The in’s & out’s of Cellulite
There are a lot of myths out there about what Cellulite is and what is isn’t.
This quick overview will help separate fact from fiction.
What is Cellulite?
Truth is, if you’re a woman, the overwhelming chances are, that you don’t need Cellulite defined. Rare is the gal who escapes knowing cellulite intimately (especially when swimsuit season comes around). The dimpled, uneven, texture of Cellulite that we can see and feel on our skin is the result of processes deep within the skin and body.
Cellulite is the result of fat cells that have pushed through the matrix of collagen fibres.
Skin Structure Review
To understand Cellulite’s formation, one must review the anatomy of the different skin layers. Starting from the top we have our epidermis which shields us, sweats, and has elasticity. Underneath the epidermis is the dermis or middle layer. It is in this layer where all the connective tissues and collagen fibres are found, some fat cells are located within these matrixes. Deeper still is the hypodermis where muscle and extra fat for insulation is stored.
Fat cells can expand and contract depending on how much water and fat they hold. Fat cells are held in place by collagen fibres. Collagen fibres do not have elasticity. They are rather like fibrous ‘backbones’ supporting our skin structure.
What makes Cellulite?
Cellulite occurs when the collagen fibres are unable to hold the fat cells in place.
This can happen when:
• Fat cells become enlarged.
• The integrity or strength of the fibres is insufficiently strong to contain the fat cells.
When the above occurs, the fat cells push on the existing collagen fibres that are attempting to hold them in place. Since the collagen is not flexible the only direction where there is some give – is towards the surface. The fat cells will always move towards the area of least resistance.
When the pressure is directed upwards, this action results in the bumps and indentations we recognize as Cellulite.
Causes of Cellulite
• Genes you Inherited
• Aging Process
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Poor Circulation
• Hormone Changes
• Lack of Muscle Tone
Is Cellulite more common in women than men?
Cellulite affects women more than men. The key reason for this is hormones and the fact that women have less connective tissues then men. In addition, female collagen fibres run from top-to-bottom (for the most part). Males on the other hand have fibre’s that form a lattice-like shape. The ‘x’ shapes enjoyed by men resist pressure from fat cells better. The up-and-down fibres shared by women that contain fat cells, only have two sides – making them less capable of storing swollen fat cells.
Where does Cellulite occurs most often?
Cellulite occurs most in the areas of the body where the most fat is stored. For women, this is around the thighs and buttocks. It can also be found elsewhere in the body including the stomach, upper arms, and back.
Cellulite Prevention
The bad news is that Cellulite may be impossible to prevent completely. This is because of how our physiology changes as we age and that age-old x-factor of genetics.
The good news is that several factors have been identified as useful ways to help prevent and diminish it. These include:
• Eating healthy – A varied balanced diet full of fresh vegetables, healthy proteins, fibre and low on sugars, additives, and processed foods.
• Maintaining a healthy body’ weight – A healthy Body Mass Index helps ensure that your stored fat cells stay put and remain ‘normal’ sized.
• Keeping Active – Getting fit and staying toned reduces unnecessary fat, furthermore it increases circulation and assists in your body’s natural elimination processes.
• Stay Hydrated – Water is important to keeping your bodies connective tissues strong.
Why Cellulite has been difficult to treat, until now…
The multiple factors that contribute to cellulite and poor understanding of how it is formed have made it difficult to treat in the past. Approaches that zeroed in on eliminating toxins, wearing compression garments, tight wraps, or simply using a cream have proved to be ineffective.
Research focusing on Cellulite has continued and positive results are being documented that employ non-invasive Aesthetic procedures.
SAI is proud to offer treatments that eliminates Cellulite by utilizing refined and enhanced technological tools.
Are you ready to say goodbye to your unwanted cellulite? Say ‘Hello’ to smooth skin with SAI’s treatment options. Read about the latest most effective treatments here in our newsletter.
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