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Cellulite is the accumulation of fat
cells which have become trapped in the collagen and
elastin fibres. The resulting lumpy "orange peel"
effect is unattractive. The average woman has more subcutaneous
fat cells than the average man.
These fat cells are most commonly located
in the lower part of the body, and it is believed that
female hormones are the main cause. Other factors which
may contribute to the formation of cellulite include
too many rich foods, and excess of tobacco and alcohol,
and poor blood circulation. It may also be hereditary.
Whatever the actual cause in individual
sufferers, the result is that fat cells are effectively
trapped, and locked up in the collagen and elastin fibres.
The local circulation is often slowed and the nerve
endings may become compressed and tender.
Cellulite is in essence imprisoned fat,
and cannot be eliminated by diet and exercise alone.
Cellulite can be treated in a variety of ways, with
varying success.
TOPICAL APPLICATION
Cosmetic Chemists continue to attempt to find a substance
which can effectively cross the skin barrier and break
down cellulite. Several substances have been found to
be helpful in the treatment of cellulite, but generally
these are effective only on cellulite that has not progressed
to the point of trapping nerve fibres, and only during
the period of use.
Substances useful in combatting cellulite include Caffeine,
Theophylline, and other theobromides, Lipase, Adenosine
Phosphate, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, and Asiaticoside,
plant extracts such as Green Tea, Centella Asiatica,
Peony, Seaweed, Capsaicin, Meadowsweet and Ivy. There
are many products available with one or more of these
ingredients, and multiple factors determine the efficacy
of each product.
ENDERMOLOGY
This treatment was developed in France and has proved
very popular. There are several scientific and medical
papers to prove its effectiveness in reducing the appearance
of cellulite. |
