Myths and truths about cellulite

The first rays of the sun often trigger greater concern about our appearance, as we know that with warmer weather comes less clothing and more exposed skin. For this reason, it is important to take care of proper care throughout the year and all seasons.

One of the biggest challenges is certainly cellulite, often referred to as orange peel, which mainly affects the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and the area above the knees. There are various claims about its cause, but one thing is certain. Cellulite is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, which certainly includes diet, sleep quality and stress, which has a special impact on each organism.

Cellulite is actually a change in adipose tissue and cells caused by certain lymphatic changes. It occurs due to the body’s insufficient ability to get rid of excess waste material.

Harmful substances accumulate in the fat cells located under the skin, resulting in their volume increasing. The cells create pressure on the skin and cause a visible superficial skin deformation that resembles the appearance of the aforementioned orange peel.

There are many truths and myths about cellulite, and in this blog you will find out whether clothing can have an impact on the development of cellulite, can exercise reduce it, and can cellulite be in your genes? We have prepared 10 claims, the answers to which we will reveal below.

1. Claim: Cellulite may be in your genes. TRUTH!

It’s true that cellulite can be hereditary; if your mother and grandmother had cellulite, you’re more likely to have it too. If you’re not one of those with smooth-skinned relatives, keep in mind that genetics is just one factor in cellulite, not the most important one.

Factors such as diet, exercise, effective treatments, and maintaining a healthy weight also play a role.

2. Claim: Women have more problems with cellulite than men. TRUTH!

Women are more prone to excess fat deposits on their hips and thighs. They also have less supportive connective tissue to hold it all in place. However, it is estimated that about 10% of men also have cellulite problems.

3rd statement: Cellulite only occurs in people who are out of shape. MYTH!

Cellulite is certainly more visible in heavier and heavier people. The more fat you have under your skin, the more likely it is that your connective tissues will be under pressure and will bulge at weak points. However, cellulite can occur in women of all body types.

Claim 4: Cellulite gets worse with age. TRUE!

Hormones also play a role in the appearance of cellulite. As women age, their bodies produce less estrogen, a hormone that helps with blood flow. Less estrogen also means weaker circulation, which can lead to reduced collagen production and cracking of older connective tissue.

Claim 5: Clothes can have an impact. MYTH!

Wearing compression tights while exercising can reduce bounce, but this is only a temporary effect. As soon as you change clothes after exercising, you won’t see a difference.

Any piece of clothing that claims to have long-term results on cellulite is untrue. In fact, the opposite can be true with tight clothing, such as elastic bands on underwear, which can contribute to the appearance of cellulite by cutting off circulation and restricting blood flow.

Claim 6: Smoking can contribute to the appearance of cellulite. TRUE!

Cigarette smoke has been proven to reduce the flow of blood cells and weaken and disrupt collagen formation, making connective tissue more easily stretched and damaged, and subcutaneous fat deposits more visible.

In addition, smoking has numerous other negative consequences: it causes premature wrinkles and aging, the skin dries out and loses its color, which causes stretch marks, etc.

Claim 7: You can fight cellulite with diet. TRUTH!

Diet alone cannot determine whether or not you will get cellulite, but a balanced diet based on fruits and vegetables can reduce inflammation in your body and help you maintain a healthy weight.

It’s also important to stay hydrated, which includes drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in foods with a high water content. This will help your connective tissue stay strong and supple, and you may even lose weight.

Try to eat more cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, and peppers, which (along with numerous other fruits and vegetables) are made up of more than 90 percent water.

Claim 8: Cellulite is caused by toxins in your body. MYTH!

Certain cellulite products available in stores and pharmacies may claim to help remove impurities and toxins from your body. But science does not support either their effectiveness or their claims.

The truth is that cellulite occurs when subcutaneous fat deposits penetrate layers of collagen fibers or connective tissue, most often on the buttocks and thighs, but also on the arms, abdomen, and other problem areas.

Connective tissue can be weakened by hormones, lack of exercise and muscle, excess fat deposits, and poor circulation, but cellulite is not caused by ‘toxins’.

9. Claim: Non-invasive cellulite treatments work. TRUTH!

There are many treatments for reducing cellulite, but very few of them are clinically proven and safe. Treatments such as Med Contour ultrasound therapy and Venus Legacy multipolar radiofrequency are treatments that have safety certificates and have been approved by the most rigorous American Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their results have been confirmed in numerous clinical studies.

Both treatments heat the tissue, dissolve fat cells and encourage their elimination from the body. To achieve the best results, a minimum of 6 treatments are usually required.

Each treatment combines several technologies that work together to reduce cellulite.

In the Med Contour treatment, the power of ultrasound, vacuum, and lymphatic drainage work together, while in the Venus Legacy treatment, excellent and long-lasting results are achieved thanks to multipolar radiofrequency, pulsating electromagnetic fields, and VariPulse and RealTime Feedback technology.

The Adipologie device is also excellent in the fight against cellulite, as it targets fat cells in the deepest areas of our skin. Adipologie uses low-frequency ultrasound, which penetrates deep into the subcutaneous tissue, where it also affects the production of collagen.

At the Bagatin Polyclinic, our medical cosmetologists most often combine body shaping treatments, which has proven to be the most effective method for truly superior results.

Claim 10: Exercise can reduce the visibility of cellulite. TRUE!

Regular exercise cannot cure cellulite, but in many cases it can prevent or reduce its visibility. Cellulite occurs when the connective tissues under the skin weaken or lose elasticity, but strengthening and stretching these areas (along with the additional melting of excess fat deposits) can help.

Programs that target the buttocks and thighs can help, as can exercise that develops muscles and improves circulation.

Now that you’ve learned everything about cellulite, you can start creating a detailed plan to combat it, and if you’re thinking about undergoing treatments, now is the ideal time.

For more information, feel free to contact us and request an appointment for a free consultation by phone at 01/46 10 225 or by email at info@bagatin.hr .