Orange peel skin is noticeable by small dents on the thighs and buttocks. Often, the skin on the abdomen is also not quite as tight as women would like. No wonder that in Germany more than 14.5 million euros are spent each year on skin care products that promise firm skin – and the trend is rising. The range of special devices and creams is increasing from year to year, although their effectiveness is repeatedly doubted in test reports and also by dermatologists. A conversation with Dr. Neufang, pharmacist and skin researcher: what is assured in the therapy of cellulite?
Dr. Neufang, why do women in particular get cellulite?
Dr. Neufang: Cellulite is a very common beauty problem. At least two out of three women are affected, and even girls and very young women are often not spared. The hormonal change during puberty makes the connective tissue stretchy and together with the then frequent weight gain, unsightly dents and bumps develop. In cellulite, there is an accumulation of metabolic products in the fat cells of the thighs and buttocks and all effective measures must be aimed at reducing the amount of this metabolic waste.
Every year there are new “miracle cures” that are supposed to help women achieve firm, smooth thighs – so what really helps?
Dr. Neufang: If you make clear which causes lead to cellulite, you can also derive the most promising measures from this, which do not necessarily have to be expensive. A triad of detoxifying nutrition, a minimum of sporting activities and support of the lymph flow through tissue massage helps in most cases.
There are very many special devices and creams offered for anti-cellulite massage. So which one is useful?
Dr. Neufang: It is unfortunately the case that the successes do not appear immediately after starting the massage. However, ultrasound examinations have shown that success can be achieved with a daily time expenditure of about 10 minutes of massage. However, it is important that a change in diet is made at the same time and that at least half an hour of daily exercise is done. Thus, after two months, but in any case after half a year, a significant improvement of cellulite can be achieved.
In the case of massage, it is crucial to stimulate the lymphatic reflux. This can be achieved with the help of massage devices but also by massage techniques without devices. For an effective massage, it is important that the product used has a good lubricating effect and remains on the skin long enough. Thus, the user is practically “forced” to perform the massage for a sufficiently long time. Our study with a skin care oil containing vitamin A and vitamin E shows that regular massage with this oil makes the skin firmer by an average of 20 percent. In the study, no special massager was used, but the oil was massaged into dry skin by hand.
If you don’t use a massager, how should the oil be massaged in?
Dr. Neufang: It is generally believed that promoting blood flow is beneficial. However, with the blood fullness also come more nutrients into the cells, which must be removed again. For the stimulation of the lymph flow a mild plucking massage or a “stroking out” of the oil with appropriate pressure is more favorable.
More effective than an uncontrolled criss-cross massage is to spread the oil from the knee upwards to the lower abdomen. In the abdomen, the lymphatic vessels bundle and the excess tissue water can drain away unhindered. Massage is therefore an important component in the triad of anti-cellulite measures.
Which sports are particularly effective for tightening problem areas?
Dr. Neufang: Unspectacular activities such as cycling, swimming and small gymnastic exercises that are incorporated into the daily routine are much more effective than all trend sports, which are often associated with a stronger but short-lasting load.
Small exercises that activate the muscle pump include the good old squat, cycling while lying on your back, and “rocking” with your feet, alternately stretching and flexing your toes. This exercise strengthens the calf muscle and activates the muscle pump, which improves the return of blood and lymph.
