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.