Maximizing cellulite reduction.

Cellulite is an embarrassing and often cosmetically unacceptable issue that most women (and some men) experience at some point in their life. The reduction and extermination of cellulite is the focus of many individual’s daily routines especially as they age. There are many ways in which individuals have tried to eradicate the dimples in and on the skin, whether orally, topically or through workout. This article will tackle the definition of what cellulite is and the science available that has shown to be the most effective way to reduce and ultimately get rid of cellulite.

            Cellulite is often categorized simply as “cottage cheese” or “orange peel” type appearance on hips, thighs, buttocks, and other regions of the body where excess skin and fat tend to collect. Although, it has been found that it is not dependent on an individual being overweight, as empirically has been found on individuals who are physically fit. Cellulite is the presence of excess subcutaneous fat that bulges into the dermis, or skin, but it actually serves a purpose! Most medical professionals will agree that it is a normal condition that maximizes subcutaneous fat retention to ensure adequate caloric availability for pregnancy and lactation. The exact causes of cellulite are unknown, but it is a complex situation involving the: microcirculatory system and lymphatic system, the extracellular matrix to keep this caloric surplus available for post-puberty females.

            Now with this probably new information, this does not make the presence of cellulite on the body any better. Most individuals are still looking for the answer to the question – how do I get rid of cellulite? As with all medical answers – it starts with, well it’s not that simple. Many factors are involved in perpetuating the existence of cellulite, such as: smoking, obesity, certain medication and hormone treatments, and lastly cutting off blood flow to buttocks and thighs by wearing tight underwear. If you are not guilty of these cellulite faux-paus then the next popular and often effective ways to eliminate this stubborn skin ailment is exercise, topical creams, or oral supplements. Due to cellulite developing over years, it will take several months before any effect may become apparent to a clinician or subject. Therefore most treatments are frustrating as most individuals give up before any changes have occurred and regard cellulite “impossible” to help. Now other than lots of time and patience, each popular treatment takes work and often a budget to maintain, but which is the most effective?

            Collagen is the protein that creates structure to connective tissue in animals, in other words: collagen is what gives your skin all of its properties. Collagen peptides have been known to increase the cellular metabolism of skin cells, making them the perfect supplement next to your multivitamin and fish oil. At this time there are no known side effects to collagen peptides and the term bioactive refers to the supplement being available for uptake in its current state. A double-blind placebo controlled study published in the Journal of Medical Food gave participants a bioactive collagen peptide supplement taken orally. The participants were told not to change anything about their daily lives except taking this supplement. Although not all individuals had the same results, the study concluded that significant improvements to cellulite (although not full eradication) were found from bioactive collagen peptide supplementation over a 6month period.

            There is a short list of ingredients used in topical cellulite creams, that read as follows: Alphahydroxyacids, CLA, Retinoids, Essential Oils, Herbs, Caffeine and Xanthines. Many different studies have been conducted using each one of these treatments over a 6month period. Similar results have been found for each; although the gels and creams do show a significant reduction of cellulite and overall hip, thigh and leg circumference. These work to increase thermogenesis as well as increase the microcirculation in each cell and collagen synthesis. All these ingredients tend to tighten skin in areas often plagued by cellulite as well as help reduce stored adipose tissue. The reduction of fat and overall size in appendages, as well as a tightening of skin creates an overall reduction in cellulite. Now similarly to oral supplements, there is significant enough data to say that topical gels and creams can help, but results from individual to individual wont necessarily be the same.  And as with all topical creams and ointments, some allergic reaction can occur, so research, ask your physician, and go cautiously into trying these products.

            Eating a quality diet and getting consistent exercise are two actions that have only positives, and truly no negatives. When it comes to cellulite reduction and expulsion – a reduction of fat cells will reduce deposits underneath skin and therefore rid an individual of ripples under skin. Although this route takes the most hard work and dedication, it might just be the most effective. Good diet and consistent exercise also carries with it other major benefits aside from the reduction of cellulite: reduction of other body-fat, improved mood, better sleep, reduction of cardiovascular issues, and many more.

            Each of these three treatments of cellulite don’t carry with it the tag of “solution” to this major issue. But each have been found to be effective in their own right to at least aiding in the reduction of the issue. To truly maximize the reduction of cellulite, it would be in an individual’s best interest to possibly combine two or even all three of the aforementioned treatments. Each one affects the ailment in it’s own way, and the addition of the other would not diminish or reduce the effect of the former. Getting the effect of each of the treatments would allow for an increased effect on your overall body composition! Depending on time, commitment and budget it wont hurt to do two or even all three!

            A large cosmetic concern for almost all women and some select men is the horror of cellulite. Reduction and annihilation of cellulite is on the minds of many every day. There are oral treatments, topical treatments, and the tried-and-true improved diet and exercise. Scientific studies have gotten results that have shown favorable results from all three avenues. To truly maximize the potential of rooting out cellulite from under the skin, an individual should take oral supplements, apply topical gel and/or exercise and make healthier eating choices. Performing two or all three of these will help an individual accomplish this difficult but plausible goal with little to no side effects!

Reference:

Rawlings, A.V. "Cellulite and Its Treatment." International Journal of Cosmetic Science 28.3 (2006): 175-90. Wiley Online Library. Web. 30 July 2016.

Schunck, Michael, Et. Al. "Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology." Journal of Medicinal Food 18.12 (2015): 1340-348. PMC. Web. 1 Aug. 2016.

"Cellulite 101." Living Better Newsletter. Piedmont Health Center, 2016. Web. 31 July 2016.

Dupont, Eric, Et. Al. "An Integral Topical Gel for Cellulite Reduction: Results from a Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Evaluation of Efficacy." Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 7 (2014): 73-88. PMC. Web. 2 Aug. 2016.