Cellulite on legs: causes, home treatments

Cellulite only affects women (although more and more men are starting to get it), as women's fat cells collect in bags distributed in vertical columns. In addition, women naturally have twice as much body fat as men, so female fat deposits are more visible. Although fat cells fill accordingly with fat, cellulite is not caused by excess fat: even the thinnest women have partially filled fat cells. Women simply need a certain amount of fat.

Complete fat loss is contrary to nature and impossible, and in thin women the last reserves of fat are concentrated in the hips and buttocks.

The female body is designed to bear children, which is why so much fat is stored in the hips and buttocks. Breasts are created to feed a baby. Children receive 52% of their energy from the fats of their mother’s milk (the rest from protein and carbohydrates in milk). These fats are delivered to milk from female adipose tissue - mainly from the hips and buttocks. That's why these parts of the body are the hardest to get to lose weight - they're the storage area for your unborn baby.

We all need adequate fat stores, as fatty acids are the main source of energy for the heart and colon. Some vital neuronal "transmitters" in the brain are made of fat. There is only one name for completely depleted fat cells: the final stage is anorexia.

If you are overweight, your fat cells are filled. In this case, half-filled cellulite cells become even more visible, but even thin women suffer from cellulite. This means that cellulite appears not so much because of the abundance of fat, but because of the appearance of half-filled cells.

Causes

What is cellulite? This word, which terrifies millions of women, means “fibrotic inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue.” This is how modern medicine defines the essence of an unesthetic cosmetic defect.

“Orange peel” is a problem that only causes trouble for women. Lumps, nodules, and local accumulations of fat affect various parts of the body.

How cellulite appears:

• apocidal cells that accumulate fats are compressed between fibrous fibers;
• fats cannot be broken down properly;
• veins are compressed, subcutaneous tissues swell;
• the body becomes loose;
• orange peel appears.

Provoking factors:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• tight clothes;
• smoking;
• hormone therapy;
• binge eating;
• high heels;
• heredity;
• frequent stress;
• caffeine, alcohol.

These are not all the reasons for the decrease in skin elasticity. Leads to stagnation:

• poor nutrition;
• passion for fashionable diets;
• constant crossing of legs;
• poor posture;
• staying in one position for a long time.

Where does “orange peel” occur? Main locations:

• hips;
• buttocks;
• lower limbs.

Undivided tubercles of fat are also visible on:

• hands;
• stomach;
• knees;
• ankles.

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Stages of the disease

For most women, unsightly bumps under the skin do not form in a day or two, but over a long period of time. Sometimes “sedentary” work reduces the time for the appearance of “orange peel” to a year or less.

Modern cosmetology distinguishes two scales of cellulite stages. One of them is used by specialists. It describes in detail the main forms with intermediate stages. Complex medical terms will provide little clarity to a wide range of readers.

Another scale clearly describes the stages of cellulite:

• 0 – absence of unesthetic signs, normal skin tone;
• 1 – violation of fat breakdown is easy to detect. Grab a small area of ​​the body measuring 5-10 cm with your fingers, squeeze lightly - tubercles form on the surface;
• 2 – manifestations of cellulite are visible even without squeezing the skin, there is no pain;
• 3 – the bumpy relief is clearly visible, squeezing the affected areas causes pain.

Most women have cellulite - is it natural?

Many people think that cellulite in women is a natural phenomenon, but this is nonsense. Indeed, these days it is considered normal for a woman to have cellulite. About 90% of women in developed countries where supermarket food is consumed have cellulite. Since it has become a common occurrence, we tend to think that it is natural. The reason cellulite is so common is because we eat the same so-called “healthy” and “unhealthy” foods and consume more and more protein. On average, Americans consume the most protein—from 1984 to today, consumption has quadrupled compared to pre-1984 levels. Another reason is that it has become the norm to use hormonal contraceptives from a very early age.

How to get rid of cellulite

How to remove cellulite? Only complex therapy will help get your skin in order. Treatment for “orange peel” is long and not always successful. Do not believe that a miracle cream will get rid of unsightly manifestations in a week.

It is necessary to constantly combat congestion, poor circulation and disruptions in fat metabolism. Thin, slender girls should not think that lumpy, loose skin is the scourge of well-fed women over forty. Everyone has a subcutaneous fat layer. It depends on its condition whether cellulite will spoil the appearance or not.

Cause of cellulite in women

1. Consuming large amounts of protein-like cooked foods. When heated, amino acids are destroyed and converted into new substances (Maillard reaction). Proteins are long chains of amino acids; if some of the amino acids are broken down, they cannot be easily separated from other similar substances. These unseparated substances cannot be immediately utilized and therefore remain in the dermis, where they attract moisture, which creates excess pressure, and subcutaneous fat cells begin to appear on the surface of the epidermis.
2. Consuming too much salt or spices at one time may temporarily aggravate the appearance of cellulite, but if your intake of these substances is stable, then no damage will occur as the body adapts to accept these seasonings on its own, bringing the level of absorption and excretion of salt and spices to an average level.
3. Consuming excess protein raises the average protein level of the skin, and thus the dermis begins to contain more water. Even if you eat the right combination of fruits, you will feel an energy deficit even before you begin to get rid of excess protein.
4. Constipation makes cellulite worse because the body has to spend more time absorbing dirty proteins. In this case, you should not take laxatives.
5. Poor hormonal metabolism caused by the use of hormonal contraceptives can also trigger the development of cellulite.

Although your menstrual cycle appears completely normal while you are taking the pill, the only way the pill works is by dominating the natural metabolism of your own hormones. Otherwise, the pills will never protect against pregnancy. Pharmacists know that excess androgens and estrogens can also cause water retention.

Medical cosmetics

How to fight cellulite? First, stop by the pharmacy. Choose a line of high-quality anti-cellulite products.

You will need:

• cellulite cream Products with a dense consistency are rubbed in with intense massage movements;
• cellulite scrub Removes dead particles of the epidermis, cleanses pores, creates favorable conditions for the action of creams, gels, and other anti-cellulite products;
• gel. The light composition applies well and covers the body with a thin film;
• whey, concentrate. The proportion of active substances is increased to the highest possible level. Expensive but effective means;
• thermal cream Warms the skin, promotes blood flow to problem areas;
• lotion. The product is rubbed in with gentle movements. Tones well, smooths out unsightly areas;
• compositions for wraps. Homemade cellulite wrap actively removes excess fluid, reduces swelling, and improves blood circulation;
• body milk The product makes the body elastic and promotes collagen production.

The composition of the drugs includes:

• algae extracts;
• citrus oils;
• menthol;
• tea tree oil;
• antioxidants;
• plant extracts;
• healing mud, clay;
• cayenne or red pepper extracts;
• caffeine;
• vitamin complexes.

Carefully selected components effectively combat orange peel:

• remove toxins and excess fluid;
• break down fats;
• increase skin tone;
• saturates the epidermis and dermis with vitamins, nutrients, oxygen;
• smooth the skin.

Note! Products with warming components are contraindicated for persons suffering from varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, and other vascular lesions. Thermal creams, lotions with hot pepper, caffeine, and orange oil are not suitable for owners of dilated veins. Buy “cold” cosmetics with menthol, seaweed, clay, and antioxidants.

Good anti-cellulite cosmetics are produced under the following brands:

• Guam;
• Vichi;
• Eveline;
• Korres;
• Natura Siberica;
• GreenMama;
• Eldan Cosmetics.

Lines of cosmetics that get rid of orange peel are offered by Avon and Oriflame, which have long been revered by many compatriots. Medical cosmetics with Dead Sea minerals are always at the peak of popularity.

Traditional methods and recipes

How to get rid of cellulite on legs at home? Folk remedies that get rid of orange peel are effective, affordable, and easy to prepare. Supplement your medicinal cosmetics with homemade creams, lotions. Baths, wraps, and massages with natural ingredients will bring a lot of benefits.

Skin cleansing Simple recipes for cellulite:

• homemade scrub Grate the carrots and mix with semolina. Take the same number of components. Apply the mixture onto the body with pressure, rinse off after 15 minutes;
• scrub with oatmeal. You will need 2 tbsp. l. sugar, 1 tbsp. l. corn and oat flakes, 3 tbsp. l. any vegetable oil. Mix and gently rub into skin. Rinse with warm water;
• coffee grounds . The simplest scrub. Using massage movements, treat problem areas with thickening. The body becomes velvety with a pleasant coffee aroma.

Original recipes Pay attention to these remedies:

• Apple cider vinegar against fat. Dilute good apple cider vinegar with water. Proportions – 1:1. Make compresses three times a week;
• ginger oil for cellulite. Pour olive or corn oil into ginger powder and rub into the affected areas. The product increases blood circulation;

Miracle procedures Try it, you won’t regret it:

• potato wraps. Grate the potatoes, apply the mixture to loose areas, and cover with film. After half an hour, wash off. Potatoes improve metabolic processes inside cells. Don’t be lazy, carry out the procedure 3-4 times a week;
• wraps with blue clay. Add a few drops of orange oil and a little water to the clay. Apply the mixture to problem areas, wrap loosely in cling film. Wrap yourself up or put on warm underwear - you should sweat. After 20 minutes, take a warm, then cool shower. Cellulite clay is a very effective remedy;
• procedures with vinegar. Dilute water and vinegar in equal parts, add rosemary, mint, and grapefruit oil. Apply the desired areas. Next, proceed in the same way as when using blue clay.

Pleasant baths What to add to the water? Actively fight the manifestations of cellulite:

• seaweed. You will need extract or dried algae powder;
• aromatic oils - tea tree, rosemary, lemon, mint, lavender, cypress;
• decoctions of medicinal herbs with a tonic, regenerating effect. Sage, string, rosemary, oregano, horsetail, ivy are suitable;
• sea ​​salt. The natural product tones, smoothes, relieves swelling, and cleanses the epidermis well;
• extracts of horse chestnut , ivy, horsetail;
• quality milk. Recommended for smooth skin. The effect will be enhanced by adding a few drops of citrus oil and 3 tbsp. l. sea ​​salt.

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Wraps

There are different types of wraps. This type of salon procedure is quite expensive, but it can be done at home.

The algorithm is as follows:

1. Skin cleansing;
2. Application of the selected composition;
3. Wrapping the treated parts with film, at least three layers;
4. We lie under the blanket for about 40 minutes;
5. We wash off the residue and moisturize the skin.

The procedure can be done with different compounds: clay, honey, coffee, oils and even vinegar; do not forget to dilute the latter with water, otherwise you will get a burn.

Modern methods of treatment

Hardware cosmetology is not a cheap pleasure, but the effect of salon procedures is excellent. The qualifications of the specialist come to the fore. Some procedures are performed only in a cosmetology clinic.

How to get rid of cellulite on the legs and butt, buttocks and thighs? Popular methods of combating cellulite:

• lymphatic drainage The essence: redistribution of excess fluid, softening of fat tubercles, activation of blood and lymph flow, removal of toxins. Choose hardware lymphatic drainage;
• ozone therapy. Ozone enters the thickness of the epidermis during injections, massages, and wraps. The effect is noticeable after just a few sessions;
• wrap . During the procedure, the skin is saturated with nutrients. Fats are broken down and excess fluid is removed. Wraps are good at breaking up fat on the legs, thighs, and abdomen;
• mesotherapy. One of the most effective procedures. A mixture of anti-cellulite drugs, the so-called cocktail, is delivered directly to the affected areas during painless injections. A thin needle does not cause severe pain;
• Anticellulite massage. A painful but very effective procedure. With mechanical action, fat cells are “broken,” metabolism improves, and blood flow speed increases. A few massage sessions and your body will become slim. A side effect is bruising over the entire area treated by a specialist. Types of massage: honey, vacuum, self-massage of problem areas using various anti-cellulite massagers;
• cold and hot shower. The procedure improves skin tone, strengthens blood vessels, and relieves swelling. Water problem areas with hot, then cold water. And so - several times. At the end - always cold water.

Massage

Massage stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems, helping to reduce the amount of toxins. Massage with a dry brush is considered the most effective and affordable.

The brush should be made of natural fibers, of medium hardness, and choose a brush with a comfortable handle.

Algorithm:

1. rub dry skin with a dry brush from right to left, start from the steps and move up, massage the stomach clockwise;
2. massage every day;
3. duration - 5-10 minutes;
4. take a shower to wash away dead skin cells.

Exercises for cellulite

One of the reasons for the appearance of loose, bumpy skin is physical inactivity. It is impossible to become slim and have smooth skin without exercise.

Recommended against cellulite:

• run;
• swimming;
• cycling;
• fast walk;
• jumping rope;
• cardio equipment;
• exercises for the hips and buttocks with weights.

Tightens skin, burns fat, builds muscle mass:

• squats;
• lunges;
• raising legs;
• exercises for the abs;
• swing your legs.

Exercise (if possible) in front of a mirror, measure the load. Exercises for different parts of the body during one workout will help you burn fat effectively.

Sports that increase the load on the venous network are not suitable:

• tennis;
• aerobics;
• volleyball.

Overexerting your legs has the opposite effect. The main goal is to improve blood and lymph flow, and not fall from fatigue after training.

Preventive recommendations

Preventing the appearance of unsightly, loose skin is easier than getting rid of the “orange peel.” Cellulite does not disappear anywhere, it only spoils the appearance or not. It all depends on your efforts.

Recommendations:

• eat right;
• do exercises regularly;
• do not sit (stand) for a long time in one position;
• monitor the health of blood vessels;
• do not cross your legs when sitting - you are squeezing the veins;
• do not overeat, control your weight;
• do not abuse diets, remember: sudden weight loss harms the body;
• alternate wearing high- and low-heeled shoes;
• pamper yourself with wraps, baths, creams;
• do self-massage, use massagers of various shapes.

Have you discovered an unsightly “orange peel” on your body? Get ready for a serious fight against lumpy, loose skin. Start the battle against cellulite in the early stages - and you will soon achieve results.

The following is a video from the TV show “Live Healthy,” in which Elena Malysheva will tell you all about cellulite:

Prevention

It is known that the problem is easier to prevent than to cure. The same goes for cellulite.

The diet will prevent the formation of edema and remove harmful substances from the body. Eat light foods that are quickly digested. Vegetables contain vitamins and minerals, most importantly, eat them raw or steamed.

Don't forget about slow carbohydrates, which are useful in the first half of the day, and protein foods, without which a full lunch is unthinkable. Dinner is the time for fermented milk drinks, vegetables, and non-acidic fruits.

Drink up to 2 liters of clean water per day. Do not overuse tea, coffee or carbonated drinks. It is useful to drink herbal infusions and fresh juices.

Important! Do not drink water while eating. Do this 30 minutes before or after your meal.

Regular exercise is a must in preventing orange peel. To do this, it is not at all necessary to sign up for a gym - if this is not possible, you can successfully work out at home, having at least a mat and a pair of 3-4 kg dumbbells. Cardio exercise is also important. Movement means good health and beauty of the body. Run, bike, swim. All this and much more will help you always stay in shape.

A contrast shower improves blood circulation, vigorous rubbing after a shower renews skin cells. This is a good way to prevent orange peel formation.

Stop smoking! Nicotine destroys vitamin C, which is responsible for youth and elasticity of the skin. Daily smoking interferes with the supply of oxygen to cells.