If you hear the terms “orange peel” or “cottage cheese” skin, people are referring to cellulite. Cellulite is a fairly common cosmetic concern. It is harmless, but its appearance often impacts people’s self-esteem and confidence.
Cellulite primarily appears as dimpled, lumpy skin on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms. Beyond the dimpled appearance, cellulite is also often a concern of frustration for many, mainly because it impacts the skin laxity as well.
Understanding cellulite, why it forms, and the various treatment options available can help manage and reduce its appearance effectively. This guide from AKARA by AAYNA, one of the best weight loss clinic in Delhi, will highlight everything you need to know.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a structural change in the subcutaneous tissue, the layer of fat beneath the skin. The condition, which is characterised by the dimpling on the skin, usually occurs when the fat cells push up against the connective tissue, causing the skin to appear dimpled or puckered.
Essentially, the fibrous connective cords that tether the skin to the underlying muscle pull down unevenly, creating pockets of fat that bulge upwards. This results in the characteristic lumpy, dimpled appearance.
Unlike the fat, cellulite formation on the skin isn’t directly related to weight. This means that thinking that only “overweight or obese individuals have cellulite formation” is a common misconception. Even thin individuals can develop cellulite, highlighting its complex nature.
The stages or types of cellulite formation include:
| Stages | What it entails? |
| Grade 1 (Mild) | Slight skin dimpling is visible only when the skin is pinched. |
| Grade 2 (Moderate) | Dimples appear while standing but disappear when lying down. |
| Grade 3 (Severe) | Dimples are visible at all times, even when at rest. |
Where Does Cellulite Commonly Occur on the Body?
Moving on to a query that most individuals have regarding cellulite and its visible appearance on the skin, “Where does it most commonly occur?”
Cellulite is found in areas where fat deposits are stored and where the skin is thinner, including:
- Thighs – The thighs happen to be the body part that’s usually more affected by cellulite formation because they naturally store more fat than other body parts.
- Buttocks – Since the hips and buttocks tend to have a high fat content and how fat deposits are structured beneath the skin; the cellulite usually tends to be more visible around that part.
- Abdomen – Often triggered by weight fluctuations or hormonal changes, cellulite deposition is also quite visible around the abdomen.
- Arms – Although less common, cellulite can appear on the arms, especially in individuals with excess body fat or reduced muscle tone.
- Hips – Cellulite is quite common around the hips, not just the buttocks, making this an area where cellulite develops.
Being aware of the different parts of the body where cellulite develops enables you to recognize the symptoms and consider treatments or lifestyle changes, if necessary.
What are the Causes of Cellulite?
Numerous factors contribute to cellulite formation, ranging from lifestyle changes to genetic factors.
A few of the common triggers include:
1. Hormonal Changes
Surprisingly, contrary to popular belief, weight fluctuations aren’t the biggest cause behind cellulite deposition on the skin. Instead, hormonal changes tend to be. Common hormones like estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, and thyroid hormones are responsible for cellulite development. Among all our body’s hormones, estrogen is usually the most common hormone that contributes to fat storage and circulation, usually causing cellulite formation.
2. Genetics
Besides hormones, even your genetics also contribute to the development of cellulite in your body. Your genetic factors determine how your fat is distributed in your body, how your connective tissues are structured, and how well your body metabolises fats. So, if your family has cellulite, you are also more likely to develop the condition.
3. Poor Circulation
The blood circulation rate in your body also contributes to the degree of cellulite formation. If you have some kind of heart condition or have poor circulation, it can lead to fluid retention and reduced collagen production, enhancing the chances of cellulite formation and making them more visible on the skin too. Poor circulation also prevents the body from flushing out the toxins that might accumulate in the fat cells.
4. Diet and Nutrition
What kind of food and diet you are following also contributes to cellulite formation. For example, consuming a food that are highly processed or have a high quantity of, sugar, etc., can contribute to excess weight and fat deposition and inflammation in the body, which also impacts the skin laxity. Furthermore, if your diet consists of excess salt and water, that can also cause fluid retention, worsening cellulite.
5. Sedentary Lifestyle
If you aren’t active in your day-to-day life, spending the day slugging around the house, it will not only lead to significant spike in weight but weaken the muscles and reduces skin firmness, making the cellulite more visible. Instead of leading an inactive lifestyle day after day, consider indulging in strength training and cardio exercises. It will improve circulation, muscle tone, and skin elasticity.
6. Stress Levels
Chronic stress and heightened cortisol levels in the body is another common factor contributing to cellulite development. Persistently high levels of cortisol contribute to weight gain, poor circulation and breaks down the collagen, affecting skin laxity and making the cellulite more prominent on the skin.
During your consultation with our specialists at AKARA by AAYNA, the first step is to assess what’s triggering the cellulite formation before we discuss about the treatments.
Which Are Some Effective Treatments for Cellulite?
While cellulite is difficult to eliminate completely, various treatments can help reduce its appearance. These treatments include making lifestyle changes or considering advanced cosmetic procedures.
1.Consuming a healthy diet and prioritising hydration
Your diet heavily influences the potential of cellulite formation in the body, which explains why being mindful of your eating habits is extremely important. Consider eating a nutrient-rich diet with all the necessary macros like fibre, protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, etc. Doing so will help you maintain a healthy weight, maintain skin elasticity, and reduce inflammation in the body. Not just food, even hydration plays a similar role in keeping your well-being in check.
2. Massage and dry brushing
Massaging cellulite-prone areas improves blood circulation in the body as well as lymphatic drainage, breaking down the unwarranted fat deposits. Not just that, even dry brushing on your skin, especially around the areas where cellulite is more visible can stimulate circulation and improve skin texture, breaking down the fats underneath the skin and promoting circulation.
3. Cosmetic treatments at AKARA by AAYNA
Beyond lifestyle modifications, there are numerous cosmetic treatments and technologies available, which have profound benefits in reversing the cellulite formation and leaving you with firm and toned skin texture.
Some of the treatments available at AKARA are:
AKARA Cellulite Removal Treatment – Using a combination of acoustic waves, cavitation and pressotherapy, our cellulite removal treatment breaks down the fibrous fat bands underneath the skin, evening out the skin tone and texture and preventing unnecessary dimpling that’s visible on the skin. The treatment is quite effective and by the 6th session, you will experience release of up to 70% of localised fat and getting rid of the “orange peel” effect by 99%.
AKARA Slim and Tone – Using monopolar radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy, AKARA Slim and Tone is most exclusive and revolutionary treatment for cellulite removal. Not only does it eliminate cellulite, the treatment also promotes the stubborn fat removal. The treatment proactively tones and smoothens the skin and also stimulates collagen production, preventing further deposition of cellulite.
4. Topical Treatments and Creams
Certain cellulite creams containing caffeine, retinol, or collagen-boosting ingredients may temporarily tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. While they are not a permanent solution, they can provide short-term improvements. While some of these ointments are available over the counter, most of these creams require prescriptions, for which you should consider consulting the best dermatologist in Delhi.
The best cellulite treatment depends on the severity of cellulite, skin type, and personal preferences. The best way to tailor the right treatment for yourself is to consult a specialist at AKARA, get a rundown of all the complications, and get a personalised treatment plan.
How to Maintain Long-Term Results after Cellulite Treatment?
If you have recently undergone treatments for cellulite and want to maintain the results in the long-term, making the following lifestyle shifts can help:
- Eat a diet focused around different fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Stay hydrated to keep your skin firm.
- Engage in regular exercise, focusing on strength training and cardiovascular activities.
- Eliminate ill habits like smoking and excessive alcohol, as they can weaken skin elasticity.
- Get adequate sleep to support skin regeneration.
Take the Next Step Toward Smoother Skin with AKARA!
Cellulite is a prevalent and natural condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it may not be entirely preventable, being aware of the potential risk factors and implementing effective treatments can significantly reduce its appearance.
If you want to firm and tone your skin and get rid of cellulite for good, AKARA by AAYNA is where you will get all the answers. Our specialists offer expert solutions to cellulite and other fat loss goals, enabling you to embrace radiant, cellulite-free skin.
Contact us today to schedule your personalised consultation at AKARA by AAYNA today!
