Orange skin is a well-known enemy to beauty. Cellulite can feel like a true disaster for your skin, but don’t have to underestimate the fact that cellulite affects your health as well.
What is cellulite and why is it popular as orange skin?
Cellulite is not only associated with unattractive looks: it is a disease of the connective tissue. Skin cellulite refers to the accumulation of waste products, water and fat in the cells that are part of the hypodermic tissue. The fat cells which form here begin to retain fat, toxins, and other waste, increasing in size many times. When cells grow, they start pressing against the blood and lymph vessels, making the blood circulation more difficult. With time, the fat tissue hardens. When you squeeze the skin between your fingers, it looks like an orange peel. That’s why skin affected by cellulite is often called orange skin.
Is overweight the only factor for the development of cellulite?
Cellulite is not simply a weight-related issue but a skin problem that has only partially to do with overweight. Cellulite fat is quite different from the fat we accumulate when gaining weight. Fat from extra pounds is found deeper under the skin, with the body burning it when you lose weight. Unlike that, cellulite fat cannot be burnt and is stored in the form of fat cells under the skin. It is not surprising, then, that more than 70 percent of women (as well as some men) suffer from varying degrees of fat cells’ accumulation. Even the skin of sportsmen, models, dancers, and thin women with healthy eating habits can form fat cells, turning into orange skin.
Why is cellulite (orange skin) affecting mostly women?
Women get the orange skin much more often than men. This is due to the different ways in which women and men accumulate fat, together with differences in muscle and connective tissue. In women, the processes of fat accumulation are regulated by the female sex hormone estrogen. This fact can explain why cellulite affects mainly women (the level of estrogen is many times lower in the male body). Women are genetically “programmed” to give birth and during puberty, they begin to accumulate fat in the lower part of their bodies – as a depot of calories necessary for the baby’s survival. For this reason, all women — even the skinniest ones – are predisposed to having calorie reserves which prepare them for the period of pregnancy. At the same time, there is a difference between women and men in the structure of the connective tissue which holds fat under the skin. The connective tissue in women is uneven and disconnected at certain points while this tissue is even and uninterrupted in men. With fat accumulating under the skin in women, it can be pushed toward the surface because of the uneven nature of the connective tissue. The structure of the tissue allows it to extend during pregnancy and contract with childbirth.
Reasons for the occurrence of cellulite and first symptoms
In moat cases, the first signs of skin cellulite may be spotted around the age of 20 but recently, it tends to occur much earlier. The first symptom of cellulite is the longer healing period of wounds and bruises. Small swellings and bloatiness may be observed in some cases. Orange skin comes as a result of changes in the structure of connective tissue, which becomes lined. Accumulated fat cells become bloated and may increase their volume up to 60 times. They may make blood and lymph circulation more difficult. The connective tissue gets deformed and a form of dimples surfaces on the skin. The more fat tissue accumulates under the skin, the more ‘orange’ the skin appears.
Factors influencing the appearance of cellulite may be separated in two categories:
Endogenic factors for the formation of cellulite:
- change in the hormonal levels, especially in the first years following puberty and during pregnancy;
- disruptions of the normal functioning of the kidneys, thyroid gland, and liver;
- disruption of blood circulation and metabolism; Misbalances in blood and lymph circulation in “problem” areas are at the same time a reason and a result of cellulite. The accumulated fat cells press the surrounding tissues and blood vessels, making the flow of blood and lymph difficult. This condition affects metabolism in the fat cells which leads to even greater accumulation of fat;
- flat-foot;
- genes – the occurance of cellulite is determined by our genes to a great extent. The signs indicating who will have it are visible almost right after birth. Our genes determine the structure of the hypodermic tissue and the rate of metabolism at the cellular level.
- age – with age, the skin gets thinner, and cellulite becomes more visible;
Exogenic factors for the appearance of cellulite:
- poor dietary habits – overeating and irregular or unbalanced diet result in the excessive accumulation of fat;
- intake of liquids not enough – it is best to drink at least 2.5 liters of water per day;
- the intake of some medications, including oral contraceptives;
- inactive lifestyle;
- rapid changes in weight (known as the yo-yo effect – weigh loss is repeatedly followed by weight gain). Rapid weight loss or gain prompts the accumulation of fat in the areas where cellulite appears.
- habits – mostly cigarettes and alcohol. Nicotine increases the secretion of specific enzymes that decompose the collagen fibers. This process is responsible for the formation of orange skin.
- clothes that fit too tightly – tight and small size clothes press the blood vessels and disrupt the normal circulation of blood;
- pollution;
- excessive exposure to sun decreases the elasticity of skin and contributes to the formation of ‘orange skin’;
- overweight;
- constant stress – stressful events prompt the release of cortisol (the cortisone of the body) which leads to the retention of fluids in the body.
The battle against orange skin has to be fought on multiple fronts. So, it is important to be familiar with the multiple ways to fight the condition