Cellulite

Cellulite is not a disease. It is a cosmetic disorder which
appears as pitting, bulging and deformation of the skin. Cellulite
most commonly occurs around the thigh region in women.

DESCRIPTION

Cellulite is not a medical condition and is not a health risk.
It is a common problem which affects many women and some men. Poor
blood and lymphatic circulation, hormonal imbalances, connective
tissue weakness, premature skin ageing, poor nutrition, excessive
alcohol intake and/or a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to the
problem. 

WHAT IS CELLULITE?

When Cellulite first appears the skin looks soft and flabby
with bulging contours. As the condition progresses, the framework
of the skin begins to break down. When Cellulite reaches an
advanced stage the spongy lumps harden into nodules commonly known
as ‘orange peel skin’. 

WHAT CAUSES CELLULITE?

If your body is storing large amounts of body fat, it needs
some sort of structure to support the fat. It sets up a network of
protein strands (called ‘collagen’) that weave through the fat
stores, and attach to the skin. The tension of the collagen strands
can pull the skin inwards. This gives the dimpling effect that can
be a problem on the thighs or arms of females, or the stomachs of
males. This combination of body fat stores and supporting fibres is
called Cellulite.

IMPROVING CELLULITE

There is no ‘quick fix’ for Cellulite. Treatments such as
rubbing, massage, creams, plastic wraps, or heat can cause a
short-term (one to 4 hours) reduction in the size of the treatment
area because they reduce the amount of fluids in the area, such as
the blood or water. However, these fluids are soon replaced, and
the area goes back to its original size. A well-balanced diet
combined with regular exercise is the only formula for permanent
low body fat levels.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. Your
Doctor can give you advice about treating poor circulation if
necessary. A healthy diet and regular exercise is the only sure way
to reduce Cellulite. See the Cellulite Diet topic on the
Healthpoint.

In extreme cases surgical procedures such as liposuction are
available to remove excess fat deposits in the body. Ask your
Doctor about the risks and benefits of such procedures. Such
procedures should only be considered in conjunction with diet and
exercise management.

DIET HINTS

• A healthy diet which is high in fluids and fibre and low in fat
  may help to reduce Cellulite by improving the elimination processes
  in the body and by reducing body fat levels.
• A high fibre diet includes eating foods such as wholemeal bread
  and cereals, fruit and vegetables with each meal. 
• Try to drink approximately 6 to 8 glasses of fresh water
  throughout the day.
• Avoid salty foods and avoid adding salt to food. Dietary salt
  can cause fluid to be retained in the body which may worsen the
  visible signs of Cellulite.
• It is best to choose foods which are low in fat and avoid fried
  foods, cakes, biscuits, pastry, chocolate etc.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Nutritional supplements are only to be taken if the dietary
vitamin intake is inadequate.

• Ginkgo biloba is a herb that helps to improve circulation and
  may be beneficial in reducing the severity of Cellulite.
• Vitamin C(ascorbic acid slow-release) stimulates the growth of
  collagen (connective tissue found in tendons) and may help to
  improve the appearance of skin affected by Cellulite.
• Bioflavonoids are water-soluble nutrients which may help to
  keep collagen in healthy condition and increase the strength of
  small blood vessels.
• Celery (Apium graveolens), Juniper (Juniperus communis) and
  Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) are herbs with diuretic
  properties. Research indicates that removing unwanted fluid from
  the body may help in reducing the appearance of Cellulite.
• Chlorophyll is a concentrated alfalfa extract that helps to
  regulate the pH of the body and is also used to help remove
  unwanted toxins which may contribute to the formation of
  Cellulite.
• Acidophilus is a natural substance found in the body. As a
  supplement it helps to regulate the growth of beneficial bacteria
  in the bowel. Acidophilus promotes healthy digestion and
  elimination of wastes that may worsen the appearance of
  Cellulite.

AROMATHERAPY

The listed essential oils are suggested for Cellulite health
management. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals. 

FENNEL, GERANIUM, GRAPEFRUIT, JUNIPER, Lemon

Application

MASSAGE: Blend 5 drops (total) of any listed single essential
oil or combination of essential oils to 10mL (1/3 fl oz) carrier:
Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel. Massage firmly into thighs, buttocks
and other areas cellulite is present. For best effect, massage
after a warm shower or bath when skin is warm and moist. Most
effective when used in conjunction with a nutritional diet and
exercise programme.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. There is no specific medication which is used to treat
   Cellulite. The actual cause of Cellulite is still relatively
   unknown. The best approach involves improving circulation through
   regular exercise, reducing fat in the diet, maintaining a healthy
   weight and reducing fluid retention.
2. If weight control is a problem ask your Pharmacist for advice
   about the weight control products available from the
   Pharmacy. 
3. Try to drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water throughout the
   day. Water is necessary to help the lymphatic system work more
   efficiently and to stimulate the natural process of waste
   elimination from the body. Ask to see the range of special water
   filter jugs.
4. Consider some nutritional supplements if the diet is
   inadequate. Weak connective tissue may contribute to the formation
   of Cellulite. Poor wound healing and easy bruising may be
   indicators of this. 
5. A fibre supplement and acidophilus may help to stimulate
   digestion and the elimination of waste products from the body.