Everyone I ask has a different theory about cellulite. Some say is genetic, while others argue it only depends on how healthy your diet and exercise regimens are. The truth is that all these factors affect your body’s reaction to cellulite but, unfortunately, this uncomfortable condition affects the majority of women and is considered “a disease of the connective tissue initiated by cyclic hormones of the menstrual cycle.”
Cellulite appears when collagen fibers that bind fat to the skin stretch and tear, allowing fat cells to expand. This condition might be worsened by factors such as: the stress hormone cortisol (very common nowadays), gender differences in fat storage (women can store more fat than men), metabolism in the top layer of fat, and the structure of connective tissue in these areas. In other words, depending on how our bodies react, cellulite can appearing in our thighs, hips, and buttocks as soon as our hormones start new processes.
The purpose of this “not so easy to understand” explanation is to make people realize that there are multiple causes of cellulite and that the solution to it needs to also be “multiple.” This means that if you have heard that topical caffeine, for example, is very good to fight cellulite, it needs to be accompanied with other ingredients to be able to see fast and noticeable changes in your skin, otherwise it can be a lost battle.
Here is a useful list of ingredients that can help fight cellulite:
- Topical Glycyrrhetinic Acid: targets fat storage in response to stress; derived from licorice root.
- Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): reduces swelling and inflammation, and improves circulation.
- Gotu kola (Centella Asiatica): stimulates collagen production to strengthen the support structure, reduce inflammation, and improve blood vessel tone.
- Topical Caffeine: has anti-inflammatory qualities and helps in drawing excess fluid from fat cells to improve the skin’s appearance.
Although these ingredients will be very helpful in cellulite reduction, is very important to remember that a healthy diet, increased water intake, and regular exercise are also key factors in controlling the appearance of cellulite in our bodies.
