Start the Fight Against Cellulite and Stretch Marks!

What is cellulite?

The well-known “orange peel” effect, which is visible in the form of the uneven skin and unsightly bumps, is professionally referred to as cellulite. In fact, we are dealing with distorted adipose tissue, that lies under the skin and causes adverse compression (pressure) on connective tissue. As a result, the accumulated fat begins to grow and over time it builds up in the form of lumps that are enlarged adipocytes (fat cells). It is also worth noting that adipose tissue in the form of cellulite is filled with numerous toxins that are not discharged from the body due to co-occurring microcirculation disorders.

How is cellulite formed and where does it occur?

It is difficult to point to one specific factor contributing to the development of cellulite. Impaired circulation results in difficulty removing residual subcutaneous water and secondary metabolites, which are accumulated in adipose tissue. Increasing its size along with irregular distribution and pressure on the surrounding connective tissue causes unsightly wrinkles reminiscent of the appearance of orange peel. Circulatory problems are one of the most common causes of cellulite.

However, there are many other, equally important reasons that can cause a lot of cellulite-related imperfections in the female body. Among them, we can list the following:

• low level of physical activity or total restriction of movement, to the necessary minimum, and a sedentary lifestyle;
• hormonal disorders - excessive oestrogen levels and progesterone deficiency;
• diet that is high in sugar, salt and processed products (e.g. containing preservatives);
• wearing overly tight clothes and high-heeled shoes causing circulation problems;
• smoking and excessive alcohol consumption;
• posture defects leading to blood circulation problems in the lower extremities.

Cellulite is most often accumulated in the area of the lower limbs - thighs, buttocks, hips and calves. Nevertheless, quite often it is also noticeable on the abdomen and arms. According to some specialists, this may be related for example to hormonal activity or individual genetic predispositions of the body.

Who can have problems with cellulite?

Virtually every woman, regardless of age or current body weight, can struggle with the problem of orange peel skin. Lifestyle, however, has a huge impact on the risk of its formation. Obese people, who eat unhealthily and avoid physical activity, show a much greater predisposition to the development of cellulite than others.

What are the ways to get rid of cellulite?

Fighting cellulite is a big challenge. Especially due to the fact that excessively accumulated fat is not the effect of a few days, but a few years. Therefore, specialists agree that counteracting cellulite should be multidirectional - the comprehensive interaction of various stimuli and methods can be effective in getting rid of fatty lumps and facilitate the removal of toxins from the body. Find out which methods will help fight stubborn cellulite and help you regain your ideal figure.

Start moving!

The introduction of physical activity will certainly prove valuable for stimulating circulation, improving the removal of toxins accumulated in adipocytes (e.g. along with sweat) and stimulation of the mechanisms contributing to the loss of accumulated fat. You can simply start with walks and training at home, and later start going to the gym and doing exercises focused on shaping specific parts of your body!

Change your eating habits

A healthy and balanced diet is in most cases a solution to many problems. In the case of cellulite, you should get rid of empty calories and junk food, and in their place introduce balanced products with a high fibre content. What’s more, it’s worth focusing on hydration - water is one of the best and safest ways to detoxify your body, and it helps regulate your body weight.

Take suitable dietary supplements

One could argue that supplementation is not necessary, but on the other hand, why not help your body fight cellulite? Dietary supplements supporting the loss of subcutaneous water (e.g. containing cranberry fruit extract or nettle leaf extract), vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy fats (Omega-3) and green tea will prove to be a good solution. The latter is particularly valuable because of the stimulation of the metabolism and the high content of various active ingredients (e.g. polyphenols, catechins, EGCG), which have antioxidant properties and may prove helpful in combatting oxygen free radicals.

Take care of your body

Daily skin care will definitely help blood supply to the skin and help reduce circulatory disorders. Body parts with stubborn cellulite should be treated with special cosmetics (e.g. body balms or gels), which in combination with an alternating shower temperature and a rough sponge will certainly help get rid of the problematic “orange peel” issue.

Comprehensive anti-cellulite treatments

Non-invasive aesthetic medicine will also help restore the body to its former glory. Regular lymph drainage sessions, shock wave therapy or Chinese cupping massage will help cleanse the body of excess fat deposits and stimulate the natural mechanisms for removing unnecessary waste products. What’s more, they will effectively stimulate nutrition processes and visually improve the appearance of the skin.

What are stretch marks and how do they form?

According to experts, a stretch mark is a scar occurring as a result of tearing collagen and elastin fibres. Both proteins are basic components of the connective tissue that makes up our skin, so a break in their structure causes visible imperfections in the form of spindly bands with a parallel course. How do stretch marks occur? In most cases, this is the effect of overly strong and rapid stretching of the skin, which far exceeds its capabilities for elasticity.

Causes of stretch marks

Stretch marks are a condition affecting all women, no matter how often they look after their own body. Specialists agree that they are largely a consequence of excessive weight changes, e.g. as a result of intensive weight loss or after pregnancy and giving birth. At the same time, they point out that this rule is not set in stone, and you can often see that women with larger body masses may not have stretch marks at all. What could be the reason for this?

The factors mentioned often include innate genetic conditions that can lead to a disruption in the natural mechanisms for the production and regeneration of skin fibres. As a result, collagen and elastin present a significantly greater susceptibility to damage and visibly limited elasticity.

Stretch marks can also be the result of the following factors:

• excessive drying of the skin and limited hydration, for instance due to poorly selected cosmetics, improper body care or simply skin conditions;
• mechanical factors, such as bodily injuries or excessive physical activity;
• hormonal problems, especially overly high cortisol levels - a stress hormone that reduces the strength of elastin and collagen proteins;
• improperly balanced or excessively restrictive diet, accompanied by deficiencies of vitamins (A, C, E, niacin), minerals and elements (zinc, silicon, magnesium, manganese or copper) and healthy fatty acids

Ways to fight bothersome stretch marks at home

Many women decide to visit beauty salons that offer many treatments to minimise the visibility of stretch marks and reduce the risk of recurrence. The use of mesotherapy, microdermabrasion or professional chemical peeling is effective, but also extremely expensive - a high price can be quite a barrier, and not everyone can afford such a large expense.

But don’t give up! There are many effective methods available for every budget, allowing you to deal with stretch marks and restore the proper appearance of your body. Thanks to carefully selected actions, we can fight troublesome and unsightly imperfections that can cause complexes and low self-esteem! See for yourself that it’s not difficult!

• Prepare your own body scrub - mix olive oil with lemon juice and coffee grounds. The mixture, as prepared in this way, should be spread and gently massaged into the area of the body with the stretch marks, preferably with the help of special washers or cosmetic gloves. After a few dozen minutes, rinse off the scrub.
• Ensure proper skin moisturisation, especially after exfoliation. For this purpose, you can use coconut oil or shea butter.
• Physical activity plays an important role, especially during pregnancy. Regular workouts will allow you to gradually increase the elasticity of your skin, improve its microcirculation and help reduce increased cortisol levels.
• Take care to follow a healthy and varied diet - go for products rich in the aforementioned vitamins and minerals (including vitamins A, C, biotin, niacin, zinc, silicon, magnesium, manganese, copper) that have a valuable effect on skin's functions (e.g. flexibility).
• Take supplements that will complement your daily diet, not only with the above-mentioned active ingredients, but also provide a range of other components, equally valuable for the skin, e.g. hyaluronic acid or hydrolysed collagen.

Don’t forget about proper hydration - consuming at least 2 litres of water a day will help you prevent dry skin, help remove accumulated toxins from the body and boost various regeneration processes.