What is the best way to get rid of stretch marks caused by cellulite?
Many people worry when they discover wrinkles and stretch marks from cellulite on their skin. They carefully consider which clothes to wear to hide these imperfections. In this article, Romrawin Clinic will introduce you to cellulite, the culprit behind the "orange peel" skin, and recommend ways to eliminate cellulite on the thighs and other areas, both through natural methods and surgical procedures performed by specialist doctors.
What is cellulite? Why is it called 'orange peel skin'?
Cellulite is a type of skin where a large amount of fat is interspersed among collagen fibers, resulting in an uneven, rough, and cracked appearance similar to an orange peel. Many people therefore refer to cellulite skin as 'orange peel skin'.
Cellulite doesn't develop all over the body at once, but is most commonly found in areas with a high concentration of subcutaneous fat. Therefore, overweight individuals tend to have more cellulite than thinner people.
Cellulite is simply an unsightly skin characteristic, but it poses no health risk. If you have stretch marks from cellulite, there's no need to worry. However, if you are concerned about your appearance, you can choose from various methods to eliminate cellulite.
Understanding the structure of the skin and the mechanisms by which cellulite forms.
The structure of human skin can be divided into three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous fat layer. The subcutaneous fat layer, typically located at the bottom of the skin, consists of fat that provides warmth, stores energy, absorbs shock to protect internal organs, and produces certain hormones. Furthermore, the subcutaneous fat layer contains numerous blood vessels that serve as pathways for transporting nutrients and eliminating waste from the body.
However, when there is a large amount of subcutaneous fat that pushes against or attaches to collagen fiber tissue, it creates an uneven, wavy appearance on the skin's surface, leading to the condition known as orange peel skin or cellulite. The mechanisms of cellulite formation can be divided into two types:
- The mechanism of cellulite formation from weakened collagen: When collagen fibers weaken, fat can infiltrate and grow along them, causing the skin's surface to appear wavy and uneven.
- The mechanism of cellulite formation from poor circulation: When blood circulation is poor, such as when blood vessel walls lose their elasticity, waste products have the opportunity to accumulate in the fat instead. This causes the subcutaneous fat to enlarge and swell, resulting in the appearance of cellulite.
Cellulite is caused by a high concentration of connective tissue and fibers, making it more difficult to eliminate than regular fat reduction. This is why you often notice that even after weight loss, stretch marks from cellulite persist.
What are some of the causes and factors that contribute to cellulite?
If we know the causes and factors that contribute to cellulite, we have a better chance of avoiding and preventing it. Let's look at what causes cellulite.
- Overeating: Food is the source of energy for the body, but when we eat too much, we consume more energy than the body needs. This excess energy is then stored as fat and can potentially turn into cellulite.
- Eating unhygienic food: Even if we eat only until we are full, if the foods we choose are high in energy, especially those rich in fat, carbohydrates, and sugar, the body can still receive too much energy, which will then be stored as fat.
- Lack of exercise: Besides burning off the energy we get from food, exercise also stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. Lack of physical activity makes it difficult for the body to eliminate waste, leading to its accumulation as fat and the formation of cellulite.
- Incorrect ways to lose weight: When the body loses too much energy, it stores more energy in the form of fat to replace the lost energy. This is why cellulite appears even when weight is lost.
- Inappropriate behavior: Certain behaviors can contribute to cellulite development, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, insufficient water intake, standing for long periods, or wearing tight clothing.
- Hormones: Hormones are another factor that can easily contribute to cellulite because some hormones can cause the body to accumulate fat more easily and in greater quantities, such as estrogen, or the female sex hormone. This is why we find that women are more likely to accumulate fat and develop cellulite than men.
- Genetics: It's a common factor; if someone in your family has cellulite, you're more likely to have it too.
How many stages are there in cellulite?
Before cellulite develops into visible stretch marks, it must go through these four stages.
Phase 0
In the early stages, you may not easily notice stretch marks, but when you squeeze the skin in areas prone to fat accumulation, such as your thighs and upper arms, you may feel lumps and small fibrous lines.
Phase 1
In stage 1, there isn't much difference from stage 0, but when the skin is squeezed or touched, lumps and more pronounced stretch marks are visible than in stage 0.
Phase 2
In this second stage, you can clearly see cellulite without having to touch or squeeze the skin. Simply standing causes the skin to stretch automatically, and because cellulite-prone skin is less elastic, stretch marks become visible. However, the severity of the cellulite is not yet significant, and these marks are not visible when lying down.
Phase 3
This is the final stage of cellulite development. You can see orange peel-like stretch marks in all movements, and the resulting indentations are often deep. Stage 3 is very difficult to treat.
How many types of cellulite are there? What are the differences between them?
Cellulite can be divided into 5 types, as follows:
Hard Cellulite
Hard cellulite is a type of cellulite that is firm and appears as uneven, wavy ridges. When touched, it feels rough and hard, like an orange peel. It can occur in both overweight and underweight individuals. This type of cellulite is more difficult to treat than other types.
Soft Cellulite
Soft cellulite is the opposite of hard cellulite; it's softer to the touch but still shows uneven skin texture. It often occurs in individuals with excessive fat accumulation and a lack of exercise. Soft cellulite is commonly found in areas with high fat accumulation, such as the thighs, upper arms, buttocks, and abdomen.
Edematous Cellulite
Edematous cellulite is a type of cellulite caused by poor blood circulation. When pressed, the skin leaves an indentation that returns to its original shape slowly, and prolonged pressure may cause pain.
Flaccid Cellulite
Flaccid cellulite is a type of cellulite found in older individuals whose skin layers begin to deteriorate. Visually, flaccid cellulite appears as uneven, wavy skin, but to the touch, it feels like fluid, lumpy masses.
Mixed Cellulite
Mixed Cellulite refers to a condition where a person has all types of cellulite in one person, including hard cellulite, soft cellulite, edematous cellulite, and flaccid cellulite. It is commonly found in women who have given birth and those with unhealthy eating habits.
Where do cellulite typically occur?
As is well known, cellulite is an amount of fat interspersed among collagen fibers. Therefore, areas with cellulite are often areas with a high accumulation of fat. For example:
- abdomen
- forearm
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- haunch
- hip
- Under the chin, the nape of the neck, and the back of the head.
Cellulite on the skin isn't just for overweight people! Anyone can have it.
Anyone who thought that you had to be overweight to develop cellulite should reconsider, because cellulite can occur in people of normal weight as well. In particular, women are more than 9 out of 10 of whom experience cellulite problems.
This is because women's bodies naturally accumulate more subcutaneous fat than men's. Furthermore, women's connective tissue has a linear structure and is less strong than men's. This causes fat to be pushed up and infiltrate the upper tissue layers, resulting in uneven, wavy cellulite. Even thin people can still have cellulite.
Therefore, women are more likely to develop cellulite, especially if they don't control their diet, don't exercise, or have a family history of cellulite problems.
How to get rid of cellulite and restore smooth skin.
If you are concerned about cellulite, orange peel skin, and want to get rid of it, Romrawin Clinic recommends the following methods to reduce cellulite and achieve smoother skin:
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Although cellulite doesn't only affect overweight individuals, those who are overweight are more likely to develop it. Weight loss is therefore one way to reduce the chances of cellulite appearing on the skin. When losing weight, it should be done correctly, such as controlling your diet, reducing fat, carbohydrates, and sugar, and eating a balanced diet with all five food groups. Regularly incorporating cellulite-reducing exercises is also crucial.
RF machine
wave RF High-frequency radio waves are waves that can specifically target and break down subcutaneous fat while stimulating collagen contraction and rearrangement. This allows for the breakdown of fat and connective tissue, along with skin tightening. Although this technology primarily focuses on fat reduction, it can also be used to reduce cellulite.
Targeted fat reduction with cold therapy (Coolsculpting)
Coolsculpting This is another technology that can eliminate localized fat without injections, liposuction, or surgery. It works by sending cold waves to the fat layer, causing the fat to break down. The body then eliminates it through the excretory system, resulting in an immediate reduction in fat volume.
liposuction
liposuctionLiposuction is a procedure that can remove excess fat and instantly reduce body size. It involves inserting a device into the subcutaneous fat layer, breaking down the fat cells, and then suctioning the broken-down fat away from the body. While liposuction may not significantly eliminate cellulite (orange peel skin), it can significantly reduce the likelihood of its reappearance.
Surgery
Individuals with a large amount of cellulite that is fibrous may need cellulite surgery to remove the fibrous tissue, which can help reduce the pain caused by cellulite pulling on the skin.
Fat injection
Meso Fat or...Fat injection This is a fat-dissolving procedure using natural extracts injected into the subcutaneous fat layer to break down and reduce fat. It also stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, restoring firmness and smoothness to the skin. This procedure is suitable for individuals with localized fat accumulation and minimal cellulite.
Spa treatments and massages.
Cellulite reduction massage is a technique using manual massage or a device to break down cellulite, accelerating the burning of subcutaneous fat and improving blood circulation. However, it should be performed by a skilled professional, as improper technique can lead to injury.
Cellulite is okay to have, but it's better not to have it.
Although cellulite is primarily a cosmetic concern, many people still worry about it. If you want to reduce cellulite, you can apply the treatment methods recommended in this article. And for anyone struggling with cellulite and unsure how to treat it, you can consult with us at Romrawin Clinic. We have specialist doctors who can provide consultations on cellulite problems and recommend the most suitable procedures for you.