Most women are lucky if they escape the onset of cellulite at some point in their lives. This is because their fat stores are arranged in large chambers underneath a fairly thin layer of skin. These chambers are separated by columns of collagen fibres in a grid fashion. As women age, the fibres shrink and thicken, pulling the skin downward. This results in a quilt-like appearance on the skin surface, especially in the areas around the buttocks, thighs or hips. During the latter stages of pregnancy, hormonal changes cause collage to break down in preparation for childbirth, and this can also set the stage for the formation of cellulite. Therefore, women can develop cellulite as they age, regardless of their size, age or race.
Men are less likely to suffer with cellulite, as they have thicker skin and the chambers are smaller and more tightly held together.
Many scientists believe cellulite, like obesity, is mostly pre-determined by our genes. So what can you do to delay the process and reduce the problem?
- Control your Weight. Following a low fat, high fibre diet will help to decrease fat accumulation.
- Ageing. As women age, skin sags and wrinkles and the body requires less energy, so increasing fat accumulation. Hydrating the body by drinking plenty of water and regularly exfoliating and moisturising the skin will keep skin toned and delay the ageing process.
- Lack of Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle will cause poor blood circulation and poor muscle tone under the skin. Working out for at least thirty minutes, three or more times a week, firms up the skin by increasing muscle tone and keeping connective tissue fibres healthy.
- Beware of High Fat and Sugar Consumption. Both lead to increase body fat and thus, cellulite. Eating a low fat, low sugar, high fibre diet with emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains will combat this problem and assist with weight loss.
- Avoid High Processed Foods that contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and other additives. Heavy consumption of pre-packaged food causes build-up of toxins in the body. You also need to moderate your caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Yo-Yo dieting. This causes a woman to lose fat in the upper body while increasing fat deposits in the buttocks, thighs and hips. Make small sensible changes to your diet.
- Sun Exposure. Prolonged exposure to the sun accelerates the skin ageing process.
- Smoking. This causes poor blood circulation and contributes to premature ageing of the skin and increases toxins in the body.
Find out more about our Smooth and Tone Anti-Cellulite Treatment in September here
If you would like further advice on exercise, nutrition and anti-cellulite treatments, please call us on 01778 423923