It is, along with the gain of kilos, the apathy or the loss of physical form, one of the collateral effects of the confinement . The limitation of movement to which we have been 'condemned' during these months has not only made us fat but it has also turned our conflict zones (especially glutes and saddlebags) into fertile ground for the appearance of cellulite .
Despite the fact that it is estimated that nine out of 10 women on this planet suffer from it in different degrees (especially during their fertile period), the evil of many does not serve, in this case, as consolation for anyone because every year, as the summer, we are in a hurry to fight it (with more enthusiasm than success).
Cellulite has nothing to do with obesity - an increase in the number and size of adipocytes - and it does not distinguish between thin or overweight people . It appears as a result of "the herniation of the normal fat that exists under the skin -in the hypodermis-, between the connective tissue fibers, which are somewhat weaker in the typical areas where these characteristic nodules are seen: thighs, hips and abdomen ", explains Alejandro Martín-Gorgojo, doctor of the International Dermatological Clinic (Madrid).
Why does it occur? "It is an accumulation of fat in the adipocytes (fat cells) that hypertrophy accumulating fatty acids, triglycerides, toxins, etc. As their size increases, the septa of the connective tissue produce a retraction that causes it. It is a multicausal pathology in whose origin influences genetics, food, lifestyle, etc., "responds Dr. Javier Arnaiz, aesthetic doctor at the Henao Clinic (Bilbao).
Much more frequent in men than in women, cellulite is the visible manifestation of "a continued retention of liquids and toxins that causes a state of chronic inflammation where the fat globules and the fibrous paths existing in the subcutaneous tissue become more noticeable, especially in the legs and buttocks, although it can also appear even in the abdomen or arms, "explains Pilar de Frutos, a plastic surgeon, an expert in aesthetic medicine and director of the Pilar de Frutos Clinic.
TYPES
Not all cellulite is created equal. Experts distinguish between three different types:
1. Hard cellulite : especially in young women, located on the buttocks and thighs, the skin and nodules are hard to the touch with the presence of dimples.
2. Soft cellulite: more gelatinous in consistency, it is more common in women over 35 years of age and appears due to the progressive sagging of the tissues. Cellulite is not really treated since it is simply the consequence of the tightening of the tissues and the thinning of the skin.
3. Edematous cellulitis: it appears at any age and is located above all in the legs that tend to swell easily and is mainly due to fluid retention.
Each of them requires specific treatment, but can cellulite really be 'cured'? "Since it is not a disease, it is not appropriate to speak of the existence of a cure. However, there are ways to treat it to reduce it," says Dr. Martín-Gorgojo.
LIFESTYLE
Let's not fool ourselves. Completely eliminating cellulite is a very difficult objective (even, impossible), but "with effort and perseverance great achievements can be achieved," says Dr. Frutos. To try to combat it, we must " attack it globally from its origins and be persistent to keep it at bay."
Paz Torralba, director of The Beauty Concept centers, sends an optimistic message: "Fighting it is possible through adequate nutrition and a strict routine of care, both at home and in specialized centers ."
The first step in trying to minimize (not completely eliminate) their presence in our anatomy is to change our lifestyle . "The ideal is to diet and sport, always under the personalized supervision of a professional," says Dr. Arnaiz of the Henao Clinic.
Where do we start? Paz Torralba, director of The Beauty Concept centers, offers us some clues:
1. Reduce the consumption of salt and coffee.
2. Don't smoke.
3. Avoid alcohol.
4. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
5. Avoid sitting or standing for a long time (the best option is to walk).
6. Reduce the use of contraceptives.
7. Do not abuse heels.
8. Do not wear tight clothing.
9. Eat healthy.
10. Run away from stress.
11. Do controlled and specific sport.
FEEDING
Maintaining a healthy diet is essential. "The key lies in eating a healthy and balanced diet based on nutrients from fruits (pineapple, orange, kiwi), green leafy vegetables (spinach, chard) and fish, which lack saturated or animal fats. In addition , provide us with antioxidant, decongestant and draining agents. All this accompanied by 1.5 liters of daily water and natural infusions to taste, for example green tea, fennel or pineapple that help purify the body, "advises Dr. Lidia Maroñas, of the International Dermatology Clinic.
These are the 'tips' that Dr. Frutos recommends:
1. Substitute coffee for green tea (one or two a day).
2. Avoid refined sugars and replace them with stevia-type sweeteners (although the best option is always not to use any and thus appreciate the natural flavors of each drink or food).
3. Substitute white bread and refined flours for whole grains.
4. Perform intermittent fasting (always under the supervision of a doctor), leaving between 12 and 16 hours between dinner and breakfast the next day to help our bodies cleanse excess toxins.
5. Start the day with an infusion of ginger and lemon juice.
6. Limit salt intake.
SPORT
It is, together with a balanced diet and a good rest, the pillar of a healthy life. With or without cellulite, the practice of physical activity should always occupy a place of honor in our daily agenda. If we are short of time, it would be worth walking lightly, at least, for 30 minutes each day. In this way, we will activate the circulation and tone the muscles of our legs.
Walking would be a good starting point for, under the supervision of a qualified professional, to start a personalized training plan focused on a global improvement in physical condition that will help us avoid the appearance of 'orange peel' or mitigate its presence if we already have it.
HOME CARE
What can we do at home to combat it? "Above all, eat well and play sports," says Dr. Arnaiz once again.
Paz Torralba, from The Beauty Concept, recommends applying "anti-cellulite creams rich in active ingredients that act on adipose tissue, that is, lipolytics such as caffeine, theophylline and L-Carnitine, TEA-Hidroiodide, jujube extract, cola de horse, nettle, salicylic acid, peptides, essential oils such as cedar, mint, repairing and firming agents, vitamins, etc. And if, in addition, we can massage the area with a glove that helps us activate the skin and improve penetration from the beginning active, much better. "
The question is: to what extent are these creams effective? The stark reality is that there are few studies - done on a small part of the cosmetics available - not all - and with a small number of patients - that prove their real efficacy . Your conclusion? Its continued use may partially improve the texture of the skin and contribute to diminish the appearance of orange peel, but, generally, the improvement is discreet and temporary. Which doesn't hurt either.
In other words, although it is clear that all care adds up, despite their good declarations of intent, we must be clear that anti-cellulite lotions have a limited effect. "There are no miracle treatments and, at home, it is very difficult to achieve spectacular results, since fat burning creams or drains are not usually as effective as they usually make us see," says Dr. Arnaiz.
What about nutricosmetics? More of the same. But, given a choice, Torralba bets on supplements "with collagen, silicon, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, vitamin c, b12, b6, minerals such as chromium and manganese, caffeine or green tea."
AESTHETIC TREATMENTS
What would be the most effective aesthetic procedures to try to beat her? " Cryolipolysis , used for the reduction of localized fat; and radiofrequency, which improves the firmness and texture of the skin in cases related to flaccidity," explains Dr. Martín-Gorgojo of the International Dermatological Clinic.
Used to activate the return circulation, deep lymphatic drainage massages can also help "people with a tendency to retain fluid associated with cellulite."
As a consultation procedure, this dermatologist also highlights mesotherapy , "the rupture with a special needle of the fibrous tracts."
" Infiltrations enzymes can help us remove that fat. They usually make weekly or biweekly sessions, obtaining improvements 20-30% , " adds Dr. Henao Arnaiz Clinical center which also bet on treatments such as the radiofrequency, cavitation or LPG , "a mechanized tissue kneading system that releases resistant fats, smoothes cellulite, firms the skin and sculpts the forms".
The proposal of the Pilar de Frutos Clinic? The Accutite and Bodytite platform. "This novel system is based on applying subdermal radiofrequency directly to the tissue internally in a minimally invasive way with results that can last for years."
ZEN moral? Eat well, practice physical activity daily to feel better and do not obsess over cellulite because it is a difficult enemy to beat.
In accordance with the criteria of The Trust Project
Know more- Madrid
- Bilbao
- Cellulitis
ChinaOctober of the virus at the Wuhan Military Games
Health Fernando Simón ignored alerts from Germany and France about the Covid-19 at a European summit
Pandemic Fernando Simón justifies the refusal to the Evangelical Church in which people from 120 countries came
See links of interest
- Last minute
- TV programming
- Spanish traslator
- 2020 calendar
- Horoscope today
- League classification
- Santander League Calendar
- Movies today
- Cutting notes
- Themes
- Espanyol - Alavés
- SC Paderborn 07 - SV Werder Bremen
- 1. FC Köln - 1. FC Union Berlin
- VfL Wolfsburg - Sport-Club Freiburg
- Mallorca - Barcelona