Well, what did you think? To proudly show off your clothes on the beach in June, you need to get your “sled” ready today. At the very least, think through a cellulite-fighting strategy, and then, as usual, get down to business on Monday.
A little history. Although our great-grandmothers suffered from “orange” or “goosebumps” skin, the first mention of this affliction appeared just 30 years ago in an American magazine. Today, according to statistics, 97% of women suffer from cellulite.
A “gift” from nature
“Essentially, cellulite is the price we pay for being women. It's caused by estrogen, the main female hormone that stimulates the development of female reproductive organs, normal breast growth, determines body shape, and so on. The development of cellulite is also associated with the female body's preparation for pregnancy: fat is deposited on the lower back to keep the baby warmer, and on the hips to prevent the mother from catching a cold,” explains Nadezhda Moseychuk, a cosmetic surgeon and top-category physician.
Moreover, cellulite can actively develop after pregnancy and during menopause. This means that it can be said that this defect most often occurs during periods of hormonal fluctuations. Cellulite can often be a consequence of serious endocrine disorders such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances, thyroid and pancreatic diseases, metabolic disorders, kidney or spinal problems, and varicose veins, says endocrinologist, immunologist, and MD Yuriy Yenenkov.
Harmful lumps
“Cellulite develops in several stages—from a loss of skin elasticity to the appearance of an 'orange peel' appearance,” continues Nadezhda Moseychuk. “First, fat cells, under the influence of estrogen, become sticky and greatly expand. Then they become trapped in connective tissue cells—the resulting hard fat lumps press on blood and lymphatic vessels. This impairs the skin's oxygen and blood supply, and the body experiences lymphatic dysfunction and fluid retention.”
Toxins are not to blame
There's a common misconception that cellulite is simply a buildup of toxins in the subcutaneous tissue that can be easily eliminated by simply increasing its drainage. In fact, cellulite has nothing to do with toxins.
According to doctors, people exposed to severe stress are more likely to suffer from increased fat cell hardening. How can this be explained? When we experience any emotional stress, anxiety, or worry, the body reacts with excessive oxidative stress. This disrupts other biochemical processes, and subsequently, tissue function.
False diet
“There's a common misconception among women that strict diets and various fasting programs help prevent cellulite,” says Anna Berdnikova, a nutritionist, endocrinologist, and specialist in eating behavior psychotherapy. “However, medical scientists have proven that eating habits are not the cause of cellulite. However, debilitating fasts and an unbalanced diet can easily trigger its rapid development. The resulting weight fluctuations only accelerate the maturation of fat deposits in the subcutaneous layer.”
Therefore, if you're struggling with excess weight, start by trying to achieve and maintain your ideal weight by eating a balanced diet. A healthy diet alone won't solve the problem, but it will help prevent it from developing.
Health traffic light
“Eat fruits and vegetables daily according to the 'traffic light' principle (always something red, yellow, green),” advises Anna Berdnikova. “A fruit and vegetable diet is a true elixir of youth.”
Lettuce, cabbage, and fresh greens help prevent the development of cellulite—they burn fat and remove excess fluid from the body. Silicic acid, found in whole-grain bread, millet, and protein from nuts, seeds, and soybeans, is also beneficial.
Protein is essential for fighting excess fat (the ideal daily intake is 50 g). The best sources of protein are found in lean chicken breast, fish, and legumes such as lentils and beans. Fish is especially valuable because the nutrients it contains strengthen connective tissue fibers, slowing the development of cellulite.
Seaweed and foods containing vitamin C (avocado, apples, citrus fruits) have the same effect.
There is no ban on fats
Don't completely eliminate fats. Vegetable oils, for example, are essential for maintaining skin elasticity, and the amino acids in fish oil help break down “bad” fats. So don't beat yourself up if you indulge in salmon or ice cream from time to time! Iron and vitamin E—fennel, eggs, and gooseberries—also help maintain skin elasticity.
To avoid excess carbohydrates, replace sweets with dried fruit or special teas flavored with orange, vanilla, or caramel—aromatic substances actively influence our “hunger center,” located in the brain. It's also helpful to eat a kiwi or a slice of pineapple before each meal—they contain enzymes that promote fat breakdown.
And most importantly, don't forget to drink plenty of fluids. Water (but no more than 2 liters per day) flushes harmful substances from the body, strengthens connective tissue, and improves circulation. Herbal teas and juices are also a good option.
Covered in honey
“Various massages and special baths can help achieve smooth, elastic skin and slow the growth of cellulite,” advises physiotherapist and cosmetologist Natalia Pavlova. “For example, Tibetan honey massage, known since ancient times, relieves lymph and blood congestion in the deep layers of the skin, improves tissue nutrition, and smoothes subcutaneous hardness.”
Here's how to do it: apply a thin layer of honey to the problem area using patting motions. Gradually, your patting should become more forceful and intense (press your hands more firmly against the skin and then release them more quickly). Repeat until the honey takes on a grayish tint. A course of honey massage treatment consists of 20 sessions, performed every other day.
Any unsugared natural honey is best for massage. Honey can be flavored with essential oils: lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, juniper, eucalyptus, or lavender (1 teaspoon of honey and 5 drops of essential oil or a blend of oils). After this nourishing treatment, the skin becomes silky and supple.
Baths with plant extracts have a therapeutic effect. They strengthen cell membranes, improve muscle tone, and promote skin regeneration. Take 300 g of a herbal mixture (lavender, rosemary, horsetail, marjoram, ivy, oregano, thyme, and sage) and add it to warm water before bathing. This anti-cellulite bath should last no more than 15 minutes and no more than twice a week. The effect is doubled if you alternate the bath with a massage, recommends Natalia Pavlova.
Daily physical therapy, such as contrast showers, is also helpful in combating cellulite bumps. While showering, scrub your body with a natural bristle brush or a stiff glove.
Dangerous pills
“Be careful with various anti-cellulite pills and capsules,” warns endocrinologist Yuriy Enenkov . “All these products are only good for controlling cellulite, not eliminating it. Furthermore, these medications can disrupt the body's natural processes—for example, the body's detoxification system, which is perfectly regulated by nature.”
A surefire way to get cellulite is taking diet pills and diuretics (they are often used to remove “excess” moisture).
Scientists have also found that oral contraceptives, which cause a surge in hormonal activity, increase estrogen production, leading to an increase in the size of fat cells and fluid retention in the body.
Another factor that inevitably leads to the accumulation of “fat lumps” is heredity. If your mother has the notorious “orange peel” skin, you likely inherited her loose connective tissue and weak lymphatic system, which will inevitably lead to the “clumping” of fat cells. Therefore, take preventative measures against cellulite before it develops, recommends the endocrinologist.
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