It
is described as the dimpling of the skin which is a result
of protrusion of subcutaneous fat into the dermis which
creates an undulating dermal-subcutaneous fat junction
adipose tissue. More than 150 years ago this term
originated in
France.
Orange peel syndrome, mattress phenomenon, hail damage and
cottage cheese skin are descriptive names for cellulite.
The synonyms for cellulite are adiposis edematosa,
dermapanniculosis deformans, gynoid lipodystrophy and
status protrusus cutis. It should in no way be confused
with cellulites which is an infection of the skin and its
underlying connective tissue.
There
are two forms of cellulite – Hard cellulite and Soft
Cellulite. Hard Cellulite generally occurs in the bodies
of athletes, dancers or runners and it is harder to get
rid of it as it attaches directly to the muscle tissue.
Soft cellulite strikes larger areas of the body and often
sags from the body and is not readily attached to the
muscle. Hard cellulite is not as visible as Soft
cellulite.
Around
85% to 98% of post pubescent females display some degree
of cellulite. It is found in woman of all races but is
more common in Caucasian females as compared to Asian
females. It has hormonal component to its presentation. It
is very rarely found in males. Males suffering from
androgen deficient states such as Klinefelter’s syndrome,
hypogonadism, post castration states and patients
receiving estrogen therapy for prostate cancer. It is not
necessary that overweight people suffer from Cellulite,
underweight and average people also tend to suffer from
cellulite.
There
are no supplements which have been approved for reducing
cellulite. Liposuction cannot reduce cellulite nor can
dieting but a balanced diet, drinking and exercising
helps. One can fight cellulite or at least the
appearance of cellulite. The treatment of cellulite
is an ongoing process and it should be incorporated in
the daily beauty regimen for consistent and lasting
reduction in its appearance. Most treatments will last
upto a few months, some less, therefore treatment should
be repeated.
Cardiovascular exercises must be undertaken for reducing
cellulite as it helps in loosening fat and increasing
circulation which also helps in the reduction of
cellulite. Two ten minute bouts of cardiovascular exercise
per day will be useful in order to get started with
burning fat. There are other external treatment options
which might include topical treatments, Endermologie,
Intense Pulse Light, massage and Velasmooth. Velasmooth is
the first FDA approved cellulite reduction treatment.
