Besides altering the aesthetic appearance of the skin, cellulite affects the functionality of blood and lymphatic vessels. Its most triggering factors are: a decrease in oxygenation induced by genetic and environmental factors, an accumulation of edema, which means that the tissue becomes increasingly hypoxic to the point of generating fibrotic areas and nodular sclerosis.

From a medical point of view, we can act in a reversible manner only on first and second degree cellulite, while for the more advanced stages, we can only halt the degenerative process.

Our tips to treat cellulite

In order to tackle cellulite, one should adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours:

  • eat healthy, with lots of vegetables and low salt foods
  • keep your weight under control
  • regular physical activity
  • do not smoke
  • do not use clothes that are too tight
  • avoid standing several hours in the same position

If an healthy lifestyle is not enough, check for the treatments that will help you to get rid of it.

cellulite

Cellulite creams and lotions

Usually these creams contain ingredients that claim to help make your cellulite look better. There is some evidence they work by promoting lipolysis, stimulating collagen, and increasing blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

Topical caffeine is one of the most common active ingredients in cellulite creams. Caffeine also dehydrates the fat cells just under the skin to make them appear less prominent

A product that contains retinol may also have some effect on it. Some women who’ve used it say they see a little less cellulite. Retinol can help thicken the skin, which may reduce how much you see. Before you’ll know if retinol can help you, you’ll need to apply the product for 6 months or possibly longer. If you’re interested in trying a cellulite cream or lotion, it helps to test it on a small area first. Some people can have an allergic skin reaction.

These creams are mostly just making your cellulite look less obvious, rather than getting rid of it. But they’re great options before a vacation or big event.

Dry Brushing

This natural approach involves scrubbing a stiff-bristled brush against skin. The technique focuses on brushing cellulite-ridden areas with upward strokes. This movement will stimulate the lymphatic system and boosting circulation, which may temporarily result in the appearance of smoother skin. The downside: When it comes to treating it, you’ll need to do this every day.

Endermologie

Available at spas, this treatment uses a device that gives you a deep massage while also lifting up your skin with a vacuum-like tool.

It is good to know taht a number of treatment sessions are necessary to see results. Each session lasts about 45 minutes. Study results vary. Some studies found no difference in cellulite between the women who received endermologie and those who didn’t. Other studies show that the women who received it had a noticeable reduction. These results, however, were temporary.

If you see results, it seems that you must continue the treatments to continue seeing results. The cellulite tends to return within 1 month of stopping treatment.

Laser treatment

Different types of laser treatments are used to treat it.

During one minimally invasive laser treatment called Cellulaze, a tiny laser fiber is inserted beneath your skin. When the laser is fired, the laser energy breaks up the tough bands beneath the skin that cause us to see cellulite. This treatment can also thicken your skin, which is important. Skin often thins where it forms. Thickening the skin can help reduce the appearance of it.

Cellulaze may reduce the appearance of cellulite. Patients are seeing results that last a year or longer.

Cellfina

Cellfina, is a medical procedure that involves your dermatologist inserting a needle just under the skin to break up the tough bands beneath the skin that cause us to see it.

Cellfina has been shown to reduce the skin dimpling that you see with cellulite. In a study 99% of them said they were satisfied with the results. The results can last 2 years and possibly longer.

Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release

This also breaks up the tough bands that cause us to see cellulite. During this procedure, your dermatologist will use a device that contains small blades to cut the tough bands. After the bands are cut, the tissue moves upward to fill out and eliminate the dimpled skin. This may be an effective treatment for reducing it. A small study shows that many patients who received this treatment had less cellulite for up to 3 years. It’s too soon to tell, but the results may last even longer.

Ultrasound

A technique called ultrasonic liposculpting is a non-invasive procedure that targets and destroys fat.

There is no evidence that ultrasound alone can reduce it. When combined with another cellulite treatment, however, ultrasound may reduce the appearance of this problem.