No more cellulite!

Cellulite is the accumulation of adipose tissue in certain areas of the body that forms fat lumps. If the skin is not affected by cellulite, it is because collagen and elastin fibers form a barrier that keeps the adipose tissue in place. However, when there is a problem in one of the vascular (circulatory), metabolic, and/or lymphatic drainage systems, the elimination of waste (liquids and toxins) is altered, leading to a buildup of fluids, which in turn creates inflammation. This chain leads to the formation of fat lumps, water, and toxins, which create the dreaded and common cellulite.

This condition, which affects between 85% and 98% of women, is also known as gynoid lipodystrophy, orange peel syndrome, and mattress skin. It is not really a disease but a condition that results from gender, genetic predisposition, hormonal status, vascular, lymphatic, or metabolic issues, as well as hydration, nutrition, and exercise. There is no definitive cure for cellulite. However, a lot can be done to prevent it from occurring and progressing to more serious or irreversible stages. For this reason, it is very useful to know what type of cellulite you have and your average age in order to develop a more effective strategy to combat the main enemy.

Between Adolescence and the 20's
The so-called "hard" or fat cellulite generally occurs during these years. At this stage, the skin is compact, firm, and difficult to pinch. It may be barely visible to the naked eye, but when the skin is squeezed, the famous "dimples" appear, signaling that the process has started. It is often found on the outer thighs and inside the knees, and treatments largely focus on prevention:
- Protect the legs from the sun, as ultraviolet rays break down collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm.
- Avoid very tight clothing that restricts blood flow in the legs.
- Apply creams with caffeine, green tea, gotu kola, or algae twice a day; consistency can be very helpful.
- Engage in exercises two or three times a week, preferring aerobic sports like running, swimming, cycling, step, or spinning, which activate circulation and reactivate fat metabolism.
- Reduce the consumption of sugars, salt, tobacco, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol, which slow down circulation and retain liquids and toxins.
- Treatments with equipment such as ultrasounds, cavitation, radiofrequency, vacuum therapy, or endermology help eliminate fluids and dissolve fat.

Between the 20's and 30's

Edema cellulite is usually the rarest and most difficult to eliminate. It is due to poor circulation, which is exacerbated by significant fluid retention. It occurs primarily in the legs, which lose their shape and become straighter. The skin texture feels pasty and even painful when touched or when sitting. Treatments should focus on improving blood circulation:
- Alternate cold and hot showers on affected areas.
- Avoid anything that causes fluid retention, such as processed foods, foods rich in salt, and carbonated drinks.
- Engage in gentle exercises that do not involve impact, such as cycling, walking, dancing, or Pilates.
- Use compression stockings.
- Lymphatic drainage massages, pressotherapy, and mesotherapy can be helpful in combating this type of cellulite.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Drink infusions or supplements of products that help drain fluids, such as horsetail, green tea, ginseng, ruscus, or horse chestnut.

Between the 30's and 40's

Middle-aged women generally experience soft cellulite that moves when walking or changing position and worsens with age or weight gain. The skin has a wavy appearance and appears mainly on the front of the thighs, abdomen, and buttocks, often accompanied by varicose veins or spider veins. Lack of muscle tone makes it worse. Treatments aim to improve blood circulation and tighten the skin:
- Engage in resistance exercises to build muscle tone.
- Apply firming creams through massages to improve circulation.
- Electrostimulation treatments that drain and firm up are very effective, as well as radiofrequency treatments.
- Lose weight slowly.
- Do not neglect the intake of high-quality proteins.

Over 40

At this stage of life, fibrous cellulite may appear. It is stubborn, hard, and painful when sitting or when brushing against something because the fat nodules are highly inflamed; sometimes, even bruises can appear when touched. Additionally, it is easily noticeable because the skin is full of lumps. It is accompanied by poor circulation and sometimes varicose veins. Unfortunately, it is immune to diets, exercise, and special care, although all of these are essential to prevent the problem from worsening. At this stage, an intensive treatment is required:
- Follow a diet that helps cleanse the body of toxins, improves circulation, drains excess fluids, firms the skin, and aids weight loss.
- Exfoliate with brushes.
- Massage with retinol and peptides.
- Treatments like conventional or ultrasonic liposuction or high-power lasers that combat sagging and cellulite even in the most problematic areas may be considered at this stage.