Cellulite Information - Signs, Symptoms And Causes

Many things have been written about cellulite, most of them inaccurate. To fight against cellulite, you have to know about it, and the best way to do it is to learn from its formation and evolution process.

Definition Of Cellulite

Cellulite is a cosmetic defect of the skin characterized by pitting and bulging. Women compromise 90 to 98 percent of the cases, reflecting differences between men and women in the supportive tissue structures of the skin. Most people refer to Cellulite as the fatty deposits that form uneven, wrinkled, dimply skin found on the thighs, hips and buttocks of most mature women. Even when fat is lost from other body areas, cellulite remains and will actually be the last fat to be lost, because it occurs only when damaged fatty tissue accumulates.

Signs and Symptoms

The basic appearance of cellulite is well-described as the "mattress phenomenon." Symptoms of cellulite include feelings of tightness and heaviness in areas affected, particularly the legs. Tenderness of the skin is quite apparent when the skin is pinched, pressed or vigorously massaged. The areas of the body involved are typically the buttocks and thigh regions, and, to a lesser extent, the lower abdomen, the nape of the neck, and the upper arms. These are the areas of the body usually affected in female obesity.

Causes

In cellulite, tissues just below the surface of the skin that binds the skin loosely to underlying tissueor bones (the subcutaneous tissue) is disturbed. The subcutaneous tissue of the thighs is composed of three layers of fat, with two planes of connective tissue (ground substance) between them. In women, the uppermost subcutaneous layer consists of what are termed large standing fat cell chambers, which are separated by radial and arching dividing walls of connective tissue anchored to the overlying connective tissue of the skin. In contrast, the corresponding tissue in men is thinner and has a network of criss-crossing connective tissue walls. In addition, the connective tissue (the corium) between the dermis and subcutaneous tissue is stronger in men than in women. These basic differences are the reason cellulite is seen almost exclusively in women. Increased size of the fat cells or weakened connective tissue can lead to cellulite.

Cellulite is formed when connective tissues beneath the skin that shape the fat become weak and deformed due to poor circulation. This connective tissue is made up of fibers and acts as an anchor between the muscles and the skin, it also forms the chambers that hold the Scarpus Fascia (body fat that lies beneath the skin).

When the circulation fails the connective tissues become weak, then the Scarpus Fascia bulges upward and causes an uneven appearance in the skin. This is thought to be the cause of cellulite, however the primary cause of cellulite is poor blood and lymph circulation. In brief poor circulation causes a build up of highly damaging free radicals in the tissues under the skin. This leads to weaker circulation and the growth of thick fibers in the wrong places. This, in turn, prevents the fat from being properly absorbed into the blood and causes it to swell with excess fluids thus stretching the connective tissues and leaving the lumpy irregular appearance.

Although by reducing the amount of fat, we could possibly reduce the appearance of the cellulite on the surface, it does not eliminate the root cause. To properly treat cellulite one needs to eliminate the cause; deformed connective tissues due to poor circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Phases Of Cellulite Development

Understanding how cellulite develops may help you to better appreciate the rationale behind Celluless as well as offer you some additional insights into its management.
Phase One : The overlying skin begins to bulge as excess fat is stored in the subcutaneous fat cells.
Phase Two : Accumulating fatty deposits compress the circulation (red, blue, green) to create congestion. As congestion increases, fluid and sugars leak out of the vessels to form complex sugar chains that draw even more fluid out of the vasculature.
Phase Three : Fat cells begin to organize within fibrous nets (pink) to become fatty lobules. These fatty lobules invade the skin?s dermis (tan) to create more skin dimpling.
Phase Four : Cellulite formation is promoted by the proliferation and contraction of fibrous tissue between fatty lobules (vertical black bands), combined with the continued growth and organization of fatty lobule groups.

Risk Factors In The Development Of Cellulite

Hormonal Factors : Cellulite affects almost exclusively women. Its formation and development is related with states associated with hormonal changes, such as puberty, menopause and pregnancy.
Genetic Factors : Cellulite often has some genetic predisposition.
Ethnic Factors : The predisposition to the formation of cellulite varies depending on the ethnic background. For instance, in Europe, the Mediterranean woman has a higher tendency to have cellulite than the Nordic woman.
Neuro-Vegetative Factors : Psychological factors such as depressions, stress, and anxiety accelerate the production of estrogens.

Cellulite - different types

Hard or solid cellulite can sometimes be difficult to identify right away, as it sticks to the muscle structure, and does not lift away very easily. This type is very common on active people, such as dancers.

Soft cellulite is not as concentrated as hard cellulite but occupies large areas, is looser and more noticeable as it hangs and sags. Soft cellulite is less firm than hard cellulite, but soft cellulite results in poor muscle tone, and the skin dilates easily.

Diagnosing Cellulite

Cellulite is a real medical condition that follows a predictable path of development. It typically starts with a few broken veins or tiny areas of discoloration and a tendency to bruise easily. This early stage may be missed, but it soon develops into the distinctive "orange peel" appearance as the tissue under the skin becomes swollen and distended. If left unchecked this frequently develops into the "mattress skin" stage in which the skin feels cool to the touch. After this the tissues deteriorate further into islands of concentrated blood flow that feel hot and are surrounded by cold cellulite tissue. The lack of circulation in the damaged cellulite tissues finally results in more fat and fiber accumulation along with fluid retention to produce a honeycomb structure of swollen lumpy tissue that disfigures the body profile known as steatomes.

How Cellulite Begins

Cellulite is caused by damage to the delicate capillary or drainage system in the fat layer under the skin. It begins when the circulation in the capillaries, veins or lymphatic drainage vessels under the skin slows down. This leads to sluggish or even static regions of blood or lymph flow, which allows highly reactive chemicals known as free radicals to attack the walls of the capillaries, veins or lymph vessels as well as the surrounding tissues. Once damage has occurred in one of the circulatory systems in this fatty layer it spreads to the others, leading to accumulation of lymph in the tissues. This all happens without any outward signs other than perhaps a tendency for cuts and bruises to heal more slowly.

In these "pools" of lymph accumulation protein fibers tend to precipitate out and form fibers; these fibers are laid down around groups of fat cells giving rise to a lumpy appearance on the skin; this is the beginning of the cellulite cycle.

The "Orange Peel" Effect?

As the circulation slows and lymph accumulates in the fatty tissue under the skin more and more protein fibers are formed. Normally cells known as fibroblasts would dissolve these abnormal protein fibers, but as the circulation and drainage deteriorate these fibroblasts become defective because they are starved of oxygen and nutrients. Instead of removing the protein fibers and maintaining a network of fine, elastic, supporting fibers they build thicker, less flexible webs of fiber around groups of fat cells.

Fat cells have fat-storing and fat-releasing receptor sites. Different parts of the body have fat cells with more fat storing sites or more fat-releasing sites. This is why many women tend to store fat on certain parts of the body and lose it on other parts, frequently giving rise to the familiar pear shaped body. Cellulite areas usually have fat cells with more fat-storing sites. This means that any fatty substances in the lymph surrounding the damaged tissues are quickly taken up by the fat cells and stored. During exercise the body demands energy and the fat cells should release fat into the blood for consumption by the muscles. The damaged cellulite tissues are not able to respond, however, due to the damaged circulation so fat from other areas is used and the cellulite areas continue to build up fatty deposits.

The combination of thick, rigid fibers and increasing fat along with distended tissues caused by fluid retention gives rise to the "orange peel" appearance of the skin we associate with the first stages of cellulite. Without treatment the cycle of damage accelerates causing patches of isolated fatty tissue that feel cold to the touch separated by "hot" zones where blood circulation is concentrated. This is known as the "mattress skin" stage and progresses to the formation of large fatty lumps known as steatomes.

Damaged Circulation

Recent research emerging from Europe confirms that cellulite is the result of damaged circulation and drainage in the tissues under the skin. There are many ways that the very delicate microcirculation and lymph drainage vessels under the skin can be damaged. It is certain that free radicals play a role in this damage and it is likely that physical damage or restriction is also involved in starting the cycle of deterioration that results in cellulite. Examples of this physical damage or restriction are: sitting for long periods, wearing tights, over exertion while training, etc.

If either the incoming fresh blood, or the outgoing 'used' blood is restricted, free radicals start to build up and oxygen becomes scarce. This causes more damage to the circulation as well as impairing the function of the cells that manage the structure of the connective tissue. These cells are known as fibroblasts and when they malfunction they cause two problems; they weaken of the fibers that hold the fat cells in place and they coat clumps of fat cells with impenetrable protein layers that prevent the circulation from reaching these areas.

Free Radicals and How They Cause Cellulite?

Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that are found everywhere in the environment and in our bodies. They react with almost everything they come in contact with so they are very damaging. Besides cellulite they are responsible for aging and cause many of the worst diseases we suffer; including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's. They are the main agents of damage to our circulatory system that results in cellulite. We are constantly taking in free radicals from the environment as well as creating them within every cell in our body. They are leftover pieces of molecule, which include oxygen and are lacking one or more electrons. Our immune system uses them to destroy unwanted elements such as bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. Unfortunately this destruction of invaders includes considerable collateral damage as the free radicals are not intelligent and will react with anything that can supply the electrons they need. Whether we create the free radicals or absorb them from our food or environment the results are the same: cell walls get weakened and the genetic DNA molecules become damaged. Over time this leads to cancer and interrupted circulation (responsible for cellulite, heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer's, etc.).

Our bodies protect themselves from the continuous onslaught of free radicals with agents known as antioxidants; these are a group of substances that include vitamins, enzymes and many herbal extracts. They are most abundantly available in fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables, particularly during the hours immediately after they have been harvested and when they have been organically grown. Vitamins C and E as well as beta-carotene (the building block for vitamin A) have been found to be particularly effective. Even more powerful are certain herbal extracts that act as antioxidants.

Hormonal - Estrogen Imbalance

The female hormone Estrogen is responsible for softening the fibrous tissue that closes the womb just before delivering a baby. Without the role of this hormone, childbirth would be impossible. However this action of estrogen is not limited to childbirth. An excess of Estrogen in women is believed to cause the weakening of the connective tissue that allows the fat to bulge up into the skin.

Excess estrogen is thought to be one of the main causes of cellulite, perhaps because people can blame it on poor genetic inheritance. But this does not mean that there is nothing you can do about it. There are several treatments for normalization of hormones.

Artificial drug based hormone manipulators could prevent (but will not remove) cellulite. Unfortunately they tend to have nasty side effects. The roles of hormones in our body is so complex that doctors cannot predict the outcome. Lets say you reduced the amount of Estrogen with a drug, How do you know that you are not reducing calcium absorption in your bones? How do you know that womb tissues will be softened for childbirth? Those are just two roles of Estrogen, think of the imbalances that might be caused for the hundreds of other roles?

Then there is the natural way to treat imbalanced hormones. Vita Moor is being used in hundreds of clinics throughout North America and Europe for the treatment of Cellulite. Vita Moor is a complex of natural, biologically active substances that has been shown again, and again to create a natural hormonal balance without side effects. Vita Moor also improves circulation, removes the toxins, and helps lymphatic drainage, all being key elements in removing and preventing cellulite.

Although Estrogen is the cause of weakening connective tissue, there is a theory that the real cause of cellulite is poor lymphatic and blood circulation. It might be quite normal for women to have softened connective tissue, but when this is combined with poor lymphatic and blood circulation, the cells below the skin accumulate toxins that cause swelling due to fluid and fat retention. This swelling then stretches the connective fibers which results in unsightly cellulite. However, with good circulation the fat should be easily absorbed by the body.

Detoxifying Your Body

Getting rid of and fighting cellulite can be easy, but needs dedication and consistent work. Cellulite is mainly caused by toxic, toxin build-up in your body, with the body not getting rid of the toxins, and causing cellulite. It is different from fat. Fat is smooth when pushed together, while cellulite forms a dimple effect - causing that "orange peel skin" and "cottage cheese thighs".

Miracle cures are offered from many sources to fight it, but there is NO miracle - yet it can be removed. You need to treat cellulite, and to get rid of it for ever is to consistently break down the cellulite, detoxifying the body and changing your lifestyle to prevent a future build-up. The main ingredient to fighting, remedy, cure and sorting out cellulite is to get rid of the toxins, and toxic build-up, and to make sure that no further toxins build up in your system and wastes being eliminated. Detoxifying the body is vital when starting anti-cellulite treatment and therapy.

When detoxifying the body, all the toxins must be removed to enable the body to once again function properly, getting rid of the waste products that build up when oxidation takes place in the body. These toxins clog up your healthy body forming cellulite. To detoxify, fight and remedy cellulite is a process to go through, and a couple of areas need attention to achieve an anti-cellulite, toxin free body, brimming with health and vitality and to be the picture of the ageless, anti-aging body. Remember you are fighting cellulite, where detoxifying the body is most important, and then keeping the body detoxified.

How to fight cellulite

In order to fight cellulite effectively a person must combine the following to get rid of cellulite
Diet : Following a purifying diet and avoid toxic buildup foods
Breathing : Proper deep breathing facilitate oxygenation of the blood and purification of the body.
Exercise : Doing exercise stimulates circulation and speeds up the metabolism, and improves muscle tone and firming of tissue.
Proper elimination of waste : The skin, (the largest organ) kidneys and intestines must be able to get rid of toxins. The kidneys can be helped by increasing fluid intake and thereby increasing volume of urine, while proper working intestines will prevent constipation. The skin should be boosted by sweating and perspiration to assist in elimination of wastes.
Relaxation : In order to get the entire body working correctly, stress must be reduced - body as well as mind must be in sync.
Massage : With massaging, the cellulite areas are targeted to stimulate circulation, specially for areas not very well worked with exercise, such as the inside of the knee and upper thigh. It is a further boon if the massage is done with a product such as our Contouring Body Gel, which contain active ingredients to assist in getting rid of cellulite.

Warning
Many women think that the dimpled orange peel effect of cellulite on their legs, thighs and buttocks is ugly and unattractive. As a result they may be embarrassed to appear in public in shorts or short skirts or sunbathe wearing a swimming costume or bikini.
The first and most important piece of advice is - be yourself!
In order to find a cure for cellulite the Internet is frequently used to find anti cellulite products. Despite the claims made on some web sites and by certain so-called cellulite removal products there are no miracle pills or magic creams which will provide instant cures to eliminate or dissolve cellulite dimpling. In real life, if miracles happen they occur for far more serious matters than cellulite reduction.
However, if you seriously want sensible and practical help cellulite can be disguised, reduced and - yes - even eliminated entirely by using one or a combination of ethical, tried and tested products from reputable suppliers.

Explore the cellulite reduction and removal products we have accumulated from the best suppliers anywhere in the world.