Cellulite or orange peel skin is a rather unloved term to most people. Worldwide, according to statistics, every third woman over the age of 20 suffers from the unsightly “dimples” on the buttocks and thighs. But what causes cellulite? And how can it be avoided or treated?
What is cellulite (orange peel skin)?
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy and structure of the skin with and without cellulite. Click to enlarge. Cellulite, often called cellulitis or orange peel skin, is a condition that women in particular struggle with as they age. Somewhat less frequently, but still relatively common, younger women are affected by cellulite. Men very rarely suffer from sagging of the connective tissue in the problem areas typical of cellulite. These cellulite problem areas consist mostly of the buttocks and thighs. Other parts of the body are not quite as often affected by cellulite.
Causes
Probably the most common cause of cellulite is fundamentally very simple to name with the skin and tissue composition of women. Because in women, this is already much more loosely woven at a younger age than is comparatively the case with men. Over the years, this structure and firmness can “deteriorate” even further. Women continue to have a higher body fat percentage than men. In addition, it is not uncommon for the upper layers of female skin to be much finer and thinner than male skin layers. Fat cells can therefore pass through these cells to the tissue surface much more easily over time. The result is unsightly and dimple-like deformations of the skin surface. The strong resemblance of these deformations to the surface of an orange also earned cellulite its nickname, orange peel skin.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Cellulite, or orange peel skin, is a very widespread phenomenon from which almost all women and proportionately much fewer men suffer. It has no disease value, but is one of the optical features. Therefore, its symptoms and complaints are also more in the psychological area – always when the affected person begins to suffer from the unsightly appearance of the deformed skin areas. This can even lead to depression. The classic symptoms of orange peel skin are unsightly indentations in the skin. Typically, they are found where the skin stores more fat anyway. Female problem areas are mainly found on the thighs, but also on the buttocks and abdomen. In advanced degrees, cellulite can also be found on the upper arms, neck and décolleté. Cellulite is usually more noticeable when a person is in motion, i.e. when the skin over the muscles is also in motion. Now the dents and deformations become particularly visible. If there is any uncertainty, the pinch test can help with the diagnosis: about five centimeters of tissue are gripped firmly with two fingers and lifted slightly. Under this pressure, the dents usually form very visibly. If the skin is released, it returns to its original shape. Cellulitis proceeds painlessly.
Course
Cellulite usually occurs very insidiously, as the fat deposits of the body gradually rub their way through the loose tissue networks to the surface and thus directly under the upper layers of the skin. Women who are slightly or severely overweight are also often affected. This is because there are significantly more fat cells here, which can “migrate” in the case of cellulite. However, women with an ideal weight or a slim waist are not entirely without risk. Cellulite can appear quite unexpectedly, can be inherited in the family or may not appear at all. Here it always depends entirely on the tissue condition of the affected person. However, it is not uncommon for cellulite to occur as a result of a diet that is too fast and radical, in which case the tissues and skin are unable to adapt as quickly.
Complications
Cellulite usually does not lead to medical complications without treatment. The only exception is when it is not “true” cellulite, but orange peel (peau d’orange). This can occur with various diseases such as Hunter’s disease, myxedema and inflammatory breast carcinoma. These underlying diseases, in turn, can result in various physical complications. However, many women perceive cellulite as a cosmetic problem. Especially in the context of low self-esteem, it can also develop into more severe psychological complications.Some sufferers feel the desire to hide their body because of cellulite. They may only wear certain clothes and avoid going to swimming pools. However, various medical complications are also possible when treating cellulite. Fasting cures and baths may cause circulatory problems, while ointments and creams may cause skin reactions in some cases. Infections are also possible with invasive procedures that are intended to treat cellulite. For this reason, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of cellulite treatment. This is especially true for procedures that can have far-reaching consequences. An example of this is hormonal treatments that only target cellulite. In some cases, psychological treatment makes more sense. This usually has the goal that affected persons accept their own body even with small blemishes.
When should you go to the doctor?
Although there is no health risk with cellulite, the effects on the psyche should not be underestimated. Younger women in particular sometimes suffer considerably from the effects of their orange peel skin and feel very restricted on hot days because they have difficulty showing skin. The general practitioner can easily make the diagnosis and suggest suitable therapies. However, for more radical methods such as cryolysis or laser, ultrasound and cold therapy, the family doctor usually does not have the necessary machines. Therefore, anyone who suffers particularly badly from cellulite should visit the dermatologist for advice on the most efficient treatment options. Unfortunately, the cost of therapy must be paid by the patient, as health insurance companies consider such procedures cosmetic, which are not necessary for health.
Treatment and therapy
A one hundred percent successful treatment against cellulite does not yet exist. Only various procedures of plastic surgery are able to make the unsightly dimples disappear almost completely in a short time – but with the right aftercare also not permanently. However, the appearance of cellulite can be kept well within limits under various circumstances by a good mixture of a healthy diet, a balanced sports program and proper skin care, and its severity can be reduced even after it has appeared. Creams, pastes and the like still provide only limited relief and should rather be used as a support for an appropriate lifestyle. Who counts however alone on chemical means, which promise usually only unfulfillable miracles, will probably be disappointed very fast. It is true that these beauty creams do achieve a positive result. However, since most of these agents act exclusively on the surface of the skin and not at the root of the problem – in the lower layers of skin and tissue – the visible result in the case of cellulite is usually rather mediocre to poor.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for cellulites is considered stable. Despite many efforts, there are usually no significant changes in the state of health. In most cases, the tissue deformities remain consistent in their expression for many years. In the course of life, the natural aging process leads to a continuous decrease in tissue tension. If optimal health care is provided and sufficient exercise is taken, the existing condition of the tissue can be maintained for a long time. With a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, the best conditions exist to prevent the tissue from deteriorating in the near future. The prognosis of cellulite changes in people who are very overweight and have a fatty diet. The intensity of the dimples automatically increases with an increase in the body weight. Despite numerous medical efforts and offered methods, a complete cure of cellulite is not possible at the current scientific level. Often, various techniques are used to alleviate the existing discomfort and achieve individual success. However, the improvements of the tissue are not lasting. Usually they last for a few weeks or months until the original cellulite condition is restored. In the case of surgical intervention, improvements in appearance can last for up to a year.
Prevention
The best prevention against cellulite is a healthy lifestyle.Regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding heavy overweight are the best means against cellulite in the long run. Brush massages of the affected areas and regular alternating showers are also very helpful. For this, however, women should at best start a mature prevention program at a young age. Because: When the first drastic signs of cellulite are visible, it is usually already too late for targeted prevention. As commercial treatment and preventive measures techniques of HYPOXI are available to the affected person by means of Hypoxi-Trainer. This is based, similar to altitude training, on athletic training with negative pressure.
Aftercare
If cellulite treatment was performed on an outpatient basis, no special aftercare is usually required. It is important not to scratch the treated areas, otherwise the healing process could be disrupted. Also, do not bathe or shower immediately after cellulite treatment. However, it is recommended to drink two to three liters of water per day and apply a good moisturizer. Drinking as much fluid as possible can stimulate metabolism, promote the healing process and achieve optimal treatment results. Special moisturizers support the regeneration of deeper skin layers. In addition, cigarettes, alcohol, sauna visits and sunbathing should be avoided, especially shortly after treatment, as alcohol and nicotine slow down the metabolism. If it is not possible to avoid sun exposure, a sunscreen with a very high sun protection factor should be applied. If pain occurs during the first days after treatment, it can be relieved with painkillers. However, anti-inflammatory or blood thinning medications may increase the risk of bruising. Diet does not need to be changed after cellulite treatment. The practice of sports activities is best discussed with the attending physician.
What you can do yourself
Although orange peel skin is ultimately genetic, those affected can still do something to alleviate this skin change, which is now perceived as negative. Affected people who suffer from overweight should first normalize their weight. Especially on the abdomen, cellulite usually disappears on its own. Far more stubborn, however, are dimples on the thighs and PO. Here, targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles and reduce the fat mass can also improve the orange peel skin. Exercises can be particularly effective in fitness studios. Here, the most effective exercises are also explained to those affected and an individual training plan is created. Those who prefer to exercise outdoors should try endurance sports such as walking, cycling or swimming. A healthy, low-fat diet is also important. This should be vegetarian or vegan as far as possible and include plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as fiber-rich whole grain products. Refined sugar, animal fats, and meat and sausage products are considered counterproductive. Many women also achieve visible success with drinking cures lasting several weeks. As part of such cures, at least three liters of mineral water or unsweetened herbal tea should be consumed per day. Massages with a dry brush are also considered helpful. The effect of such massages can allegedly be further improved by the use of special creams and ointments. However, the effect of cosmetic anti-cellulite products is highly controversial. Affected persons who suffer severely from orange peel skin psychologically should definitely seek therapeutic help in time.
