Cellulite Exercise

Performing exercise to get rid of cellulite should be a prime consideration if you want to reduce the appearance of cellulite. If your not presently active, then starting a regular exercise routine is simply the best exercise to get rid of cellulite given your current inactive state. Unused energy is stored as fat deposits so starting a regular exercise routine helps to Mobilise fat deposits, an important aspect of overall weight management and a cellulite reduction essential.
A gentle way to ease into an exercise program to reduce cellulite is to start a regular walking routine. Walking outside is a great way to get the cardiovascular system working, enjoy the positive benefits of fresh air, and the weight loss that results from burning up calories. You'll not only feel better from the release of positive endorphins, but start to see a gradual weight reduction which is exactly what you want to happen to help get rid of cellulite.
Once you find your conditioning levels improve, you can move on to more intense exercises that work focused areas and more specific weight training exercises to reduce cellulite. An example of focused exercise to reduce cellulite is the aerobic step machine or stairmaster machine. This equipment works the thigh and buttock region and is found in regular gyms or through exercise retailers. You can adjust the intensity settings to increase the pace or resistance levels to help tone the muscles being worked.
Weight training is also beneficial and does not necessarily mean you will develop a "bulky" appearance. Get some advice from a fitness professional about how to design an exercise routine using resistance training and ask for the best exercises to get rid of cellulite. You can join the local gym or hire a fitness professional who will be qualified to provide advice.

The importance of diet should not be dismissed when trying to reduce cellulite. You can have the best fitness routine but if you indulge in foods that contribute to weight gain you will stack on the pounds.

Despite medical debate over contributing hereditary and lifestyle factors, there are several cellulite remedies available that can be applied to help get rid of cellulite. By identifying the suggested root causes of cellulite, it is possible to outline a range of alternatives available to assist in cellulite reduction treatment. There are cellulite remedies available that focus on cellulite removal and other lifestyle suggestions that can help to strengthen the bodies circulatory system to help prevent cellulite.

cellulite laser treatment and liposuction is a cosmetic treatment that can be utilised in stubborn areas after other cellulite remedies and cellulite prevention measures have been taken.

Popular remedies

One popular cellulite remedy is the use of cellulite cream treatment. Cellulite lotions assist the body to metabolize and burn fat that causes cellulite. It is suggested that individuals learn more about how cellulite creams help to assist in the overall cellulite removal process together with other preventative measures, home remedies for cellulite and cellulite remedies. Often the best solution for cellulite reduction is to apply a holistic approach. Cellulite remedies are one part of cellulite cure but performing a range of activities or lifestyle adjustments, such as cellulite exercise and instituting an appropriate cellulite diet is a definite worthwhile mindset to adopt in order to get rid of cellulite.

A theory

One theory on the cause of cellulite is thought to be the weakening of the blood and lymph drainage vessels that maintain a fresh supply of nutrients to tissues and remove waste by-products in the circulatory system. Free radicals form within body cells and the body utilizes them to destroy unwanted bacteria and viruses. This activity can create a weakening of bodily cells, damaging the DNA cells and connective tissues which can interrupt the body's circulatory system and impact negatively on the connective tissues that shape fat.Lack of exercise, estrogen imbalance and poor lymphatic drainage are other factors thought to contributing to cellulite. The circulatory system requires a fresh supply of blood to stimulate the connective tissues. The lymphatic system is dependent on movement to keep the lymph flowing and if poor drainage exists, possibly due to toxin build up or estrogen imbalance, the skin can become bloated with excess fluid. This build up can restrict the blood from revitalizing the connective tissues as well as damaging the free radicals. The result is a less than efficient bodily absorption of the fat stored under the cells.

A Cellulite Diet

Modifying your eating habits is essential to help reduce cellulite. A balanced cellulite diet consists of carbohydrates, protein and essential fatty acids. Breaking your meals down into smaller portions and consuming 5-6 meals a day instead of 3 large meals is a great way to keep your metabolism running.

There are several considerations that should be adhered to when creating your cellulite diet. First and foremost is to understand that the body's digestive process is very important. A good rule of thumb is to consume two carbohydrate meals and four protein meals on a daily basis. The protein meals should be mixed with essential fatty acids. Do not mix carbohydrates and protein together and do not consume carbohydrates late at night.The meals should be spaced about 3 hours apart.Protein meals should be accompanies by green salads or green vegetables such as beans or broccoli. Good sources of carbohydrates include oats with skim milk or freshly cut fruit.Avoid foods that consist of hydrogenated fats such as margarine. Use butter instead. Butter contains natural cholesterol and cholesterol metabolizing nutrients. Margarine does not. Drink plenty of water and take a multivitamin supplement. A well balanced cellulite diet, when used together with exercise is a great way to reduce cellulite. source: cellulite-remedies.com

Reduce cellulite- tips

To reduce cellulite, you may follow the below listed home and natural remedies:
Use a soft body brush on damp or dry skin, brushing in long sweeping movements over the afflicted area, and working in the direction of the heart.
Use a massage glove or rough sisal mitt in the same way as above.
Always massage a cellulite cream thoroughly with your fingertips. It makes them double effective. Remember, the massaging action is more important than the cellulite cream.
For those dimppled areas, take caffinatted coffee, grind it into dust & mix with cheap hand lotion, rub this into your problem spots for 60 second a day,then shower it off & watch those cellulite areas become smoother & firmer!

Lotions and Potions

Beauty consultants believe that certain herbal formulas have restorative powers that can help smooth skin affected by cellulite. You'll have to decide for yourself how effective they really are—if at all.Add sage, cypress, or juniper oils to your bathwater, suggests Cal-a-Vie Spa's Kim Ulen. These fragrant plant oils, frequently used for a type of massage called aromatherapy, are absorbed directly through your skin and combat cellulite from the inside out, she says. Aromatherapy oils are available in many health food stores.

2 ways to relieve stress and, therefore, diminish cellulite

· Try yoga for an ideal antistress, anticellulite remedy, she says. This discipline teaches you to breathe deeply, gives your muscles a good stretch, and relaxes you all over.
· Wipe worrisome thoughts from your mind by spending a few minutes on a slant board, Walderman suggests. Lie with your head at the low end of the board for up to 20 minutes each day. For the same benefits without a slant board, lie on the floor with your feet propped up on the wall, suggests Ulen.
From the Rodale book, The Doctors Book of Home Remedies

Anti-cellulite underwear-an idea ahead of its time?

Underwear that helps women slim or men feel cool and fresh -- purveyors of cosmeto-textiles were out in force at Paris's annual lingerie trade fair on Sunday.

But opinion was divided on whether high-tech fabrics encapsulating slimming agents, perfumes and creams would be a lasting addition to wardrobes or a passing fad.
"There are a lot of brands that have worked on the idea but there has never been a paradigm shift. What interests consumers in the end are fairly traditional products," said Hubert Lafont, chief executive of Barbara, a leading French lingerie firm.

Several companies have proved the technology works and can be a commercial success. Others have since abandoned production.

Philippe Andrieu began his company Onixxa in 2003 with just one product -- a pair of tights with a slimming agent in them. Now he has over 30 garments, including slimming jeans, under the Lytess trade mark, and annual sales of 4.5 million euros ($5.9 million).
He expects turnover to quadruple by 2009, and said the total market could be worth up to 500 million euros.

"Adidas is coming. Nike will follow and L'Oreal is interested," he said. "We have proved it works."

U.S.-based Invista, part of privately held Koch Industries, launched its brand of cosmeto-textiles under the Lycra Body Care trademark two and a half years ago and now has clients around the world, including men and women's underwear makers and manufacturers of socks and tights.

The textiles -- containing aloe vera moisturizers, nutrients derived from seaweed or perfumes -- are promoted as making people feel fresh or cool or to help keep skin moist

Skinny stars have cellulite too

DON'T let your lady lumps get you down - because even the skinniest celebs get cellulite.
In fact the cottage cheese effect curses up to 95 per cent of women - and that includes the A-list.
If you don't believe us, take a look at the pictures to the right.
Our gallery shows that everyone from Hollywood hotties to sexy singers and supermodels suffer from dimply skin.

Sun Diet expert Amanda Ursell says: "Cellulite affects everyone, even celebrities can't escape it.
"Bumpy tums, bums and legs result from a combination of fatty tissue and fluid retention.
"But unlike celebs who can splash the cash on lipo and treatments, the rest of us have to grin and bare it."

But Amanda says you don't need a nip/tuck to beat those unsightly bumps.
"To reduce cellulite you need to ditch fast foods, cakes and biscuits which slow down circulation and therefore slow down repair of the skin.
"Stick to protein-rich foods like turkey, extra-lean meat, pulses like red kidney and baked beans, Quorn and skimmed milk which help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

These help keep skin flexible and lessen the appearance of orange peel.
"Fruit and veg are bursting with antioxidants which help to mend damage to the deep layers of the skin from sunlight and pollution."

More ways to get rid of it

Take up muscle-toning exercises. Building stronger muscles with methods such as Nautilus or working out with weights may help fill out the tissue in cellulite problem areas, says Dr. Lazar.
Massage those trouble spots. Reinforce the benefits of exercise, says Ulen, with gentle, kneading massage you can do yourself in areas like your thighs and the insides of your knees.
Take a deep breath. Learn to breathe from deep down in your diaphragm, says Schneider. The oxygen helps burn fat. A deep breath also helps clean out toxic carbon dixoide from all your cells, says Ulen.
Stay calm. Cellulite builds up when muscles get tense, and muscles get tense when you're feeling stressed, says Walderman. You need to relax. If you're among those who find it hard to relax, the following might be of help.

Various unique ways to combat cellulite

Combat constipation. "People who are constipated on a regular basis usually have cellulite," says Ulen. Your meals move more quickly through your digestive tract when you eat plenty of high-fiber foods like green vegetables and grains every day, she says. For an extra boost, she suggests sprinkling raw bran on your foods or in your beverages at each meal. Plus:
· Practice the eating habits your mother (hopefully) taught you, like chewing your food thoroughly and forgoing late-night snacks, Ulen says.
· Drink beverages at room temperature rather than ice-cold. "Ice constricts your esophagus and stomach, hindering the flow of digestive enzymes into your stomach," she says.
Make your skin an exit ramp. Keeping your body's natural highways and byways clear gives cellulite an easier escape route, skin specialists say. They say the following techniques will open up the blood vessels in and just below your skin, and also keep your waste-removal system working properly.
· Drinks lots of water. "I have found that a lot of people who have cellulite don't drink enough water," says Walderman. Drink at least six to eight glasses of bottled water—distilled or mineral—per day, she says.
· Steer clear of salt, which contributes to water retention and adds to cellulite problems, says Ulen.
· Kick the coffee and cigarette habits, says Walderman. These substances constrict your blood vessels and may actually make your cellulite more prominent.
· Dry-brush your skin. It helps improve your circulation, says Walderman. Press a soft-bristled brush gently onto your skin and rotate it in circular movements from head to toe or on cellulite areas alone, she says.

Easy tips to get rid of cellulite

Peel off the pounds. Since cellulite is fat, excess weight can contribute to it, says Dr. Lazar. Lose weight gradually, he says, and "hopefully, some of what you lose will be cellulite."
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables—low in calories yet packed with nutrients—and drink fruit and vegetable juices, suggests Dolores Schneider, a nutritionist and director of Sharon Springs, a spa in upstate New York, where people go to lose pounds and detoxify their bodies.
Get back in balance by eating well. Eat a healthy, balanced diet overall, urges Kim Ulen, supervisor of the skin care department of the Cal-a-Vie Spa in Vista, California. "This returns your body chemistry to a balanced state in which cellulite is less likely to develop," she says.
Get back in balance by resting well. Relax in your bathtub, Schneider suggests, with a home mineral bath containing sea salt. Add about 2 cups of sea salt to warm bathwater and luxuriate in the soothing waters for at least 20 minutes. It will leave your skin feeling smooth.

Weight Loss Found To Reduce Cellulite In Some Overweight Women, Worsen The Condition In Others

Weight loss may decrease the severity of cellulite for some women -- but may worsen the condition for others, reports a study in August's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The study examined 29 women who enrolled in medically supervised weight loss programs including low-fat meals, liquid diets, medication, and bariatric surgery. Seventeen patients experienced an improvement in the appearance of their cellulite, while 9 worsened. The average weight loss was 30.5 pounds (range 2.3 -- 102 pounds).

Patients who lost larger amounts of weight and lowered their percentage of thigh fat experienced the greatest improvement in cellulite. These patients had a significantly higher starting body mass index (BMI) and had more severe cellulite on average.

Patients whose cellulite worsened started with a significantly lower BMI, lost smaller amounts of weight, and had no change in percentage of thigh fat.
Skin elasticity after weight loss also played an important role in improving the appearance of cellulite.

Cellulite worsened in those whose skin became significantly looser after weight loss.
"There is no answer for completely eliminating cellulite, however, it appears the more weight one loses, the better its appearance," said Dr. Kitzmiller.

"Although the appearance of cellulite diminished for the majority of patients, weight loss did not totally eradicate the condition. The dimples appear to be permanent features that lessen in depth as the pounds come off."

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States.

Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Pictures of Cellulite

Cellulite

Cellulite describes condition in women where the skin of the lower limbs, abdomen, and pelvic region becomes dimpled after puberty. The term was first used in the 1920's and began appearing in English language publications in the late 1960s, the earliest reference in Vogue magazine, "Like a swift migrating fish the word cellulite has suddenly crossed the Atlantic."
Descriptive names for cellulite include orange peel syndrome, cottage cheese skin, the mattress phenomenon, and hail damage. Synonyms include: adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy. It is unrelated to cellulitis, which is infection of the skin and its underlying connective tissue.

Dermosonic

Dermosonic is a patented technology to temporarily, yet effectively reduce the appearance of cellulite, temporarily increase local circulation and relieve minor muscle aches and pains while relaxing muscle spasms. Dermosonic is a comprehensive, non-invasive, non-surgical system that is proven safe and effective. Dermosonic sessions are on-going, generating a profitable return for your business.

This dual modality system combines Non-Invasive Subdermal Therapy (NIST) and ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to warm the underlying layers of tissue, preparing them for the NIST function. NIST creates a gentle vacuum suction to mobilize tissue and temporarily improve local circulation. Sessions can be adjusted for each client and last an average 50 minutes. An initial package of sessions is suggested with additional, monthly maintenance visits needed to prolong the effects.

Sessions are comfortable for both client and technician. For the client, Dermosonic provides an experience comparable to a massage. Dermosonic does not utilize vigorous suction or rolling which can lead to painful bruising. Dermosonic sessions do not require clients to wear a body stocking. Technicians appreciate Dermosonic’s ease of use.

Dermosonic

Dermosonic is a patented technology to temporarily, yet effectively reduce the appearance of cellulite, temporarily increase local circulation and relieve minor muscle aches and pains while relaxing muscle spasms. Dermosonic is a comprehensive, non-invasive, non-surgical system that is proven safe and effective. Dermosonic sessions are on-going, generating a profitable return for your business.

This dual modality system combines Non-Invasive Subdermal Therapy (NIST) and ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to warm the underlying layers of tissue, preparing them for the NIST function. NIST creates a gentle vacuum suction to mobilize tissue and temporarily improve local circulation. Sessions can be adjusted for each client and last an average 50 minutes. An initial package of sessions is suggested with additional, monthly maintenance visits needed to prolong the effects.

Sessions are comfortable for both client and technician. For the client, Dermosonic provides an experience comparable to a massage. Dermosonic does not utilize vigorous suction or rolling which can lead to painful bruising. Dermosonic sessions do not require clients to wear a body stocking. Technicians appreciate Dermosonic’s ease of use.

What is it?

Cellulite is the lumpy substance resembling cottage cheese that is commonly found on the thighs, stomach, and butt. Cellulite is actually a fancy name for collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin, which causes the surface of the skin to dimple or pucker and look lumpy.

You can check to see if you have cellulite by pinching the skin around your upper thigh. If it looks a bit lumpy, you probably have it. And if you do have cellulite, you're definitely not alone: Most girls and women - and some men - have cellulite.
Several factors influence whether a person has cellulite and how much they have. Your genes, your gender, the amount of fat on your body, your age, and the thickness of your skin are all associated with the amount of cellulite you have or how visible it is.

Whatever the cause of cellulite, it's important to know that there aren't any miracle products, treatments, or medicines that can make it go away. For example, some fancy salon treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite simply cause your skin to puff up through deep massaging, temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Treatments like liposuction (surgery to remove fat) and mesotherapy (injection of drugs into cellulite) are either expensive or may produce only temporary improvement. Many doctors even warn that liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite because liposuction is designed to remove deep fat instead of cellulite, which is close to the skin.
If you have cellulite, chances are you won't like it. It's important to remember, though, that almost everyone wishes that something about their body was a bit different. This is particularly true for teens whose bodies are going through all sorts of changes caused by puberty.

If you decide that you want to try to reduce the amount of cellulite you have, the best thing to do is to decrease excess body fat. If you and your doctor think that you are overweight, eat fewer calories and exercise more. Experts agree that an exercise routine that combines aerobic exercise with strength training is the best weapon against cellulite. In the meantime, if you want to conceal your cellulite, try using a self-tanning product. Cellulite tends to be a little bit less noticeable on darker skin.

Burn it, cream it, suction it!

While there’s no cure for cellulite, here are some ways to improve its appearance.Shrink it. If you take in fewer calories than you burn, you’ll create a calorie deficit and therefore lose weight and -- with a little luck -- cellulite. Avoid extreme dieting, though, which zaps precious muscle instead of fat. The American Dietetic Association recommends gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds each week.
Burn it. Regular exercise reduces body fat -- including cellulite. A combination of strength training and aerobic exercise helps create a foundation of smooth muscle for your fat to rest on, reducing the chances of dreaded dimpling.
Cream it. Products containing active ingredients such as antioxidants and vasodilators shrink fat cells and loosen the fibrous bands between them, allowing the cells to spread sideways instead of bulging out. Cellulite creams don’t work for everyone, however, and there’s no research comparing the various products on the market. If you don’t see improvement after six to eight weeks, try a different cream, or talk to your dermatologist.
Suction it. Liposuction uses a small vacuum to suck fat from under the skin. This procedure may make cellulite less noticeable, but it won’t permanently eliminate it.-- Julianne Hill

85%

Cellulite! The very word makes some women cringe. The truth is, there’s nothing inherently harmful about cellulite; it’s just body fat. What makes cellulite so loathed is its location and appearance. Because cellulite is stored directly under the skin -- typically on the thighs and buttocks -- its small, uneven bundles of fat cells tend to press against the skin’s surface. This creates the cottage-cheese look we all hate.Cellulite develops mainly in women, who need the extra fat for pregnancy and nursing. Being overweight increases your chances for cellulite, but thin women are susceptible to it, too. (Take that, swimsuit models.) In fact, about 85 percent of women over age 20 have some cellulite.

Surgery for cellulite?

Some women find diet supplements helpful in controlling cellulite.

Is Surgery Effective on Cellulite?

Liposuction has proven effective in taking off inches, but it does not counter cellulite. Liposuction removes collections of fatty tissue from the legs, buttocks, abdomen, back, arms, face and neck areas. It uses a "vacuuming" technique to remove fatty tissue, leaving minimal scarring. Because liposuction does not change the structure of the skin, it can't eliminate cellulite forever. Liposuction is a costly surgical procedure that can hinder the body's natural circulation and waste-elimination processes while the body heals.

Do you know what the contributing factors for cellulite are?

Some of the contributing factors for developing cellulite are:
Heredity, but unlike the strength of your nails or the color and texture of your hair, you can do a lot to fight cellulite.
Insufficient water intake. Water helps the waste system operate, flushing toxins from your body. Drink seven glasses of water a day.
Diet. Poor eating habits (alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods) contribute to the formation of cellulite because the toxins they produce get trapped in the fatty tissue. And despite what you've heard, crash diets don't work to fight cellulite. In fact, crash diets increase the risk of cellulite because the body thinks it's starving and by attempting to compensate, it assists in cellulite formation. All saturated fats help build cellulite. These fats block the arteries and get trapped in the tissue as well, preventing sufficient waste and toxin elimination.
Smoking is not only bad for the skin and lungs, it also weakens the skin due to the constriction of capillaries. It further damages the connective tissue that causes the dimpling effect of cellulite, too.
Tension and stress can cause a muscle to seize up in pain; they can also cause the connective tissue that covers that muscle to seize up. Tension also blocks the tissue, preventing proper waste elimination and purification.
Medication can disturb the body's natural processes, disturbing the purification system that is naturally in place. Diet pills, sleeping pills and diuretics can all lead to cellulite; oral contraceptives, which increase the body's estrogen, cause fat cells to enlarge, leading to water retention. Retaining water inhibits the body from flushing the system of toxins, leading to the formation of cellulite.
Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the formation of cellulite. Exercise decreases many health risks and also helps fight cellulite. It improves muscle tone, circulation and overall well-being, helping to break blocked tissue and purify the body.

Who gets cellulite? Th answer might surprise you!

It's primarily women who are the victims of cellulite. It begins to appear in girls around the age of 14 and increases as we mature and the subcutaneous skin layer thins and redistributes. Cellulite often forms in postnatal women and those who take birth control pills because the waste system can't get rid of the enormous flow of estrogen in the body. Cellulite can develop after a traumatic injury if the circulatory system has been disturbed. A sedentary lifestyle leads to a hardening of the connective tissue, causing a dimpling of the skin.
Men rarely develop cellulite because their network of fat cells occurs deep in the skin. If you were to look at a map of the female body from the inside out, you would see that the cells are smooth in shape and nearly reach the surface of the skin, causing a dimpling effect. Men's cells are shaped more sharply and reside deeper in the skin, rarely poking through to cause the ripples we associate with cellulite.

Fight Cellulite doing these:

How to Fight Cellulite
When it comes to cellulite, don't expect miracles. But by combining good eating and exercise habits with stress reduction and occasional spa treatments, smoother body skin can result. An increase in circulation through massage definitely provides an assist. Endermologie also exfoliates the skin, leaving it soft and silky. The increased circulation also gives you a natural energy boost.
The key to preventing and fighting cellulite is to purify the body with a combination of exercise, a healthy diet, tension reduction and proper circulation.
· A detoxifying diet is a great way to start fighting cellulite. This means lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. It also means eliminating coffee, soda, smoking and alcohol from your life. A low-fat diet, high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, is important because these foods are easiest for the body to break down, use and get rid of. Sugar, starch, salt, spices and animal fats are harder for the body to eliminate. A low-fat diet reduces toxins and assists in getting rid of the toxins trapped in the tissue. Drink plenty of water -- up to two liters a day -- to assist your body in getting rid of unwanted toxins and waste.
· Exercise is extremely important in aiding proper circulation. It firms muscles and the tissue surrounding the muscles.
· Massage not only pampers, it also assists in fighting and preventing cellulite. Massage helps restore the body's natural tendencies by manipulating the muscles, and stimulating the circulatory and lymphatic systems that break down fatty tissue. Massage targets areas that are difficult to stimulate with good old exercise (such as the inner knee and upper thigh areas). Try simply massaging each leg in circular movements, kneading the flesh as you go, for a couple of minutes each day to break down fat and get rid of toxins.
· Skin brushing using a massage brush or glove for a couple of minutes boosts circulation. Start at the feet, brushing the skin in an upward movement. Doing this daily before your shower helps revitalize and improve the skin's appearance.
· Tension not only stresses the muscles, it also causes the connective tissue that covers the muscles to seize up. Tension blocks the tissue, preventing good waste elimination. Relaxation and breathing help the body relax and work properly. Proper breathing eases tension, oxygenates the body and helps with purification.

Do Cellulite Products Help?

Cellulite creams, such as those containing alpha hydroxy acids, help reduce and prevent the appearance of cellulite by improving the elasticity of the skin. They claim to do everything from strengthening to renewing and softening. In conjunction with increased circulation and a change of diet and lifestyle, some of these products do reduce the appearance of cellulite by strengthening the network of connective tissue. Keep in mind that once you stop using these creams, the skin returns to its original state since you haven't permanently altered the skin's natural properties.

Different Types of Cellulite

Hard, or solid, cellulite usually occurs in women who are active (such as dancers or runners). Hard cellulite is difficult to get rid of because it doesn't lift from the body easily. It's also harder to see because it attaches directly to the muscle.
Soft cellulite is not as concentrated as hard cellulite and is much more visible. It occurs in large areas and, because it doesn't attach so strongly to the muscle, it's looser, often sagging from the body. The result is often poor muscle tone. Even though it's easier to spot, it's also easier to remove.
To test for cellulite, lightly pinch or press an area of tissue between your thumb and finger (or in a larger area, between the palms of your two hands). Normal fat appears fairly smooth, but cellulite will reveal dimples or ripples -- like the skin of an orange. Cellulite tissue is also more sensitive and can feel cold to the touch. It might appear whiter than the rest of your skin.

More on Orange Peel

Cellulite is a kind of fat tissue in the subcutaneous layer of the skin that contains constricting bands of connective tissue. This connective tissue, which varies in thickness and is laced with fat cells, is held in place by a network of fibers that protects our body, cushioning our muscles and organs; it is surrounded by a liquid that both nourishes it and provides it with an effective waste system. When all is working well in the system, waste products are removed and smooth curves result; when fats, fluids and toxins are trapped deep in the skin (below the epidural layer), however, the connective tissue thickens and hardens, giving a dimpling effect. As we mature, the layer of skin thins, resulting in the rippled appearance of cellulite.
What is the difference between cellulite and fat? Though everyone has a smooth layer of fat, individual amounts depend on weight, lifestyle and genetics. This fat layer is an insulator for the body and cushions the organs, muscles and nerves. Cellulite, on the other hand, is lumpy and provides no padding whatsoever. It only occurs in certain areas of the body: the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and breasts. When men get cellulite, it tends to be on the neck and abdomen.
Cellulite is not necessarily a factor of body weight. You don't have to be heavy to have cellulite. Though diet and lifestyle affect cellulite formation, a large part of cellulite is comprised of toxins and fat that build up in the body, and can affect women of any size, weight and body structure.

source- fredysnet.com

Article Excerpt

Sayonara, Cellulite?
There are new treatments that may be a viable way to get rid of cellulite once and for all, experts tell WebMD.

They include mesotherapy, lasers, and combinations thereof.
"Mesotherapy is a technique where we inject medication, plant extracts, and vitamins into the mesoderm layer of the skin to break-up the amount of cellulite that's visible," explains Marion Shapiro, DO, president of Mesotherapy Associates in New York City and West Orange, N.J. The mesoderm is the middle layer of the skin. "We break the band in skin that causes the lumpy appearance and melt the fat to give a smoother appearance," she says. Shapiro regularly performs mesotherapy on legs, arms, backs, and abdomens.
"You typically see results in four weeks depending on how severe the cellulite is and it costs roughly $500 a session," she says. "It is the only method of permanently getting rid of 50% of cellulite," she says. And it only takes 20 minutes.
"With mesotherapy, you can finally take your sarong off and reveal your new you," she says. When it comes to cellulite, 80% of women have cellulite and the other 20% think they do, quips Tina Alster, MD, director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington. The next big thing in cellulite removal may very well be a new technique called Velasmooth that combines radiofrequency waves, a laser, and a mechanical massage to break up the fat and mobilize the water from tissues to improve the appearance of cellulite. Alster is currently conducting clinical trials using Velasmooth twice a week for a month.
"I think that as soon as we show our results in the Fall, this is going to be a big deal," she predicts. "It is the closest thing I have seen to a viable treatment option for cellulite." Stay tuned.
Bruce E. Katz, MD, medical director of the Juva Skin and Laser Center in New York City, likes the triActive laser for treating cellulite.
"In 10-12 treatments, the cellulite is gone," he says. The laser action breaks up cellulite and helps to increase drainage of lymph and blood cells, so fat cells aren't backed up with the fluid that leads to a cottage cheese appearance, he explains. In addition, the treatment also involves a mechanical massage that may result in a tighter appearance in the treated areas. Then, the system's localized cooling aids in smoothing the appearance of cellulite.

COmplete Article here

How can I get rid of the cellulite on my thighs?

Cellulite is caused by irregular patterns of connective tissue beneath the skin, and as the adipose (fatty) tissue, which forms in compartments of little honeycombs, pushes into the skin, it causes the dimpling of cellulite. It has been shown that people who have cellulite have different patterns of connective tissue than people who don't, and men tend to have this pattern much less than women. Cellulite is not directly a function of excess weight, but a genetic difference in the way adipose tissue and connective tissue form. In fact, cellulite affects people whether they are overweight or not. Biochemically, cellulite does not behave any differently than other fat, and there is no health risk from cellulite (some evidence even suggests that lower extremity fat is protective against chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease).

As for getting rid of cellulite, weight loss and exercise can have some effect since the muscle and skin tighten up, but the results vary from person to person. Your results depend on how hard and consistently you train, your age, the amount of collagen and elastin in your skin, and most importantly, genetics. I recommend aerobic exercise 3-5 times per week for 30-40 minutes, resistance exercise 2-3 times per week, and I suggest working the muscles extra hard where cellulite tends to accumulate, even though it isn't possible to "spot reduce." Exercises like side leg raises, low cable pulley work (hips and glutes), squats, lunges, and stair climbing or bench stepping all work the troublesome areas. And even if this prescription doesn't get rid of all your cellulite, it will help some, and it sure will make you strong and fit.-Author: Richard Weil, M.Ed., CDE

Medical Editor: Melissa Stöppler, MD

Cellulite Removal Treatments

It is estimated that 80% of all women over the age of 20 have cellulite. This unsightly problem affects women of all ages, body types & ethnic backgrounds. A number of creams & over-the-counter treatments are available, but few have offered any real solutions.

The number of cosmetic treatments offered by medical professionals has increased over the past few years. Some treatment options are relatively new and the long term results are still unproven. However, many have shown promise. Here is a brief rundown of the options commonly used by today's medical professionals.

Mesotherapy involves injecting microscopic quantities of natural plant extracts, homeopathic agents, pharmaceutical agents and vitamins directly into the problem areas. Mesotherapy can target specific areas or spots where your body stores excessive fat. It is a quick procedure that required little to no recovery time.

Endermologie is also a common technique used to combat cellulite. It involves a specially designed device that promotes deep, penetrating whole body massage with the use of suction and rollers to stimulate the breakdown of stored fat and increase the body's circulation.
Newer treatments involving lasers & radio frequency are becoming more widely used.

The TriActive LaserDermology machine utilizes a low-energy laser to combat cellulite. Velasmooth uses Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and Infrared Light in combination with suction to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
As you can see, the treatments available to combat cellulite are increasing. It is advised that you consult your local cosmetic specialist to find out more info.

Cellulite Glossary

Bumps: The raised area of a bump or bruise results from blood leaking from these injured blood vessels into the tissues as well as from the body's response to the injury. A purplish, flat bruise that occurs when blood leaks out into the top layers of skin is referred to as an ecchymosis. See the entire definition of Bumps
Cell: The basic structural and functional unit in people and all living things. Each cell is a small container of chemicals and water wrapped in a membrane . See the entire definition of Cell
Cellulite: Popular term for deposits of fat that have a cottage cheese-like or puckered texture. Medically, cellulite is not considered abnormal.
Circulation: The movement of fluid in a regular or circuitous course. Although the noun "circulation" does not necessarily refer to the circulation of the blood, for all practical purposes today it does. Heart failure is an example of a problem with the circulation.
Clinical: 1. Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients. 2. Applicable to patients. A laboratory test may be of clinical value (of use to patients). See the entire definition of Clinical
Connective tissue: A material made up of fibers forming a framework and support structure for body tissues and organs. Connective tissue surrounds many organs. Cartilage and bone are specialized forms of connective tissue. All connective tissue is derived from mesoderm, the middle germ cell layer in the embryo.
Cure: 1. To heal, to make well, to restore to good health. Cures are easy to claim and, all too often, difficult to confirm. 2. A time without recurrence of a disease so that the risk of recurrence is small, as in the 5-year cure rate for malignant melanoma .3. Particularly in the past, a course of treatment. For example, take a cure at a spa.See the entire definition of Cure
Disease: Illness or sickness often characterized by typical patient problems (symptoms) and physical findings (signs). Disruption sequence: The events that occur when a fetus that is developing normally is subjected to a destructive agent such as the rubella (German measles) virus.
Fat: 1 Along with proteins and carbohydrates, one of the three nutrients used as energy sources by the body. The energy produced by fats is 9 calories per gram. Proteins and carbohydrates each provide 4 calories per gram. 2 Total fat; the sum of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help reduce blood cholesterol when substituted for saturated fats in the diet. 3 A slang term for obese or adipose. 4 In chemistry, a compound formed from chemicals called fatty acids. These fats are greasy, solid materials found in animal tissues and in some plants. Fats are the major component of the flabby material of a body, commonly known as blubber.
Fats: Plural of the word "fat". See the definition of fat.
Female: The traditional definition of female was "an individual of the sex that bears young" or "that produces ova or eggs". However, things are not so simple today. Female can be defined by physical appearance, by chromosome constitution (see Female chromosome complement), or by gender identification. Female chromosome complement: The large majority of females have a 46, XX chromosome complement (46 chromosomes including two X chromosomes). A minority of females have other chromosome constitutions such as 45,X (45 chromosomes including only one X chromosome) and 47,XXX (47 chromosomes including three X chromosomes).
Food and Drug Administration: The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Public Health Service, which is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services. See the entire definition of Food and Drug Administration
Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs. See the entire definition of Hormone
Hormone therapy: A form of treatment that takes advantage of the fact that certain cancers depend on hormones to grow. Hormone therapy may include giving hormones to the patient or decreasing the level of hormones in the body.
Iodine: An essential element in the diet used by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones . See the entire definition of Iodine
Liposuction : The most common cosmetic operation in the U. S. with over 400,000 such surgical operations done annually, liposuction involves the surgical suctioning of fat deposits from specific parts of the body, the most common being the abdomen (the "tummy"), buttocks ("behind"), hips, thighs and knees, chin, upper arms, back, and calves. See the entire definition of Liposuction
Massage: The manipulation of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function of those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being. Therapeutic massage can ease tension and reduce pain. Massage can be a part of physical therapy or practiced on its own. It can also be highly effective for reducing the symptoms of arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other disorders of the muscles and/or nervous system.
Metabolism: The whole range of biochemical processes that occur within us (or any living organism). Metabolism consists both of anabolism and catabolism (the buildup and breakdown of substances, respectively). The term is commonly used to refer specifically to the breakdown of food and its transformation into energy.
Muscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. There are three types of muscle in the body. Muscle which is responsible for moving extremities and external areas of the body is called "skeletal muscle." Heart muscle is called "cardiac muscle." Muscle that is in the walls of arteries and bowel is called "smooth muscle."
Objective: In a microscope, the objective (also called the objective lens) is the lens nearest to the object being examined whereas the lens closest to the eye is termed the ocular (the eyepiece). See the entire definition of Objective
Pill: In pharmacy, a medicinal substance in a small round or oval mass meant to be swallowed. Pills often contain a filler and a plastic substance such as lactose that permits the pill to be rolled by hand or machine into the desired form. The pill may then be coated with a varnishlike substance. See the entire definition of Pill
Placebo: A "sugar pill" or any dummy medication or treatment. See the entire definition of Placebo
Plastic surgery: The field of surgery concerned with reducing scarring or disfigurement that may occur as a result of accidents, birth defects , or treatment for diseases, such as melanoma . See the entire definition of Plastic surgery
Prescription: A physician's order for the preparation and administration of a drug or device for a patient. A prescription has several parts. They include the superscription or heading with the symbol "R" or "Rx", which stands for the word recipe (meaning, in Latin, to take); the inscription, which contains the names and quantities of the ingredients; the subscription or directions for compounding the drug; and the signature which is often preceded by the sign "s" standing for signa (Latin for mark), giving the directions to be marked on the container.
Sense: In biology and medicine, the faculty of sensory reception. The ability to convey specific types of external or internal stimuli to the brain and perceive them. Sensory reception occurs through a process known as transduction in which stimuli are converted into nerve impulses which are relayed to the brain. See the entire definition of Sense
Skin: The skin is the body's outer covering. It protects us against heat and light, injury, and infection. It regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. Weighing about 6 pounds, the skin is the body's largest organ. It is made up of two main layers; the outer epidermis and the inner dermis.
See the entire definition of Skin
Surgery: The word "surgery" has multiple meanings. It is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases and conditions which require or are amenable to operative procedures. Surgery is the work done by a surgeon. By analogy, the work of an editor wielding his pen as a scalpel is s form of surgery. A surgery in England (and some other countries) is a physician's or dentist's office. See the entire definition of Surgery
Therapy: The treatment of disease . See the entire definition of Therapy
Thyroid: 1. The thyroid gland. Also, pertaining to the thyroid gland. 2. A preparation of the thyroid gland used to treat hypothyroidism. 3. Shaped like a shield. (The thyroid gland was so-named by Thomas Wharton in 1656 because it was shaped like an ancient Greek shield.)
Tissue: A tissue in medicine is not like a piece of tissue paper. It is a broad term that is applied to any group of cells that perform specific functions. A tissue in medicine need not form a layer. Thus,
The bone marrow is a tissue;
Connective tissue consists of cells that make up fibers in the framework supporting other body tissues; and
Lymphoid tissue is the part of the body's immune system that helps protect it from bacteria and other foreign entities. source- medicinenet.com

So, what CAN be done?

What can be done about cellulite?

In sum, eating a healthy diet and keeping muscles toned by regular exercise seem like reasonable approaches to keeping the body as taut and smooth as it can be. Patients should be very cautious before trying out surgical procedures, dietary supplements, or elaborate massage techniques of unproven value.

Lipo for cellulite?

Nope, sorry .... This technique of extracting fat by vacuuming it from under the skin is not effective for cellulite. In fact, liposuction may worsen the appearance of the skin by sucking out the cushion of fat that resides just under the skin. The result is additional dimpling of the skin.
Some doctors claim to be able to "break up" fat under the skin by using thin rods, but this technique is not accepted or established within the plastic surgery community and it may be associated with a worsened appearance or scarring.

Supplements and Massaage Treatments

Some dietary supplements that are promoted for the treatment of cellulite may also pose some risk. One popular cellulite product, for instance, contains iodine, which may be harmful to patients with thyroid and certain other conditions. Other preparations may interact with certain prescription drugs.
Massage treatments: In the past few years, several machines have been introduced that massage the areas affected by cellulite. These machines use rolling cylinders to gather areas of skin and massage them inside a chamber. Again, no scientific studies are available to demonstrate the effectiveness of this treatment, which appears to redistribute fat rather than permanently alter its configuration under the skin. Other exotic, but equally unproven treatments include electrical stimulation of muscle cells and application of an electric current to the fat tissue itself.

What are the supposed "treatments" for cellulite?

Most people dislike bumps and indentations on their bodies and prefer to be as smooth as they possibly can. Additionally, because hope springs eternal, much has been written about cellulite and its causes and many treatments have been promoted. Some of these therapies include:
A low-fat diet: Eating in a healthy manner is always a good idea and a low-fat diet is usually recommended as part of a weight maintenance lifestyle. However, the notion that you can shrink a localized fat lump or smooth out a dimple by eating less fat makes as little sense when it comes to cellulite as it does when it comes to flabby thighs or "love handles."
Dietary supplements: Several of these products have been marketed and contain a variety of ingredients such as ginkgo biloba, sweet clover, grape seed bioflavinoids, bladderwrack extract, oil of evening primrose, fish oil, and soy lecithin. These preparations claim to have positive effects on the body such as boosting metabolism, improving circulation, protecting against cell damage, and breaking down fats. Such claims are difficult to evaluate as is the case with similar assertions made on behalf of many supplements and alternative therapies. Concepts such as "metabolism," "circulation," or "cell damage" cannot be easily measured on an objective basis to determine whether or not any improvement has been achieved. Additionally, because these products are sold as dietary supplements and not as drugs, they are not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They are therefore exempt from meeting the scientific standards for both safety and effectiveness that are applied to drugs.
Furthermore, there are no valid clinical studies to support the use of these dietary supplements for the treatment of cellulite. Studies that have been conducted have not demonstrated any value of these supplements.
For example, one product containing a mixture of herbs marketed as a "cure" for cellulite was tested to see whether it had any effect on cellulite, body weight, fat content, or the circumference of the thighs and hips. No beneficial changes were found when results of those taking the dietary supplement were compared to those taking the placebo (sugar pill). The only significant changes were an increase in cellulite and body weight in the majority of women who took the "miracle cure" product.

Cellulite is NORMAL

Cellulite is a normal human variation that is viewed by a segment of the public (with the help of the media, some physicians, and salesmen of various sorts) as some sort of a disease. The term "cellulite" was coined in 1973 to refer to the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people have on their hips, thighs, and buttocks. This appearance is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men and women's skin. Although female hormones may play a role in contributing to this fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy.
In other words, the dimpled appearance of cellulite is one way many perfectly normal human beings look. Just as some people have thick hair while others have thin hair and some have large noses and others small, some women have the smooth buttocks and thighs that everyone seems to want while others have less satisfactory, dimpled ones. These are all normal variations.

source- medicinenet.com

Cellulite and Surgery

Can cellulite be treated surgically?
Most physician-based treatments are surgical. Either fat cells are removed by various excision or suction techniques or/and the cells are redeposited in areas of dimpling so the contour looks more even. None of the surgical treatments are directed at fixing the underlying cause but merely fixing the result. Cellulite areas will recur as long as there is any excess fat deposition over the natural metabolic rate.

I do not agree with what he says

Are there any medical treatments known to actually get rid of cellulite?
The
medical literature does not support evidence that I could find of any topical
creams or ingested medicines or substances that get rid of cellulite unless
those treatments result in significant loss of total body fat. In those cases,
the dimpling from cellulite becomes less apparent but does not actually go away.
This observation must be tempered by the realization that medical science does
not seem to have studied this subject very rigorously, thus the room for many
"claims of cure" that cannot be refuted as well as they should be.

by Frederick R. Jelovsek MD

From what I have read, there are various techniques for getting rid of cellulite that have been approved by doctors.

Are women really more likely to get cellulite?

Are women more likely to have problems with cellulite or are they just more concerned about it?
Yes, women are more predisposed to cellulite than men. The Rosenbaum study found that women have a much more irregular, discontinuous supporting skin matrix than men do so there is more opportunity for fat cells to extrude into the dermis area. To some extent this must be hormonally controlled through estrogens because most men are not as prone as women to cellulite but men who are given estrogens as treatment for medical problems are known to develop new areas of cellulite.
Fat distribution is different also in women and men. Women have more fat deposits under the skin but tend not to accumulate it inside the abdominal cavity; men seem to have less room for fat over their muscles and under the skin but they will accumulate much more excess fat inside the abdominal cavity. Regionally, women have a tendency for more fat deposition in the buttocks and thighs (gluteal/femoral areas) but that tendency only starts after a women's ovaries become hormonally active.

Cellulite is not a fat problem, it's a skin problem and we have the solution.
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Dr. Murad offers the first definitive roadmap to help reduce dimpling and improve stretch marks that is actually backed by science. Readers who follow Dr. Murad's program will soon see "cottage cheese thighs" reduced and notice smoother skin all over.

This ground-breaking program outlines simple nutritional and lifestyle modifications, combined with topical treatments, which work together to provide the body with all the tools it needs to repair uneven, lumpy skin on its own.
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Why treatments try to remove cells surgically

Most scientists really do not know what causes cellulite. They have studied fat metabolism and deposition and had many and varied findings. Most areas of fat deposits are the result of two factors
the number of fat cells - adipocytes
the amount of fat inside the adipocytes
Current evidence suggests that the original number of fat cells in any area of the body is controlled by one's original genetic make up. There are no factors or substances that increase the number of cells in a body region but rather they do not multiply unless the other fat cells get filled to capacity.
Occasionally there are reports that cellulite fat has more proteoglycans that lead to more water retention or that there are more or less receptors for various physiologic hormones or proteins, but it does not appear that these are the causative factors. Cellulite fat will respond to calorie restriction just as any other fat cell, but it is the stored fat that goes away; the cell is still present and can refill if calorie excess resumes. That is why most treatments of cellulite are directed at removal of the cells surgically.

What a study says

Dimpling of the skin of the buttocks and thighs, especially in women, is known as cellulite. Many people have heard stories about the existence of two types of fat - brown and white - in which the brown is the type in cellulite, but medical studies have failed to confirm that there are any different types of adipose tissue. One study, Rosenbaum M, Prieto V, Hellmer J, Boschmann M, Krueger J, Leibel RL, Ship AG :An exploratory investigation of the morphology and biochemistry of cellulite. Plast Reconstr Surg 1998 Jun;101(7):1934-9 looked at both the anatomical structure of cellulite as well as its physiologic function.
Ultrasound examination of the thigh showed a diffuse pattern of extrusion of underlying fat (adipose) tissue into the reticular dermis in individuals with cellulite, but not not in unaffected, individuals. Studies also demonstrated that women had a generalized pattern of irregular and discontinuous connective tissue immediately below the skin (dermis), but this same layer of connective tissue was smooth and continuous in men. They also found no significant differences in they way the fat tissue looked under the microscope, how it responded to fat deposition and resorption, or even regional blood flow between affected and unaffected sites within individuals. They did find there were structural characteristics of connective tissue below the skin that predispose women to develop the irregular extrusion of adipose tissue into the dermis, which characterizes cellulite. In other words, cellulite represents areas of a "break in the fence" where fat cells come into the skin area and the dimpling represents where the support structure of the skin (the original "fence") is still intact.

Look at the evidence

Frederick R. Jelovsek MD
Very frequently, women (and men) make requests to doctors to prescribe a medication or treatment that will smooth out the contours of the body - eliminate cellulite. It presents a problem for the doctors who are not dermatologists, plastic surgeons or obesity experts because they are somewhat removed from the latest concepts regarding adipose tissue distribution and problems. Medical literature is fairly thin on this subject while the lay literature describes numerous questionable treatments that promise to rid the body of irregular appearing fat deposits. It is apparent that this topic - cellulite - has not been studied by medical science very much. It is perhaps time to look at what evidence does exist is on this subject.

New cellulite treatments

By Dr. Philip S. Czekaj, WOAI.com Skin & Beauty Expert
Cellulite is the end result of a process which begins when the fat cell clusters located in the hypodermis become enlarged. As fat cells enlarge, they gradually apply pressure on the circulatory system causing the connective tissue to contract which pulls the skin down. The result of this push/pull effect is what leads to cellulite.

Acoustic Wave Therapy
Getting rid of cellulite just got easier with the help of Acoustic Wave Therapy. AWT eliminates the use of needles which in turn will not cause pain or bruising. This new technology from Switzerland uses pressure waves that pass through the skin and fat to impact the fibrous septae. The pressure breaks up the collagen of the septae and releases the skin resulting in much smoother skin. This revolutionary cellulite procedure consists of 6 treatments over a 3 week span with amazing results.

Endermology
Endermology is a specialized technique developed in France for the treatment in cellulite. This procedure is performed with a negative pressure message which kneads tissue in order to improve blood flow. For optimal results procedures should occur 2/3 times a week for up to 10 weeks.

Lipo-Dissolve
Lipo-dissolve involves injecting a natural enzyme, Phosphatidylcholine, into deeper areas of reserved fat. This treatment is a safe, non-surgical alternative to Liposuction.
MesotherapyMesotherapy involves small amounts of medication and homeopathic agents immediately beneath the surface of the skin to break down cellulite. This treatment stimulates the circulation in the mesoderm, which in turn breaks down the cellulite.

Tumescent Liposuction - Will it get rid of Cellulite?

Cellulite is a condition that gives the skin a rippled, dimpled appearance. Tumescent Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite.

BOOST your circulation!

Exercise is extremely important in aiding proper circulation. It firms muscles and the tissue surrounding the muscles.
Massage not only pampers, it also assists in fighting and preventing cellulite. Massage helps restore the body's natural tendencies by manipulating the muscles, and stimulating the circulatory and lymphatic systems that break down fatty tissue. Massage targets areas that are difficult to stimulate with good old exercise (such as the inner knee and upper thigh areas). Try simply massaging each leg in circular movements, kneading the flesh as you go, for a couple of minutes each day to break down fat and get rid of toxins.
Skin brushing using a massage brush or glove for a couple of minutes boosts circulation. Start at the feet, brushing the skin in an upward movement. Doing this daily before your shower helps revitalize and improve the skin's appearance.
Tension not only stresses the muscles, it also causes the connective tissue that covers the muscles to seize up. Tension blocks the tissue, preventing good waste elimination. Relaxation and breathing help the body relax and work properly. Proper breathing eases tension, oxygenates the body and helps with purification. -ivillage.com

Do cellulite creams really work?

Cellulite creams, such as those containing alpha hydroxy acids, help reduce and prevent the appearance of cellulite by improving the elasticity of the skin. They claim to do everything from strengthening to renewing and softening. In conjunction with increased circulation and a change of diet and lifestyle, some of these products do reduce the appearance of cellulite by strengthening the network of connective tissue. Keep in mind that once you stop using these creams, the skin returns to its original state since you haven't permanently altered the skin's natural properties.

Did you know that there are different kinds of cellulite?

Hard, or solid, cellulite usually occurs in women who are active (such as dancers or runners). Hard cellulite is difficult to get rid of because it doesn't lift from the body easily. It's also harder to see because it attaches directly to the muscle.
Soft cellulite is not as concentrated as hard cellulite and is much more visible. It occurs in large areas and, because it doesn't attach so strongly to the muscle, it's looser, often sagging from the body. The result is often poor muscle tone. Even though it's easier to spot, it's also easier to remove.
To test for cellulite, lightly pinch or press an area of tissue between your thumb and finger (or in a larger area, between the palms of your two hands). Normal fat appears fairly smooth, but cellulite will reveal dimples or ripples -- like the skin of an orange. Cellulite tissue is also more sensitive and can feel cold to the touch. It might appear whiter than the rest of your skin.

Quick overview of cellulite- according to Wikipedia

Cellulite describes dimpling of skin, caused by the protrusion of subcutaneous fat into the dermis creating an undulating dermal-subcutaneous fat junction adipose tissue. The term cellulite originated in France more than 150 years ago and began appearing in English language publications in the late 1960s, the earliest reference in Vogue magazine, "Like a swift migrating fish the word cellulite has suddenly crossed the Atlantic.
Descriptive names for cellulite include orange peel syndrome, cottage cheese skin, the mattress phenomenon, and hail damage. Synonyms include: adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis and gynoid lipodystrophy. It is unrelated to cellulitis, which is infection of the skin and its underlying connective tissue.
Between 85% and 98% of post-pubescent females display some degree of cellulite. There appears to be a hormonal component to its presentation. It is rarely seen in males. It is seen more commonly in males with androgen-deficient states such as Klinefelter's syndrome, hypogonadism, post-castration states and in those patients receiving estrogen therapy for prostate cancer. The cellulite becomes more severe as the androgen deficiency worsens in these males. Cellulite is not related to being overweight; average and underweight people also get cellulite.
While harmless, the dimpled appearance is a cause of concern for some people. The cosmetics industry claims to offer many remedies. There are no supplements that have been approved as effective for reducing cellulite. Cosmetic laser manufacturers, such as Syneron, claim success after a few applications of their products. Other cosmetic procedures such as Mesotherapy, Endermologie, & laser treatments have produced inconclusive results. While each has been FDA approved to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, long term results are unknown. Liposuction, which extracts fat from under the skin, is not effective for cellulite reduction. Dieting does not get rid of the dimpled appearance, but a balanced diet and exercise may help.
Cellulite has been found to be indistinguishable from ordinary fat in every medical and scientific test. It is not proven whether any cosmetic lotion, massager or pills can reduce/increase cellulite versus ordinary fat. The only known way to reduce the appearance of cellulite is to reduce overall body fat by altering diet or exercise, although it may remain visible even on very slim women.
There is no scientifically proven cause for cellulite yet.Many think salt intake may have something to do with it but has never been proven. Some theories point to stress, and diet as potential causes, or at least aggravators. Some theories present rather outrageous claims for cellulite too. There is at least one case where it was pointed out that improper nutrition causes waste materials to accumulate, clog up and turn into fats. Claims like these are physiologically impossible because waste materials like carbon dioxide, urea etc. cannot turn into fat.

Why not check it out?

Some women find diet supplements helpful in controlling cellulite. "I'm on
the Herbalife program right now and I have noticed a big difference in the way
my skin is," says iVillage Beauty member juliajewel.
"It is much softer feeling and the texture is a lot smoother, too." Hear what
other women are saying about cellulite by visiting our Cellulite and Hair
Removal message board.

source-ivillage.com

Wanna know what causes cellulite?

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO CELLULITE
Heredity, but unlike the strength of your nails or the color and texture of your hair, you can do a lot to fight cellulite.
Insufficient water intake. Water helps the waste system operate, flushing toxins from your body. Drink seven glasses of water a day.

Diet. Poor eating habits (alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods) contribute to the formation of cellulite because the toxins they produce get trapped in the fatty tissue. And despite what you've heard, crash diets don't work to fight cellulite. In fact, crash diets increase the risk of cellulite because the body thinks it's starving and by attempting to compensate, it assists in cellulite formation. All saturated fats help build cellulite. These fats block the arteries and get trapped in the tissue as well, preventing sufficient waste and toxin elimination.
Smoking is not only bad for the skin and lungs, it also weakens the skin due to the constriction of capillaries. It further damages the connective tissue that causes the dimpling effect of cellulite, too.
Tension and stress can cause a muscle to seize up in pain; they can also cause the connective tissue that covers that muscle to seize up. Tension also blocks the tissue, preventing proper waste elimination and purification.
Medication can disturb the body's natural processes, disturbing the purification system that is naturally in place. Diet pills, sleeping pills and diuretics can all lead to cellulite; oral contraceptives, which increase the body's estrogen, cause fat cells to enlarge, leading to water retention. Retaining water inhibits the body from flushing the system of toxins, leading to the formation of cellulite.
Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the formation of cellulite. Exercise decreases many health risks and also helps fight cellulite. It improves muscle tone, circulation and overall well-being, helping to break blocked tissue and purify the body.

Who gets orange peel?

It's primarily women who are the victims of cellulite. It begins to appear in girls around the age of 14 and increases as we mature and the subcutaneous skin layer thins and redistributes. Cellulite often forms in postnatal women and those who take birth control pills because the waste system can't get rid of the enormous flow of estrogen in the body. Cellulite can develop after a traumatic injury if the circulatory system has been disturbed. A sedentary lifestyle leads to a hardening of the connective tissue, causing a dimpling of the skin.
Men rarely develop cellulite because their network of fat cells occurs deep in the skin. If you were to look at a map of the female body from the inside out, you would see that the cells are smooth in shape and nearly reach the surface of the skin, causing a dimpling effect. Men's cells are shaped more sharply and reside deeper in the skin, rarely poking through to cause the ripples we associate with cellulite.

Quick Endermologie Information

The Endermologie machine, developed in France over a decade ago to reduce
scarring, has been found to have a measurable effect in fighting cellulite. It
uses rollers and gentle suctioning to deeply massage affected areas, increasing
the circulation by 200 percent (manual massage increases the circulation by 60
percent). Toxins and abnormal water buildup are expelled as connective fibers
are stretched.
Expectto wear a body stocking as a technician runs the suctioning rollers -- like a
human vacuum -- over your body, concentrating on affected areas. Sessions
usually run a half hour; a series of treatments is usually required to see
visible results. Asingle session can cost up to $125.
-ivillage.com

Get ready for summer!

The key to preventing and fighting cellulite is to purify the body with a combination of exercise, a healthy diet, tension reduction and proper circulation.
A detoxifying diet is a great way to start fighting cellulite. This means lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. It also means eliminating coffee, soda, smoking and alcohol from your life. A low-fat diet, high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, is important because these foods are easiest for the body to break down, use and get rid of. Sugar, starch, salt, spices and animal fats are harder for the body to eliminate. A low-fat diet reduces toxins and assists in getting rid of the toxins trapped in the tissue. Drink plenty of water -- up to two liters a day -- to assist your body in getting rid of unwanted toxins and waste.

Exercise is extremely important in aiding proper circulation. It firms muscles and the tissue surrounding the muscles.
Massage not only pampers, it also assists in fighting and preventing cellulite. Massage helps restore the body's natural tendencies by manipulating the muscles, and stimulating the circulatory and lymphatic systems that break down fatty tissue. Massage targets areas that are difficult to stimulate with good old exercise (such as the inner knee and upper thigh areas). Try simply massaging each leg in circular movements, kneading the flesh as you go, for a couple of minutes each day to break down fat and get rid of toxins.
Skin brushing using a massage brush or glove for a couple of minutes boosts circulation. Start at the feet, brushing the skin in an upward movement. Doing this daily before your shower helps revitalize and improve the skin's appearance.
Tension not only stresses the muscles, it also causes the connective tissue that covers the muscles to seize up. Tension blocks the tissue, preventing good waste elimination. Relaxation and breathing help the body relax and work properly. Proper breathing eases tension, oxygenates the body and helps with purification.
source- ivillage.com

A test done on ccellulite soliutions- interesting results!

Nine out of ten women have cellulite, and nearly as many want to get rid of it.
Willing to try just about anything, it seems, we pummel it, suction it, cream it
and occasionally even exercise it. Recently, more and more of us have been
taking supplements, hoping they'll do the trick.
But does anything really
help? To find out, we spoke to nutritionists, doctors, trainers -- and even the
former longtime makeup artist on Baywatch. Along the way, we came up with the
best up-to-the-minute plan for getting a slinkier silhouette by summer.

These are their results:

Yves Saint Laurent Absolus Contours Body Slimming Creme-Gel
Cost: $45 for 6.8 ounces; at department and specialty storesClaim: "From
the first week you will begin to see improvement in skin's texture and
elasticity. With continued use ... your body seems resculpted."Panelists with
Positive Results: 0 Quotable: "It was really greasy. And though it did
moisturize, it took several minutes to absorb."

Biotherm Celluli-Zone
Cost: $45 for 6.7 ounces; (888) BIOTHERMClaim: "This gel cream works
instantly and over time to smooth skin's surface and minimize the appearance of
unsightly, dimpled skin. With continued use you'll see significant results on
targeted problem areas."Panelists with Positive Results: 1Quotable: The tester
lost two centimeters on her thigh, but her cellulite looked the same. "Not
enough change to be scientifically significant," said Dr. Bank.

Guinot Contouring Complex
Cost: $36 for 6.7 ounces; (800) 444-6621Claim: "Right from the first few
days the silhouette looks more slender, more svelte. After fifteen days of use,
unsightly bulges have progressively diminished."Panelists with Positive Results:
0Quotable: "It felt nice going on, but had no effect."

Dior Svelte Perfec
Cost: $45 for 6.7 ounces; at fine department storesClaim: "Visible results
begin to occur after the first week ... within a short period of time, the
silhouette looks sleek. The appearance of cellulite is lessened."Panelists with
Positive Results: 1Quotable: "The skin seemed smoother," one tester said. Dr.
Bank was skeptical: "The improvement was slight. Less salt or more exercise
could have done it."

source- Goodhousekeeping magazine

Reduce the appearance of cellulite

While there's no magic cure to get rid of cellulite, you can reduce its appearance. That smooshed skin effect is caused by fat cells trapped between layers of connective tissue, making for a rippled result, according to Robert Ersek, an Austin-based plastic surgeon.
You can deal with the dimples on the cheap with a daily dose of firming cream, which contains ingredients like caffeine and seaweed that are said to tighten and moisturize the skin. Try Nivea Body Skin Firming Moisturizer, $8.99.
Results start to appear within one month. For an immediate firmness fake-out, use a tinted self-tanner (the dimples aren't as obvious on tan skin). Try Lancome Flash Bronzer Instant Colour Self-Tanning Leg Gel, $28.50.
But if you've got time and money to spend, check out Endermologie -- an FDA-approved machine-assisted massage technique designed to sleeken cellulite. It's said to break down the fat cells so that if and when they rebuild, they do so in a smoother fashion, explains Dr. Ersek. Dimples can be reduced after a minimum of 14 sessions (about $100 a pop) over a three-month period. But you'll need monthly sessions thereafter to maintain results. To find out more, call LPG USA Endermologie Inc. at 800-222-3911.

What to do about cellulite..

This common problem, which is usually seen on the back of the legs, thighs and buttocks, has been difficult to treat. It has been observed that those people using a body lotion containing DMAE show improvement in appearance after only a few applications, with more dramatic benefits accruing with time. Also make sure to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
We always have to keep in mind that the skin reflects our internal state of health and nutrition. Therefore to achieve maximum therapeutic benefits to skin diseases or aging we must follow the anti-inflammatory diet and take selected anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements in addition to using topical antioxidant, anti-inflammatory skin treatments.

Smoothing Lumpy Thighs

I'm embarrassed to be naked in front of my new guy because of my lumpy thighs. Do body-firming lotions work?

Yes, skin-toning solutions can reduce the puckered appearance of cellulite, but to see real results, you need to use the lotions every morning and night for six to eight weeks. Clarins Total Body Lift, $57, uses three plant extracts ‑- uncaria tomentosa, geranium and agrimony ‑- to inhibit the storage of fat in the treated area and help eliminate it from your system. Neutrogena Anti-Cellulite Treatment Retinol Formula, $18.99, contains retinol, which stimulates cell renewal to help skin appear firmer and more even. These products provide short-term cosmetic results, but once you stop using them, your skin will start to slacken again. Exercise combined with a balanced diet is still the only recipe for a permanently firm body.
source-ivillage.com

The Truth About Cellulite & How to Treat It

by: Johnny Lavot
Have you been cursed with those lumpy, cottage cheese like areas of fat on your thighs, hips, buttocks, and other parts of your body? There's a good chance; 85% of women are already afflicted with these same cellulite woes. The term "cellulite" is not a common term around the medical community - it was actually first created in European spas. Then, in the early 1970's a man by the name of Nicole Ronsard published the book Cellulite: Those Lumps, Bumps, and Bulges You Couldn't Lose Before. The term "cellulite" then spread throughout America.
If you're like most women, you are probably wondering what causes cellulite and how you can get rid of it. Well, there are several factors that contribute to the cause of cellulite. Some of these factors are age, genetics, your body fat percentage, your level of hydration, and possibly whether or not you smoke or ingest caffeine.
One of the most prominent and widely accepted causes of cellulite has to due with how the skin is constructed and how the fat around it is situated. In the skin, there are tough strands of fibrous tissue that connect the skin to the rest of the body called the "septa". The septa anchors at certain points - similar to a net. This net of fibrous - the septa - tissue exists above the layer of fat in your body. However, sometimes fat makes its way through the holes in this net of fibrous tissue and therefore plumps the fat outward. This plumping of fat causes the "cottage cheese" resemblance of cellulite. Many times, even if a woman has a very low body fat percentage, if the skin around that area is pinched, then some cellulite can still remain visible; however, most women probably only care about cellulite when it is only visible without pinching.
Other reasons/theories exist as to the cause of cellulite, but the actual cause is probably a combination of more than one thing. Carole Walderman, aesthetician and president of Von Lee International School of Aesthetics, in Baltimore, states, "Cellulite is a combination of fat globules, waste matter, and water imprisoned in connective tissue." Another theory is that the makeup of the strands of fibrous tissue in men and women are different - for instance, a man's net of fibrous tissue forms a net that is perpendicular, where as a woman's net of fibrous tissue is formed by X's. Also, the fibrous tissue may be tighter in women, which would cause a much more pronounced plumping effect in women in comparison to men.
Treatments for Cellulite
Just Lose the Fat
Since an excessive body fat percentage is probably the most prominent reason for the cause of cellulite, the best, most permanent, and most effective course of action is to simply lose fat. Obviously, there are many options in this area due to the fact that there are hundreds of diet programs, pills, supplements, etc. A very effective and recommended (by the author of this article) program to accomplish this is entitled "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle," by Tom Venuto.
Mechanical Massage
Another popular, and somewhat pricey, treatment for cellulite is called endermology, or mechanical massage. In this treatment, layers of cellulite are rolled between rollers and sucked on with a vacuum with low pressures to "stretch" the septa. The appearance of cellulite is supposed to become smoother - similar to if you were to roll cottage cheese between two rollers. Obviously, the cottage cheese would no longer be as lumpy. There are many studies going on to determine the effectiveness of these treatments, but their effectiveness remains questioned.
Water
This is a simple treatment. Drink more water. Carole Walderman, mentioned above in this article, states, "I have found that a lot of people who have cellulite don't drink enough water." Even if water doesn't reduce your appearance of cellulite, it does too many other important things to be passed up anyway.
Topical Treatments
In the world of health and fitness, there are many marketers trying to take advantage of consumers who are ready to spend anything to treat their problems. Many times, products like these will make vague claims like "improve circulation", "reduce the appear of cellulite", or "stimulate the release of fat". These claims sound scientific to the unknowledgeable consumer; I mean, what is bad about improving circulation? 90% of the time these marketers will exaggerate claims from poorly designed studies, claim that a certain ingredient does something special, but rarely to what degree they accomplish it. Another common generalization of these products is to "stimulate the release of fat". There may be one or two studies that verify this, but even if these products accomplish this, the effect of them is extremely minimal compared to what intelligent dieting and exercise can do.
Then again, there is a possibility that some of the ingredients in topical creams may benefit in reducing cellulite. However, many times there are several ingredients mixed into one cream. This makes it extremely hard to find out which ingredient is actually producing results. If you decide to go this route (please incorporate diet and exercise too), then ask your dermatologist before purchasing anything.
Nicotine and Caffeine
Another theory that holds investigation is the use of caffeine and nicotine. You can help aid in your fight against cellulite by halting the use of these, since they constrict blood vessels. This theory may need more investigation.
All in all, cellulite is a tough foe. There are several treatments for it; many of them are a waste of money or have a very minimal effect. The most effective way to reduce cellulite is to treat it at the root of its cause - where fat makes it way through the net of fibrous tissue that makes up your skin to cause several small pits or domes. The best way to accomplish this is through intelligent dieting and exercise.

Connection between estrogen and cellulite

The Estrogen Connection
Estrogen has a direct effect on the metabolism of our skin and hair, changes in body composition and alterations of subcutaneous fat distribution throughout our life. Essentially, higher levels of estrogen circulating in a woman's body drives fat into the fat cells below the skin (in the subcutaneous layer of the skin). This causes subcutaneous fat cells to enlarge and squeeze off blood flow through the affected area. In turn, the increased pressure on blood and lymph vessels forces fluids out of the vessels into the surrounding tissue space. This produces a mild swelling and triggers a thickening of the connective tissue. As a result, fat and fiber accumulate where they should not, creating the unsightly "orange -peel" effect.
Research shows that the use of birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy accelerate the development of cellulite due to the high levels of additional estrogen in these pills.

Reduce stress, avoid cellulite

Tips for Reducing Stress (and therefore possibly cellulite)

+ Deep breathing several times a day.
+ Getting eight hours of sleep a night.
+ Saying "no" when you have a lot on your plate already.
+ Sharing household chores.
+ Smiling and purging negative thoughts.
+ Getting help when dealing with grief.
+ Living life to the fullest.
+ Believing in yourself.
+ Loving your friends and family by practicing forgiveness.

Stress can cause cellulite

Stress can cause cellulite - Seminar host Dr. Delia Simu
It's not uncommon to hear that many people connect cellulite with excess bodyweight.
This is not necessarily true. In fact, you don't have to be heavy to have cellulite. While diet and lifestyle factors can contribute to cellulite formation, a large portion of cellulite is comprised of toxins and fats that build up in the body, affecting women of any size, weight and body structure.
According to the American Skincare and Cellulite Expert Association over 90% of women over the age of 20 have cellulite1. Women are the primary victims of cellulite because they secrete higher levels of estrogen than men. Estrogen drives fat into the fat cells below the skin, which in turn sets off a chain of events that produces cellulite.
"In order to understand how stress contributes to cellulite we must first understand what happens to us when we are stressed," says women's health expert Dr. Delia Simu. "When we are stressed the hormone Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands in response to physical, psychological or environmental stress. This newly secreted cortisol causes an elevation of estrogen in the body. As mentioned earlier, these higher levels of circulating estrogen drive fat into the fat cells within the subcutaneous layer of the skin, setting off a reaction that creates the undesirable 'orange peel' texture of the skin, in the affected areas."
A report by Statistics Canada in 2004 suggested that women are more likely than men to report stress and they react to a wider range of stressors. "Not only are women more stressed but this is causative to the development of cellulite," says Simu. "Especially when you consider that women naturally have more cellulite then men because a women's fat layer is organized differently. Most men store smaller amounts of fat deep under the skin where as women store an abundance of fat in the uppermost layer of the skin. Men can get cellulite, but it is not as common as in women. If they do have cellulite, it is usually found in the belly region."
source-citizen.on.ca

Cellulite Diet Tips

By following a detox diet you may reduce the appearance of cellulite.

To detoxify your body, you need to follow a general good-health regimen - avoid fatty and junk foods, get plenty of exercise - and, massage the areas you want to keep cellulite free.
Follow these rules for a cellulite diet (to detoxify your body):

Cut down on the amount of fat you eat. Grill rather than frying foods, cut off visible fat from meat. Always look out for a low-fat alternative.
Drink at least 2 litres of pure water every day. Water cleanses your system and flushes toxins from body cells.
Eat at least 5 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day.
Stay away from alcohol as much as possible as it adversely affects your liver - your body's main de-toxifier.
Avoid sugary snacks between meals. You may eat a piece of fruit, raw vegetables or rice cakes instead.
Drink a glass of hot water containing the huice of a fresh lemon when you get up in the morning. It is a wonderful way to detoxify your body.
Change from caffeine-laden tea and coffee to herbal teas and decaffeinated coffee. Sip pure fruit juices rather than fizzy drinks.
Make sure your diet includes enough fiber.

Home Remedy for Cellulite

Make your own natural cellulite cream in your home
Try this aromatherapy recipe. Add two drops each of rosemary and fennel essential oils to three teaspoons of carrier oil, such as almond oil. Massage this mixture daily thoroughly into the affected areas.Another home remedy for cellulite is to follow a detox diet - a healthy low-fat, high fibre diet containing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Home Remedies for Cellulite!

To reduce cellulite, you may follow the below listed home and natural remedies:

Use a soft body brush on damp or dry skin, brushing in long sweeping movements over the afflicted area, and working in the direction of the heart.

Use a massage glove or rough sisal mitt in the same way as above.

Always massage a cellulite cream thoroughly with your fingertips. It makes them double effective. Remember, the massaging action is more important than the cellulite cream.

For those dimppled areas, take caffinatted coffee, grind it into dust & mix with cheap hand lotion, rub this into your problem spots for 60 second a day,then shower it off & watch those cellulite areas become smoother & firmer!