If you have cellulite, you’ll probably notice its lumpy, dimpled-looking appearance on your skin. It is scientifically referred to as gynoid lipodystrophy. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, cellulite can affect your self-confidence and how good you feel about your body. It is most predominant among adult women and appears on areas around the upper arms, lower belly, hips, buttocks and thighs.
Moreover, it is also prominent among folks who are overweight. Fortunately, the appearance of cellulite can be reduced thanks to methods such as anti-cellulite massages.
Causes of cellulite
Before we delve into the effectiveness of massages against cellulite, let’s explore several factors that contribute to the formation of cellulite to know more about it:
- Age
As you get older, so does your skin. Bands of connective tissues get weaker, which cuts down on the elasticity of your skin. This makes it possible for underlying fat deposits to push through layers of connective tissue onto the skin layer, thus resulting in cellulite to appear.
- Genetics
Genetic factors can have a significant influence on the distribution of fat cells beneath the skin. They also can be linked to one’s metabolism speed, circulatory levels, ethnicity and family history which affects the chance of cellulite developing.
- Hormones
Some experts believe that the hormone estrogen, which is largely found in the female body, is associated with the formation of fat cells. Other hormones like insulin are involved in fat build-up and storage, and this could be key in cellulite formation.
- Diet
Recent studies have linked cellulite to metabolic disorders, which are brought about by foods with high amounts of salt, preservatives and fat. Another thing to look out for in your diet is inflammatory foods, which can cause your fat cells to become enlarged, and retain fluids and toxins. This will worsen circulation and break down collagen, allowing the subcutaneous fat to bulge through. Therefore, what you eat has an impact on cellulite formation.
- Gender
The alignment of connective tissues in men and women is different. While they feature a criss-crossed pattern in men, the connective tissues in women are vertically arranged. This makes intersecting bands less effective at accommodating bulging fat cells. As such, women tend to have a higher likelihood of having cellulite compared to men.
- Lifestyle
A good number of lifestyle factors are associated with cellulite. Excess alcohol and lack of exercise are known to bring about inflammation and poor blood circulation. Likewise, they have an adverse effect in the formation and distribution of fat cells.
How does the anti-cellulite massage work?
Anti-cellulite massages have proven to be very worthwhile. Regardless of how cellulite develops on your body, they will work to get rid of cellulite while taking care of your health.
Here’s how:
- Elevates blood circulation
Proper blood flow and circulation are crucial for a healthy body. When circulation is poor and compromised, skin cells are not well nourished with oxygen and nutrients, and the body is unable to detoxify. Cellulite massages can activate the lymphatic circulation to improve blood flow. With proper circulation, your body can achieve a smoother, more radiant skin.
- Fat redistribution
Pressure is applied during these massages to the tendons, ligaments and tissues, which is believed to help break up fat deposits and redistribute fat evenly under the skin. This enables the reduction of cellulite appearance with a smoother skin complexion.
- Removal of toxins from your body
Toxins in the body affect how you can lose weight and are responsible for a decrease in your metabolism. They also contribute to fat storage as they are accumulated inside fat cells, thus encouraging the formation of cellulite. With anti-cellulite massages, they increase your circulation while helping your body to detoxify and remove impurities from the blood, thus improving your overall health.
It is beneficial to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and schedule time for physical fitness to improve your chances of reducing the appearance of cellulite. If you’re looking to also lose weight, cellulite massages and other effective slimming treatments can complement your weight loss journey.