Dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus shares his top 10 facts about cellulite to help you banish the dreaded orange peel in time for the summer. 1: Did you know there are different types of cellulite? ‘Adipose cellulite is the firm cellulite, orange peel effect on loose skin,’ says Haus. ‘Oedematous cellulite is fluid retention, soft cellulite often on loose skin. And fibrotic cellulite is hard, compact cellulite with orange peel effect.’ 2: According to Haus, there are also four different grades of cellulite: Grade 1. No visible cellulite, even when the skin is pinched. Grade 2. No visible cellulite when lying down or standing. An orange peel texture can be seen when the skin is pinched. Grade 3. Cellulite is visible when standing, but may disappear when lying down. Grade 4. Visible cellulite when standing and lying down. 3: According to Haus, 95 per cent of women have a type of cellulite somewhere on their body. ‘Even skinny people get cellulite,’ he says. ‘And cellulite is often hereditary, so it’s likely your family members will be suffering from the same problem.’ 4: ‘Cellulite forms in areas with the least circulation so it means that without activity, it’s very hard to budge,’ he says. ‘Everyday energising movements and skin warming exercises will have you saying goodbye to dimpled skin if you are consistent with it.’ Haus recommends running, swimming and a brisk walking. ‘These are the best form of exercises for increasing blood circulation and loosening the fat tissues from those hard to budge areas.’ 5: Following exercise, your metabolism and your blood circulation are stimulated. Haus says that by applying cellulite products after exercise they will absorbed better. ‘This will help to activate the cellulite fighting ingredients,’ he adds. 6: Haus says when buying cellulite products, look for the following ingredients: ‘Centella asiatica is the key ingredient in cellulite creams,’ he says. ‘This restores the macromolecules that give the skin its elastic quality. Ginkgo Biloba is a powerful antioxidant that effectively oxidises fat cells that are present below the skin’s surface and helps to increase blood circulation by strengthening the veins, which helps to rid the body of cellulite. And methyl nicotinate promotes the decongestion of tissues, reducing the amount of retained liquid. It also stimulates the drainage of liquids and toxins.’ 7: Unfortunately there are many factors that influence the on-set of cellulite, but Haus says some of these include: ‘Dieting too hard or too much (less is more ladies), hormonal factors (estrogen is said to be one of the most important hormones to initiate and aggravate cellulite), and changes in metabolism.’ 8: If you’re not already body brushing on a regular basis then you should be. Haus says a massage and good scrubs support circulation. ‘Daily body brushing, stroking in the direction towards your heart, or a strong-handed massage on the thighs will increase fat dispersion if done on a regular basis,’ he says. 9: According to Haus, cellulite is a big fan of females with inactive careers. ‘If you’re desk bound in your job then your day will consist of little action,’ he says. ‘Take breaks, make tea and walk and talk rather than emailing. All of these small simple steps remind your rear it needs to keep in shape.’ 10: To help prevent cellulite, Haus suggests trying to cut down on the following: ‘Refined and processed foods and artificial foods that contain sweeteners, additives and chemicals,’ he says. ‘Plus dairy and high fat products, sugar and high sugar products are all thought to contribute to the dreaded orange peel.’ Source
