What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the expression used to describe pockets of fat which are trapped and cause dimpling in the skin. This dimpling is irregular and patchy and has been identified with orange peel.

90% of post-adolescent women go on to develop cellulite at some time during their life although it is very hardly ever seen in men. The thighs, buttocks and the abdomen are the most common areas for a woman to develop cellulite. Although it is often mistaken for obesity, cellulite is not actually obesity related because it can also take place in thin lean women.

Underneath the dermis and epidermis are three specific layers of fat. Cellulite tends to develop in the subcutaneous fat layers. This layer of fat is unique in its structure compared to the other layers because its fatty parts are structured into specific chambers by strands of linked tissue around it.

Hormones also help out with the storage of fat along with the body's metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer. Hormonal factors such as estrogen and folliculine also play a role in cellulite formation. Cellulite is for the most part found in women during their hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause and also whilst taking birth control pills. A woman's hormones are usually responsible for the regulation of their blood flow, fat, connective tissue and lymphatic drainage. The fat cells between the two reserve fat layers situated under the subcutaneous fat layer dissolve into a slack network. A person's genetic makeup predicts their fat storage and metabolism in these layers which are predisposed by diet, exercise and lifestyle. These layers have no responsibility for cellulite forming on a person's body.

The subcutaneous fat layer in a woman is organised into large upright chambers allowing fat to be stored. In men, these chambers are organised into small slanting units. These store smaller fat quantities and are not likely to form cellulite.

Cellulite's formation is a result of complex physiological changes that occur in the subcutaneous fat layer. Regular exercise and well balanced diets do not always reverse or prevent its formation, although an unhealthy lifestyle will make the overall appearance worse over time due to poor nutrition, weight gain and lack of sufficient water intake.

With age there is a loss in the thickness and tone of the connective tissue in the superficial fat layer and the dermis. Unfortunately noticeable, flaccid cellulite is the result.

Many products consist of topical treatments which alone are ineffective in the treatment of cellulite. There are also creams available which contain herbs, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. These assist the skin to become softer, healthier and smoother and allow it to repair itself more easily.

Creams which contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are more effective when treating cellulite as they stimulate the flow of blood. The areas which are affected by cellulite are usually dry and damaged therefore needing additional moisture, increased blood supply and protection. The appearance of cellulite can be reduced temporarily by increasing moisture to the affected area. It needs to be remembered cellulite needs to be treated from the inside as well as the outside.

That is why we have developed CelluX Capsules and Cream. Targeting the problems that cause cellulite from the inside and out at the same time. Reducing water retention, dimple skin appearance and uneven tone. In less than 4 weeks you will notice firmer, toned skin, with a smoother slimer body.

Cellulite Stages

Cellulite Stage 1:

Cellulite cannot be detected in this stage unless you pinch your skin in a special way. Appearance- In this stage, cellulite is not visible to the naked eye. In order to see whether you have cellulite perform the following test: Press tissue between your thumb and finger, or between the palms of your two hands, and if it is "normal" fat, it will appear smooth, with no ripples or bumps. If you have ripples or bumps which look like "orange peel" - you have cellulite. When pressing the tissue together, it will be sensitive when cellulite is present. Underneath the Skin- Blood microcirculation and lymphatic drainage of the subcutaneous level are impaired Cellulite

Cellulite Stage 2:

Appearance- In this stage, cellulite can be seen when standing up. Skin may be discolored and have broken veins. There is an orange peel type of appearance to the skin, and skin may be thicker and more tender in these areas. Underneath the Skin Capillaries and veins are weakened as circulation is lessened. This increases pressure in the tissue, and restricts circulation and fluid drainage even more.

Cellulite Stage 3:

Appearance In this stage, cellulite has a cottage cheese type appearance and there are multiple visible lumps on the skin. Underneath the Skin Much lymphatic fluid build up, and fat tissue is swollen and begins to push against the outer skin. Circulation is reduced even more, and because of lack of circulation, skin may feel cold to the touch.

Further weakening of the circulation and lymphatic fluid build up can lead to Stage 4 and Stage 5. In these last stages, thick fibers, trapped fat cells, and stagnate fluids form a huge honeycomb structure, causing large lumps, and hardened bumps. The skin may be painful to the touch.