10 myths and truths about cellulite

10 myths and truths about cellulite


Dermatologists explain attitudes and methods that may or may not help fight the famous holes in the skin

Gynoid lipodystrophy, popularly known as cellulite, is a famous and recurring problem among women. “Cellulite is an inflammation of the adipose tissue, in which the adipose cells undergo a process of alteration, presenting excess fat inside and deformity of its wall. These irregularities end up protruding on the surface, leading to the formation of a series of ripples. on the skin “, explains dermatologist Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.





10 myths and truths about cellulite

The doctor also points out that the decrease in collagen fibers can aggravate the problem. “Fat tissue is flabby and requires fibrotic (collagen) septa to support it. When this collagen isn’t enough, cellulite develops,” says Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff. The problem is much more common in women due to the hormone estrogen, which is directly involved in this inflammatory process, but bad habits are also involved, so experts usually say that the cause is multifactorial.

Therefore, dermatologists Abdo Salomão Jr, Paola Pomerantzeff and cosmetology specialist Cláudia Merlo point out the myths and truths about the appearance and worsening of cellulite. Watch!

1. Is cellulite a genetic condition?

Truth. The genetic factor is considered one of the main causes of cellulite. As explained by Dr. Cláudia Merlo, specialist in Cosmetology at the BWS Institute, the recent study published by the ‘Revista de Dermatologia Cosmetica’ (JCD) showed that anatomically there are differences that justify the higher incidence of cellulite in women.

“The skin is composed of two layers of fat (superficial and deep), separated by the superficial fascia. In men, there are more lobes of subcutaneous fat and more fibrous bands, more fibrous connections between the superficial fascia and the dermis than there is sex female, in this way more force is needed to break the fibrous connections and it is precisely for this reason that they suffer less from the formation of cellulite “, explains the doctor.

Two. Don’t thin people have cellulite?

Myth. According to the doctor. Cláudia Merlo, when we look at a thin woman, we do not perform a body composition assessment, so she may have high percentage of fat and consequent cellulite. “We do not know the lifestyle habits of this thin woman and, moreover, the consumption of inflammatory foods that she ingests”, explains the specialist. The problem also increases with age, due to the loss of collagen and all the fibrous structures that make up the skin.

3. Does being overweight make cellulite worse?

Truth. According to Dr. Abdo Salomão Jr., basically, female hormones predispose fat in the regions of the hips and thighs, and where there is a greater accumulation of fat, there is a greater chance of cellulite. “The fat compresses the veins and lymphatic channels, causing swelling at the site. Then, the region, with little circulation, makes the cellulite even worse. From there, a vicious circle arises which, if not treated correctly, can last forever” , He explains.

4. Does cellulite appear only after the age of 25?

Myth. Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff explains that she could show up at any time. “It usually happens later pubertywhen estrogen levels rise, however, it can appear at other times if there is a sedentary lifestyle and / or localized fat gain, “says the doctor.




The sugar and sodium in soft drinks affect circulation and increase fat cells

5. Does soda make cellulite worse?

Truth. Soft drinks contain a high concentration of sugar and sodium. “Sugar increases localized fat and sodium increases fluid retention, worsening local circulation. Not only drinks, but all foods rich in sugar and fat can aggravate cellulite, as they increase fat cells,” explains Dr. . Paola.

According to the doctor. Cláudia Merlo, another of the main ones “bad habits” related to the development and worsening of cellulite are: inflammatory diet (with consumption of foods with a high glycemic index), sedentary lifestyle, obesity and low water consumption.

6. Does smoking contribute to the appearance of cellulite?

Truth. According to Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, smoking affects the functions of the body and therefore can influence the development of cellulite. “The toxic substances of cigarettes affect various functions of the body, worsening oxygenation and skin microcirculation, which reduces the production of collagen and promotes the accumulation of localized fat,” says the dermatologist.

7. Does drinking water help fight cellulite?

It depends. As explained by Dr. Cláudia Merlo, increasing water intake helps eliminate toxins from the body, which influence for a good quality of the skin. “The ideal is to drink at least 2 liters of water a day,” says Dr. Paola.

But this is not the only solution to the problem, Dr. Cláudia Merlo stresses that lifestyle change must also be adopted. “Diet, exercise and lymphatic drainage are highly recommended for the treatment of cellulite,” she says.

8. Do tight clothes cause cellulite?

It depends. Dr. Paola explains that the wearing tight-fitting clothes it does not cause cellulite, but it can worsen existing cellulite as it worsens lymphatic and blood circulation. “This causes fluid retention and worsens local microcirculation. If you are trying to get rid of cellulite, give preference to more comfortable clothes,” says the doctor.

“Compression stockings can help as long as they are guided by vascular specialists, as there are numerous compression characteristics of the stocking, so use is individualized,” completes Dr. Claudia Merlo.

9. Do topical creams help cure cellulite?

Myth. According to the doctor. Claudia Merlo, the creams in cosmetics for cellulite they are not able to cure them. “[Os cremes] it cannot reach deep layers, where the fat, the lymphatic system and the fibrous bundles are found, which are structures linked to the cause of cellulite “, he stresses.

However, according to Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, products that contain active ingredients such as caffeine, cafeisilane c, ginkgo biloba and green tea can help. “These creams should be applied daily to areas of the body affected by cellulite through rigorous massage. But improvement in the skin’s appearance is expected with in-office treatments,” says the doctor.

10. Are the results of the anti-cellulite treatments definitive?

Myth. Dr. Cláudia Merlo points out that, in terms of results, an improvement in the skin structure and the reduction of skin protuberances. “This result is not definitive, because cellulite has multifactorial causes, so new ones can arise in the course of life,” he says.

By Guilherme Zanette

Source: Terra

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