Stages of cellulite – how to recognize and treat all stages of “orange peel” development?

Of the many imperfections in the figure, cellulite is one of the most discussed and pressing problems of our time. Most women are familiar with this “enemy of a beautiful body”, and some were unlucky enough to encounter it as early as adolescence. Let's find out what stages of cellulite exist and what treatment is indicated for each of them.

Hormonal cellulite – myth or reality?

Estrogen is present in the body of any person, but women have much more of it than men. He is responsible for the following processes:

• hair growth in the genital area, armpits;
• enlarged uterus;
• development of mammary glands;
• formation of an acidic environment in the vagina;
• distribution of fatty tissue in the hips, chest and buttocks (this gives a rounded shape to the figure, making it more feminine).

When estrogen levels change, mood swings are observed, libido decreases, the menstrual cycle is disrupted, acne appears, and most importantly, body weight increases. Therefore, when there is an excess of this hormone, a woman begins to suffer from obesity, which certainly becomes accompanied by cellulite.

Under the influence of excessive amounts of estrogen, adverse changes occur in the structure of adipose tissue:

• the removal of fluid from fat cells is reduced;
• the process of removing toxins is disrupted;
• burning of fat deposits slows down.

All this in a short time “clogs” the fatty tissues with waste from the body’s vital activity, as a result of which they begin to expand. The cells swell under the pressure of toxins and fluids from the inside, turning into small balls that protrude from under the skin. This leads to the fact that the surface of the body becomes like an orange peel.

How to determine the stages of cellulite?

Due to the fact that pathological changes in cellulite develop in stages, gradually progressing, several stages of the defect are distinguished, each of which has its own distinctive manifestations and treatment recommendations. It is possible to determine the signs of the stage of cellulite with the naked eye, for which you can conduct a small test: with the thumb and forefinger of one hand, squeeze an area of ​​skin measuring 5-10 cm across the muscle fibers and observe how the appearance of the skin changes, whether irregularities appear on it.

Cellulite – stage 1

At the initial, first stage of cellulite, when an area of ​​skin is compressed, an “orange peel” is already visible on its surface, although it is hardly noticeable and is not usually detected. The skin tissue is smooth, but there is a slight swelling associated with stagnation of blood and lymph. In addition, cellulite, the first stage, is characterized by a weakening of the regenerative abilities of tissues, which is why hematomas and damage to the integrity of the skin take longer to heal.

Cellulite – stage 2

The second stage of cellulite is diagnosed when the unevenness and bumpiness of the skin relief appears without compressing it into a fold, and with muscle tension this is more clearly visible. The skin looks more flabby, has lost its elasticity and healthy color, is swollen, and the subcutaneous fat tissue is denser when palpated. Already at this stage of cellulite, the affected areas of the body begin to lose sensitivity.

Stage 3 cellulite

This stage is called “loose” cellulite and is characterized by significant roughening of the skin, distinct lumpiness, and reduced elasticity. The third stage of cellulite is the stage of progression of the pathology, in which the adipose tissue is severely damaged, blood circulation and lymphatic drainage are impaired, and nerve endings are pinched. Characterized by severe tissue swelling, spontaneous formation of hematomas, the skin feels dry and cold. When palpated under the skin, dense nodes formed by sclerotic connective tissue are felt.

Stage 4 cellulite

Advanced cellulite, the last stage of which is a serious lesion, is characterized by large-scale changes in the skin and muscle tissue. The skin is bluish or pale, resembles a sponge, dotted with tubercles, pits, swellings, and a large venous network is clearly visible on it. Blood circulation is completely disrupted, muscles undergo atrophy. When pressing on the skin, pain occurs. Changes in skin texture are clearly visible even through a layer of tight clothing.

The connection between contraceptives and cellulite

Oral contraceptives (OCs) consist of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone, which are synthetic analogues of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Scientists have long proven the fact that changes in the functioning of the ovaries in the fair sex are fraught with the appearance of cellulite. This is explained by the fact that the components of contraceptive drugs disrupt the production of female hormones, and this in turn reduces the sensitivity of adipose tissue to estrogen and progesterone.

All oral contraceptives are divided into several categories:

• single-phase (the concentration of synthetic hormones in the drug does not change during the entire time of its administration);
• multiphase (the amount of synthetic hormones in the drug is adjusted in accordance with the menstrual cycle, imitating natural changes in hormone levels).

Depending on the amount of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone contained in the hormonal drug, all OCs are divided into three groups:

• microdosed (Jess Plus, Logest, Novinet);
• low-dose (Tri-Mercy, Yarina Plus, Miniziston);
• high-dose (Ovidon, Triquilar).

If an oral contraceptive is selected incorrectly, a woman begins to experience severe hormonal changes, which leads to rapid weight gain and the appearance of cellulite.

Interesting moment!

To protect yourself from obesity and the appearance of loose skin, you need to take a blood test for biochemistry. Based on the diagnostic results, the gynecologist will select suitable hormonal drugs that will not cause harm to health.

Effect of hormones

The metabolic processes occurring in the body depend almost entirely on internal secretion. Cellulite and hormones are directly related: it is the hormonal balance that ensures the normal breakdown of fats. The functioning of the hormonal system depends on a number of elements, and the lack of at least one of them causes health problems.

Self-restore hormone balance

Restoring hormonal levels consists of several parts:

• weight loss;
• correction of hormone levels with medications;
• treatment with traditional methods;
• lifestyle change.

To return your body to normal, as well as get rid of hormonal imbalance, you will first need to take care of your body. To do this, you need to follow a diet that includes only healthy foods. In addition to proper nutrition, you should take time to exercise. With their help, you can tighten relaxed muscles in problem areas and make sagging skin elastic.

Proper nutrition and normalization of estrogen levels

There is a list of foods that restore the level of female hormones and promote normal estrogen production. These include:

• low-fat fermented milk products;
• greens (spinach, parsley);
• green pea;
• chicken meat;
• plant foods rich in vitamin E.

At the same time, you should exclude beer, coffee, black tea and sweets from your diet. You will also need to limit your salt intake, as it retains water in fat cells and leads to the formation of cellulite.

Drug treatment

To restore estrogen levels, doctors prescribe medications to women such as:

• Femara;
• Armidex;
• Aromasin;
• Faslodex.

The selection of the right tablets should correspond to the individual characteristics of the body and be based on a biochemical blood test

Traditional medicine

Due to the fact that OC drugs increase the level of female hormones in the body, after stopping their use it is necessary to reduce the amount of estrogen. Decoctions of various phytoestrogenic herbs can help with this:

• maca (a herbaceous plant from Peru, not to be confused with the common poppy);
• Abraham tree
• sage;
• liquorice root;
• Red clover;
• alfalfa.

Treatment

Getting rid of cellulite is difficult, but it is possible. This requires an integrated approach. A diet without special anti-cellulite cosmetics, LPG massage without muscle training - none of these measures on their own will do anything. But if you simultaneously conduct a targeted fight on all fronts, any cellulite will disappear without a trace, and if certain conditions are met, it will never appear again.

Complex of anti-cellulite measures

1. Proper nutrition (no fatty, fried, sweet, floury foods - eat in small portions, but often) will help normalize weight, metabolism, and rid the body of toxins.
2. Even a minimal load on the muscles of problem areas activates blood circulation around cellulite cells, causing them to release accumulated fat.
3. Manual massage (or LPG therapy) will help “break up” accumulations of affected cells.
4. Anti-cellulite cosmetics improve microcirculation, make the skin denser and more elastic, and cellulite tubercles less noticeable. To ensure that the beneficial substances reach their destination – the subcutaneous fat – anti-cellulite cosmetics are recommended to be combined with body wraps.

Ozone therapy, mesotherapy, and thalassotherapy will also help get rid of cellulite, but courses of these procedures will inevitably have to be repeated every six months to a year.

Before you begin cellulite treatment, be sure to consult with a specialist. Since the range of causes of cellulite is extremely wide, treatment is usually quite individual, and conventional remedies may not only have no effect, but may worsen the overall situation.

There are now a great variety of individual methods for treating cellulite. Quite common and effective methods are mesotherapy and cellulipolysis. Mesotherapy in general, by the way, is a fairly common method of skin rejuvenation - not only in the case of cellulite. Good results are achieved by anti-cellulite massage in combination with the use of anti-cellulite creams and pressotherapy. Some clinics may even offer you something as exotic as cellulite treatment using hirudotherapy.

Cellulite and hormones: preventive measures

To prevent the appearance of cellulite in the future and protect yourself from hormonal imbalance, you will need to follow a number of recommendations:

• you need to visit an endocrinologist once a year and take a general blood test;
• due to the fact that cellulite very often appears from birth control pills, it is advisable to stop taking them and use barrier methods of contraception, such as an intrauterine device or female condoms;
• you should take vitamin-mineral complexes or eat more plant foods;
• you need to exercise regularly;
• you need to forget about alcohol and cigarettes.

Interesting moment!

If any symptoms of hormonal imbalance appear (obesity, cellulite formation, changes in the menstrual cycle, etc.), you must immediately visit a doctor! Delay in this case is fraught with exacerbation of diseases of the endocrine system.

Why does this happen?

Among the many factors that are direct or indirect causes of lipid metabolism disorders and, consequently, the development of cellulite, the main ones can be confidently identified:

• hormonal imbalance, primarily ovarian dysfunction, accompanied by an increase in estrogen levels in the blood;
• thyroid diseases and other endocrine disorders;
• disorders of protein metabolism, in particular a decrease in the level of albumin protein in the blood;
• hereditary factor;
• violation of proper diet;
• physical inactivity, i.e. sedentary life;
• chronic stress;
• chronic fatigue, etc.

Cosmetic procedures

Doctors recommend choosing those remedies that will combat the problem as much as possible. Also important is not only the correct choice of cosmetics, but also their use and method of application. Lotions should be rubbed into the skin in the morning after taking a bath or shower. After a bath, the pores expand, so lotions or balms will be absorbed into the skin faster.

Be sure to read: The most popular and effective scrubs for stretch marks

It is also recommended to use hot and cold water (alternately) on problem areas of the body. After this procedure, you can use anti-cellulite creams, as they are absorbed faster.

Doctors recommend using creams and balms based on retinol, as it affects subcutaneous blood circulation, helps tonify and smooth the skin, moisturizes it and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Cosmetic products should also contain caffeine; it helps speed up metabolism and fat absorption.

What foods have negative calories?

Cranberry. Many people call this product a diuretic, since with frequent consumption, excess water is removed from the body, dehydration is prevented during the heat, and all the necessary vitamins are supplied. Cranberry juices that can be drunk on an ongoing basis, but without added sugar, will be effective.

Blackberries and blueberries. The calorie content of these berries is very low. They will not harm your figure even if you eat a whole kilogram. Grapefruit. Few people like this fruit; they prefer oranges. The reason for this is the bitter taste. Did you know that the peel gives such a taste? Eat grapefruit pulp and feel true pleasure from the sweetness of the taste, and the energy composition of the product activates the metabolic process.

Lemon. It is the sour taste that prevents the deposition of fats where it is not required. Lemons not only help improve digestion and improve immunity, but also trigger a rapid weight loss process. It is foods with negative calorie content that become excellent dinner substitutes during a diet. Experts advise wisely alternating ingredients so that dishes do not become boring and are enjoyable and beneficial.

Causes

The causes of its appearance include diseases that affect metabolic processes and the condition of blood vessels. Its development is also provoked by external factors. Causes of water cellulite:

• impaired functionality of blood vessels;
• hormonal imbalance;
• alcohol and smoking abuse;
• lack of protein in the body;
• genetic predisposition;
• failure of metabolic processes;
• age-related changes;
• active growth of fat cells;
• consumption of large amounts of salt, sugar, fatty and smoked foods;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• wearing high-heeled shoes;
• diseases of the spine;
• pathologies of the excretory organs;
• non-compliance with drinking regime;
• bad ecology;
• taking hormonal drugs.

The presence of several factors increases the risk of disease. The likelihood of its occurrence increases in older and older age, in the presence of chronic diseases, and “sedentary” work.

What is edematous cellulite

Let's start by figuring out what cellulite is. After all, the well-known “orange peel” is only one of the stages of cellulite.

Cellulite is a skin disease that, in its initial stage (edematous), can manifest itself as a feeling of heaviness in the lower legs, feet and ankles. May also affect the abdomen (especially in men), thighs and arms .

In order to detect cellulite, it is enough to conduct a physical examination of the affected areas (thighs, buttocks, abdomen), where the so-called “orange peel” effect will be visible.

Ways to combat cellulite at home

To facilitate treatment or get rid of edematous cellulite yourself, you can use home methods. The most effective are:

• Taking anti-cellulite baths.
• Wrap.
• Massage.

An integrated approach will speed up the process of getting rid of the “orange peel”. Drug treatment can also help quickly deal with a cosmetic defect, however, you should take pills only after consulting a doctor.

Baths

Warm water can increase blood circulation and enrich the skin with nutrients. The temperature should not exceed 38 ⁰C. To prepare a bath, you can use herbal infusions. Recipes:

1. Ginseng. Pour boiling water over 3 cups of fresh herbs and leave to steep for 20 minutes. Strain the broth and dilute in warm water along with sea salt.
2. Herbs. Prepare a decoction of herbal tea: lavender, sage, ivy, rosemary and oregano. Take a bath with herbs for no longer than 20 minutes.
3. Linden. Pour boiling water over the flowers and let sit for 40 minutes. Dilute the strained broth in water. The bath should be taken every other day.

You should know!

It is most effective to start wrapping or massage after taking a bath.

Wraps

Wraps are carried out to cleanse the skin, giving it softness and elasticity. To do this, apply special products to the steamed skin and wrap it in cling film or cotton cloth. The procedure lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour. There are two types of wrapping:

1. Hot. For the procedure, preparations with red pepper or mustard extract are used. Due to them, blood circulation improves and lymphatic movement is stimulated.
2. Cold. Special muds used for cold wraps remove unnecessary waste and toxins from the body.

What is an alkaline diet

From low-sodium nutrition, we move on to analyzing foods that are suitable for an alkaline diet and have a low glycemic index.

Let's start with whole grain cereals . In fact, the recommendation is very simple: cereals should be eaten in whole grain form. Dot. Therefore, you can safely eat whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, and whole grain rice. Spelled (whole grain), bulgur, and quinoa are suitable and can be added to a variety of salads.

When it comes to baked goods , I urge you to be careful, because often products marketed as whole grain contain only 30% whole wheat flour, and the rest is fine flour. Therefore, read the labels of crackers and crackers. They should contain only whole grain flour.

And now I’ll hit you hard: you should remove rice cakes . Stop gnawing on this foam in full confidence that it is useful. Someone should have told you about this. Rice cakes are not whole grains, and in general they are puffed cereals, not even alkaline.

The same goes for boiled potatoes , but especially corn , which many people like to add to summer salads. A salad with canned tuna, corn, olives and white bread or breadsticks as a snack will have disastrous cellulite consequences.

Likewise, you should eliminate cornflakes , which have an extremely high glycemic index, from your diet.

For breakfast, eat a mixture of whole grain cereals or muesli without sugar, and even better, almonds, which alkalize the body and are rich in protein, or walnuts.

Eliminate sugar. Even reed. Opt for fructose, coconut sugar (delicious!) or stevia (all low glycemic index).

Avoid strong alcoholic drinks. You can allow yourself no more than two glasses of wine per day (preferably red wine or champagne).

You can eat fruits, with the exception of figs, persimmons, grapes, bananas and dates, which have an extremely high glycemic index.

Eat avocado, which fashion bloggers recommend, add it to your salad instead of corn.

No aged cheeses.

You can eat yogurt (natural), to which you add fructose or stevia and dried fruits.

Drink water with lemon immediately after waking up: it helps cleanse the urinary tract, and is also excellent for alkalizing the body and even helps a lazy intestine.