CELLULITE - By Jacqui Faucitt (FOUNDER & CEO of RégimA Skin Treatments)

September 26, 2024

CELLULITE - By Jacqui Faucitt (FOUNDER & CEO of RégimA Skin Treatments)

90% of women have cellulite, the ‘orange peel’ curse! The hormone, oestrogen, is a major culprit, stimulating metabolic activity of adipocytes (fat cells), which increase in volume, and large groups of fat cells, called lobules, bulge out of their connective frame and into the dermis (deeper layer of skin). This exerts pressure on capillaries, hindering micro-circulation, and oedema (free fluid in the tissues) leaks out of vessels. Result - Fat, fluids and toxins become trapped under the skin, fat is compressed, circulation is severely hampered, causing the orange peel effect.

Cellulite involves fat cells, however, it is not necessarily associated with obesity, as even very slender young women, with a normal body mass index (BMI), have it, although being overweight obviously aggravates the presence of cellulite. Main factors are hormonal imbalance, medications that can cause water retention, a sedentary lifestyle, sitting on the computer all day, prolonged periods of immobility without exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, unhealthy eating habits, stress, and unfortunately something we cannot get away from, genetics.

There are also different types of cellulite, depending mainly on age, and again, this affects women, rarely men.

Very young women develop what is known as hard cellulite, around the hips and thighs, as well as the inner knees. Due to their youth, and elasticity of the skin, these areas appear firm and do not tend to wobble with movement. This cellulite is very stubborn and should be treated sooner, rather than later.

Specialised creams can be very helpful, and if applied morning and night, can make a difference, however, this needs to become a lifestyle and must be applied daily. Also, if you have the time and determination to tackle cellulite seriously then by applying these creams briskly, which also helps the circulation, to the affected areas and then wrapping the thighs and buttocks firmly with plastic cling wrap for an hour, for example, this can intensify the effect of the product whilst sculpting the area. If you want to get into that special dress for an occasion, then it is worth the effort. There are also successful in-salon treatments to combine with these topical creams, called Endermologie, which helps lift and detach the cellulite from the underlying muscle. Alternatively, a type of injection treatment, called mesotherapy, is another in-salon option. Several treatments will probably be required, depending on the severity of the condition and these would be approximately once a month.

Women in their 30s onwards tend to develop what is known as soft cellulite. This also settles around the thighs and buttocks, but also tends to affect the arms and is more associated with weight gain, causing those ‘bingo wings’. This being soft, it tends to wobble on walking and has a more sponge like appearance. This soft cellulite is probably a little easier to treat and gradual weight loss and exercise, improving muscle tone, can have a great impact. Products that stimulate the circulation help if used daily. In-salon treatments such as Endermologie, have proven to be successful, and we have received very good feedback from clients who have undergone these treatments. Radio frequency can also be beneficial.

There is another type of swelling of the tissues giving a cellulitic effect, due to poor circulation and sometimes blocked lymph glands, causing more significant fluid retention called oedema (free fluid in the tissues). This manifests as extremely swollen lower legs particularly. If this is the case, then find a good therapist who performs lymphatic drainage massage. Avoid salty foods which can exacerbate fluid retention. Compression stockings (which are used to help prevent deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, used frequently by many people during long haul flights) may help, applying some pressure and stimulate circulation. These are beneficial and could really help particularly in combination with lymph drainage. A good massage therapist can help with all types of cellulite, not only that due to accumulation of oedema. Regular deep massage therapy should be put on the anti-cellulite agenda.

It is the quality of a woman’s skin and age, rather than the quantity of fat in their thighs, that determines whether cellulite occurs. As women mature, skin becomes thinner and cellulite looks worse. It is critical therefore that the anti-ageing factor, not only targeting cellulite, is brought into the treatment equation.

Fat cells (Adipocytes) are biologically active, and their function, or dysfunction, may affect our health in many ways. For example, fat cells produce and secrete important biologic substances. In the 1990s, scientists found a protein secreted by adipocytes, which is a type of hormone, and named it adiponectin. This is a protein hormone produced and secreted exclusively by fat cells that regulate the metabolism of fats and glucose, influencing the body's response to insulin, so it is extremely important. Although secreted only from adipose (fat) tissue, it was found that plasma concentration of adiponectin is much lower in obese people.

Unfortunately, low levels of adiponectin are associated with inflammation, lipid abnormalities, insulin resistance and increased risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer.

The Adiponectin hormone is only produced by your fat cells so unfortunately you cannot just take a supplement that is going to do this job. However, it is amazing that this hormone, if stimulated in the correct way, burns fat cells for fuel. To the rescue comes RégimA SpaZone Target Cellulite. Regular application stimulates expression (action) of the Adiponectin Gene, helping to bring up all important levels and burning those dreaded fat cells.

It is important to note that there are 2 types of fat within the body. Cellulite sits in the subcutaneous more superficial fat layer, which is just under the surface of the skin, creating that dimpling effect around the bum, thighs and hips mainly. The other type of fat, which some women refer to as cellulite around the tummy area, is not. That is actually called visceral fat, it is the one that increases your waistline and, if not reduced, can wrap itself around the organs. Take this type of fat seriously, it is not just ‘tummy fat’ and should not be brushed aside as unimportant. Not to be a scare mongerer, but it is very important to try and reduce this ‘pinch an inch fat’ more than any.

It is therefore important that when targeting those cellulitic areas you also concentrate on that abdominal section if it is starting to expand. Do not allow it, keep it under control! Get into the habit of applying your anti-cellulite/slimming solution creams at home daily after your bath or shower, particularly beneficial when the body is warm. Allow the products to penetrate before dressing.

Synergistic action of advanced cellulite solutions, plus anti-ageing excellence, which must always focus also on anti-inflammation, is the key. There is not only a single ingredient that one can treat cellulite with, but a group of ingredients that target the various aspects of the problem. Engineering of natural actives, isolated from an enriched fraction of bitter orange tree, facilitates progressive elimination of oedema (fluid retention), stimulates microcirculation by vaso-dilatation and decongestion. Sacred lotus, breaks down fat storage, limits formation of new fat cells. The addition of a Natural Biopolymer has a tensor, lifting, anti-wrinkle effect, smoothing and visibly elastisizing, improving contour, plus the look and feel of lack lustre skin.

Everything one uses on or in the body to keep one fit and healthy should be backed up with science, not just hearsay. Therefore, when choosing ingredients for action on cellulite, as with all RégimA products, we looked at the science. Human trial volunteers exhibited a significant increase in skin microcirculation, showing progressive elimination of oedema. Dermal density (thickening and elastisizing of the skin) – In Trials 79% showed a significant increase in the density of the dermis of the treated thigh, a reflection of the reduction of fat infiltration.

You can do your own home trials and take measurements on a weekly basis if you are using products at home and having in-salon treatments. Ensure you are measuring at the same level eg. Thigh height, around the butt and knees as well. Get someone to help you and keep a chart as this gives you more of an incentive to carry on with your effort when there is evidence of your progress.

Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract:

Inter-Penetrating Biopolymer a patented substance proven to be effective in elastisizing and firming tissue
Visible lifting, firming, elastisizing
Designed with a technology not used before. It is obtained by the processing of 2 actives, a warm water algae and a South American Shrub.

Bitter Orange Extract (Citrus Aurantium Amara Extract):

A new offensive against cellulite extracted from the petals of the bitter orange tree.
This ingredient has lipolytic (breaking down of fat) properties as well as decongesting. Smoothing, Toning, Improving the Silhouette.
Stimulates lipolysis (breaking down of fat), increasing the levels of fatty acids and mobilising of stored fats.
Activates microcirculation via vasodilating, leading to progressive elimination of venous stasis and draining oedema. Tissues are decongested and the appearance of spongy cellulite is clearly improved.

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract):

An aquatic plant rich in flavonols offers Triple Action anti-cellulite approach:
Limits fat tissue inflammation by stimulating adiponectin
Inhibits fat cell development.
Reduces fat storage

The bottom line is that cellulite is a reality for so many women, and the odd man, however, it can be improved, even almost eliminated, but it takes time and some hard work, but the results can really be worth the effort put in. So, use active creams daily, book Endermologie treatments or mesotherapy and set yourself a goal. Try and cut down on salt, that can cause fluid retention. When in the shower or bath massage your thighs and butt when washing, applying a bit of pressure as this helps stimulate the circulation. Every effort pays off.