chocolate

Foods high in Un- saturated fats:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is full of healthy unsaturated fats. 1 Tbsp. of oil has almost 12 grams of unsaturated fat and only 2 grams of the saturated stuff. In addition, olive oil provides a heart-friendly dose of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids..

Salmon

Salmon and other cold water fish, like mackerel, are fatty fish that are full of heart healthy unsaturated fats and low in heart clogging saturated types. Salmon is also an excellent source of protein, and unlike some other fish, has low levels of mercury.

Almonds

Almonds are a tasty snack full of beneficial unsaturated fats. Not only are they a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, they also provide Vitamin E, which is great for our hair, nails and skin. 

Natural Peanut Butter

Pick 'all natural' peanut butter, and make sure there is nothing in the ingredient list that includes the word ‘hydrogenated.’ Peanuts and peanut butter are an excellent source of unsaturated fat, but reading labels is crucial. Avoid any jars with trans-fat on the nutrition label, as these are the most harmful to the body. 

Avocados

Avocados are full of unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat. Their creamy texture makes them a great sandwich replacement for mayonnaise or cheese. 

There are also a number of professional treatments available to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Endermologie

Endermologie is used to promote inch loss and reduce unsightly cellulite. For women wanting fast, significant results even on stubborn areas that diet, exercise and invasive procedures don’t treat. Lipomassage by Endermologie is a new technique that focuses on specific areas like the saddlebags, tummy and love handles. It is also ideal to help get new mum’s back into shape after pregnancy. Lipomassage has been scientifically proven to stimulate Lipolysis, which causes the breakdown of fatty acids.

Clink on the link below to view a treatment:
w.youtube.com/watch?v=VTpE6--dHzY

8 sessions of Endomologie can cost anything 

from €360- €500 depending on the clinic.

Before and After pictures:

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a non-surgical, cosmetic medicine treatment. Mesotherapy employs multiple injections of pharmaceutical and homeopathic medications, plant extracts, vitamins, and other ingredients into the subcutaneous fat. Mesotherapy injections target adipose fat cells, by inducing lipolysis causing rupture and cell death among adipocytes (cells that store fat). 
Once injected the area is stimulated to allow a quicker healing time. Skin messengers stimulate skin to produce new skin cells and new fibroblasts. The medications break down fatty deposits and firm the skin.

Here is a link to view a treatment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCeeHT_-lFY

Normally a course of treatments are needed to achieve optimal results. Treatments are usually a course of 1-2 for fat and cellulite reduction and minimum of 6 for skin rejuvenation, given once a week.
The effect of a course of Mesotherapy is long lasting. Once you have completed a course of treatments you can go back every 6-8 months for top ups to maintain the results. 

You can expect to pay from 250Euro per treatment with most clinics offering discounts on course prices.

Products

Two products I have found great to help reduce the appearance of cellulite are Image Skincares;

Body Spa Rejuvenating Body Lotion

An ultra hydrating body lotion with a high content of glycolic acid, retinol, anti-oxidants and peptides to exfoliate and rejuvenate skin.
It should be applied to the entire body after body brushing. Allow it to penetrate for a few minutes before getting dressed.
It can be used by all skin types but very sensitive skins should use it less often. It is great for rough, dull, aging skin as it exfoliates and rejuvenates skin while also hydrating. It is also Paraben free. I use it morning and evening.

Retails at 36Euro

Body Spa Cell.u.lift Body Firming Lotion

This product really is a revolutionary body firming creme. It is formulated to fight skin laxity on a cellular level. It strengthens collagen fibers and reduces the volume of lipid cells and underlying tissue. Clinical studies by Plastic surgeons have showed tighter and firmer looking skin and I myself noticed a difference even after a couple of weeks. I apply body firming creme by massaging it morning and evening to thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated skin. This product should never be used on the face.
It is great for lots of different skin problems such as;
Skin Laxity
Pre/Post Operative liposuction
Pregnancy and cellulite deformities
Dry/ Dehydrated Skin

Retails at 85Euro

Good luck with your fight against Cellulite..
Bikini season is fast approaching!! :)