Cellulite

Various factors are under scientific discussion as possible causes of cellulite, including:

• Impaired metabolic regulation in the fatty tissue: breakdown of the triglycerides stored in the fat cells (adipocytes) is slow and at the same time there is increased production of these storage fats. The balance between anabolic and catabolic fat metabolism is disturbed.
• Impaired microcirculation in the affected tissue: the temperature in the tissues is low and muscle activity diminished, leading to reduced capillary blood flow and lymph drainage, which in turn increases the accumulation of fat.
• Metabolic causes: hypercalorie or poor diets, insufficient fluid intake, weak catabolic activity with a tendency to over-acidity of the connective tissue.
• Genetic causes: an inherited disposition to weak connective tissue.

Typical changes

The consequences are impaired lymphatic an venous blood flow with blockages; dilated or varicose veins develop which shimmer through the cool, pale, marbled skin. Both the individual fat cells (adipocytes) and the stores of fat are enlarged. The collagen fibres in the connective tissue become thinner and in some cases break up completely; the elastic fibres lose their elasticity. The result is the typical 'orange-peel' effect in all its different forms.

All cellulite originates in impaired processes in the matrix substance - the colloidal grond substance of the tissue that lies between fibres and cells. Metabolism becomes lethargic, the flow of fluids stagnated, the matrix substances lose vitality, and the result is deposits of metabolic waste and breakdown products in the form of knotty lumps in the ground substance.

The diversity of available treatment strategies reflects the complexity of this phenomenon and its various stages

• Stage 1: visible dimples when the skin is pinched
• Stage 2: visible dimples when standing
• Stage 3: the mattress phenomenon when standing of lying down

Electrolipolysis, electrostimulation or vibration massage, local barotherapy, vacuum massage techniques, ultrasound treatment etc. Have all been used with varying degrees of success on problem areas such as thighs, hips, buttock and upper arms. In addition there are the conventional methods: hot or cold showers, cupping, wrapping, lymph drainage and massages.

Regular shysical exercise, such as running, swimming, cycling or keep-fit, is absolutely essential as an accompaniment to any treatment. A healthy, balanced diet is also important, as is a plentiful intake of fluids such as spring water or horsetail herbal tea, consumption of raw fruit and vegetable, and a low intake of coffee, sugar etc. Clothes should be warm and breathable (from natural fibres as far as possible); they should fit loosely to avid hampering blood flow.

Assistance from nature

The treatment for cellulite at home with natural skin care products can be complemented most usefully in your establishment by massages, rhythmic body treatments or cosmetic lymph drainage. The last two methods are particularly appreciated for their relaxing, detoxifying and decongesting effects. Experience with cellulite shows that the best results are achieved if these supporting treatments are given twice a week. They should be kept up over a period of at least seven weeks as a supplement to home treatment. A typical home care programme for your client might be as follows: mornings and evenings, massage of the affected parts with circular pumping movements in the direction of the heart using appropriate natural skin care products; use of stimulating shower or bath preparations for washing, followed by detoxifying, stimulating, warming oils (in the morning) or lotions (in the evening) for body care.

Products containing rosemary oil, lemon oil, extracts of blackthorn blossom, birch leaves, arnica, burdock root, borage or stinging nettle (see text box) are particularly suitable for treatment either at the salon or at home. Regular (twice daily) use of the products at home is especially important. Ideally they should be massaged into the skin using gentle circular pumping movements in the direction of heart. In the shower, a flannel or silk glove can be used for massaging. Avoid coarser massage aids to prevent irritation of the skin. Although it is possible to improve the appearance of cellulite-prone skin, this will require long term cooperation and motivation.

Plant allies against cellulite:

Rosemary oil: intensive warmth carrier, stimulates blood flow, eases tension

Lemon oil: Stimulates skin functions, is believed to increase connective tissue tone

Blackthorn blossom: stimulates the metabolic processes and has a detoxifying effect wherever poor lymph flow leads to waste deposits

Birch leaves: detoxifying where waste build-up needs to be vanquished

Burdock root: strengthens metabolic processes wherever the body is confronted with toxic substances and requires new vitality

Borage: astringent, anti-inflammatory, tones the veins, helps organise unformed, blocked fluid processes, helps clear blockages and waste deposits

Stinging nettle: stimulates the entire metabolism, encourages process of elimination and detoxification

Reference: beauty forum 3/2004, Dr. Haushka