Beautiful and toned legs are the dream of many people. For some, this becomes the most powerful motivation for joining the gym or giving up their favorite baked goods and fast food.
If the reflection in the mirror does not inspire admiration, you need to work with the cause of the discrepancy. It may be hard at first, but it only takes a little time and patience as your physical and mental state improves. What exactly to do, says fitness director of REBOOT sports studios Yulia Bespalova.
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What is cellulite
Cellulite is a local increase and accumulation of fat cells, with impaired microcirculation and blood circulation, overgrown connective tissue.
Due to a number of reasons, fat deposits begin to retain moisture. Swelling appears. It puts pressure on the connective tissue. In order to protect yourself from the constant effects of swelling, increased collagen production begins. The protein penetrates the fat in dense threads, trying to separate it, reducing the pressure. This is how characteristic tubercles, dimples and other irregularities appear on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and inner surface of the arms.
Why is fat deposited specifically on the thighs?
Let's remember physiology. The female body begins to store fat during puberty. The deposition of strategic fat reserves is facilitated by the production of the hormone estrogen. Once puberty ends, the need to replenish fat reserves disappears. But the body does not get rid of them, but prudently hides them. Thus, the accumulated fat is deposited in the so-called female fat depots: waist, hips, buttocks.
In places such as the inner and outer thighs, blood and lymph flow are disrupted. Therefore, it is safer for excess fat to be deposited there. And in order to get rid of the hated “ears”, you will have to resort to a whole series of complex measures. Only in this case the result will not take long to arrive.
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Causes of cellulite
The cosmetic defect in most cases affects women. One of the main causes of abnormal adipocyte deposition is an imbalance of estrogen (the female sex hormone). Dermatologists also name among the culprits for the appearance of cellulite on the legs:
- diseases of the thyroid gland and endocrine system;
- disruptions in protein and fat metabolism, albumin deficiency;
- hereditary predisposition;
- physical inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle provokes the appearance of excess weight and the accumulation of fat on the hips, legs and inner surface of the arms;
- stress _ Strong excitement is accompanied by a surge of adrenaline. The hormone affects all indicators in the body, including fat metabolism. Poor blood and lymph circulation. Because of this, the outflow of fluid is disrupted, and the end products of metabolism are not quickly eliminated from the body. Therefore, problems begin with the renewal of skin, subcutaneous tissue and adipose tissue;
- smoking . Nicotine significantly affects blood circulation. The vessels become thinner and do not drain fluid from the tissues in a timely manner. Also, tars and heavy metals that are present in tobacco absorb oxygen worse and take up carbon dioxide more slowly. All this negatively affects the condition of the skin;
- poor nutrition combined with physical inactivity . A sedentary lifestyle, eating foods with a lot of salt, fat and carbohydrates negatively affect the condition of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Stages of cellulite
Cellulite has 4 stages of development:
First. At first glance, it is difficult to notice the first signs of cellulite on the skin at this stage. Visually, the surface appears smooth and does not differ in color from neighboring areas. But sometimes there is slight swelling of the skin, slight swelling (most noticeable on the stomach).
Second. The veins begin to react to swelling, the pressure in the tissues increases, blood microcirculation is disrupted, and oxygen deficiency occurs. This causes the fat to become a dense mass. Collagen begins to form a network, a honeycomb. At the second stage, the characteristic “orange peel” already appears, the interstitial fluid ceases to be excreted by lymph flow.
Third. The swelling puts pressure on the veins. Problems arise not only in the prompt removal of metabolic end products, but also in the delivery of oxygen, proteins, and carbohydrates. Because of this, “tubercles” of fat are visible to the naked eye and collect in characteristic “honeycombs”. When the deposits are collected in a fold, an “orange peel” is visible. Areas with cellulite are colder than healthy skin.
Fourth. Fibrous cellulite. The problem is no longer only aesthetic, but also medical in nature. It will not be possible to restore lymph flow and tissue nutrition simply with massages or creams, and it will not be possible to disguise the “orange peel” with foundation. Cellulite is visible in any position of the body. The affected skin is cold, bluish in color, and decreased sensitivity. Fibrous cellulite at stage 4 can only be removed surgically (liposuction).
Cellulite treatment is effective in the initial stages. At 3-4, only a complex of cosmetic procedures will give results.
To independently determine whether you have cellulite, just look at the skin, grab a 5 cm wide area of skin and gather it into a fold. If tubercles appear, then this is the second stage. On the third, honeycombs and a collagen mesh are clearly visible. At the fourth stage, it is difficult to gather the skin into a fold. It is rough, cold, with a bluish tint; irregularities are visible even at rest.
How to get rid of cellulite on thighs and buttocks
You can quickly remove fat deposits at stages 1-2 at home using:
- Special cosmetics. Active components activate metabolism, improve blood flow, even out skin color, and moisturize the surface. Visually, the thighs, inner surface of the arms and other areas damaged by the “orange peel” become healthier and more beautiful. But anti-cellulite creams have only a cosmetic effect and do not act deeply at the level of subcutaneous tissue. Efficiency depends not only on the composition, but also on lifestyle and nutrition. Sometimes the components of anti-cellulite creams or scrubs are not suitable for a person. Allergies, irritations and rashes develop. Therefore, before deciding how to remove cellulite, it is better to consult a cosmetologist about the product.
- Anti-cellulite self-massage. Manual or machine, dry or with oils - any type of impact has a positive effect on blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and can really remove a couple of centimeters from the girth of the abdomen, buttocks or arms. Honey, which is made in a sauna or steam bath, not only activates blood circulation, but also removes toxins, nourishes the dermis with vitamins and minerals, and moisturizes it. The most popular is dry using a brush made from cactus bristles and oils. Vegetable oils are applied to problem areas and processed, rubbing fat deposits. Regular procedures for 2-3 months give visible results. In fact: long and physically difficult.
- Using scrubs. From store-bought specialized anti-cellulite products to a mixture of ground coffee and honey. A scrub is applied to warm skin after a shower, bath or steamed in a sauna or bath. Massage vigorously for 3-4 minutes. Wash off with water and apply moisturizer. You need to do it 2-3 days a week for results to appear within 2 months. It is worth clarifying that an overly energetic massage not along massage lines injures the skin, stretches it, causing the appearance of stretch marks, scratches and inflammation.
- Anti-cellulite wraps. Products based on kelp or caffeine are applied to problem areas, wrapped in film and left for 30-60 minutes. Wash off the product, apply a moisturizing and tightening cream. This cellulite treatment will take six months.
- Teas and capsules for weight loss. From advertised green coffee to various dietary supplements. They all promise to quickly lose weight, tighten your figure and remove the initial stages of cellulite. But it is worth clarifying that such teas and teas are dangerous to health. Diuretics and laxatives remove a lot of fluid, leading to dehydration. Also, taking such drugs for weight loss disrupts the electrolyte balance. Therefore, do not be surprised that after several weeks of taking anti-cellulite tea, your heart begins to tingle, cramps appear at night, and you feel increased fatigue. Therefore, doctors do not recommend using such methods. Especially more than 2-3 days.
- Effective exercises for cellulite on the thighs and buttocks at home. Trainers advise focusing on squats (feet shoulder-width apart, back straight), “scissors” (lying on your back, alternately cross your straight legs raised at an angle of 60º), lunges (put your leg forward at an angle of 90º). Do each exercise 3 sets 15 times daily.
Doing a massage
Ideally, it is good to undergo a special massage course in a beauty salon. But you can act independently. To carry out home procedures, you should stock up on various massagers - with rollers, spikes, vacuum. Even such simple devices as tablespoons are effective. The main thing is that the massage should be regular, that is, do it twice a day: in the morning (after waking up and always on an empty stomach) and in the evening (for example, after training and also before meals).
If the availability of massagers is really bad, then we use our own hands in the work. Quickly rub the thighs with your palms or fists in a clockwise direction. We grab the fat folds and sort through them as if we were kneading dough. Finally, we grab each fold with one hand, and with the edge of the palm of the other hand we “chop” it with small movements. It is good to use cosmetics during massage.
How to get rid of cellulite on the stomach
They promise to effectively remove tubercles of belly fat:
- Anti-cellulite diet. If you don’t know how to remove cellulite in the navel area, then first change your diet. Eliminate sugar and carbonated drinks from your diet, reduce your consumption of salt and marinades. But don't starve, eat small portions every 4 hours. The basis of the diet: vegetables in any form, light proteins and unsaturated fats (nuts, red fish).
- Exercises from the “orange peel”. Abdominal pumping (classic, with torso rotation), hula hoop twisting (ideally a massage one, with balls or spikes), and any cardio exercise (running, cycling, swimming) will help remove fat deposits. For results, you need to exercise every other day for 30 minutes. The first centimeters will begin to melt after 14 days.
At stages 3-4 you need heavy artillery. For such cases, cosmetologists recommend:
- enzyme therapy. Preparations based on enzymes (lipases, collagenases, hyaurolideses) are injected into areas with cellulite. The substances activate blood circulation, trigger a powerful drainage effect, eliminate swelling and rejuvenate the skin;
- cryolipolysis Under the influence of low temperatures, adipose tissue cells are destroyed once and for all. They are eliminated naturally within a few weeks and are no longer restored. Volumes decrease, skin becomes smoother, cellulite disappears;
- lymphatic drainage and vacuum roller massage. These are various types of effects on the skin and subcutaneous tissue. All procedures improve blood circulation and accelerate fat metabolism. These devices include LPG and the EXIMIA device - a newer technology that combines lymphatic drainage, RF lifting and vacuum roller massage.
Simple moves
This point of losing weight includes all those activities for which we would gladly exchange our sedentary lifestyle. Everything completely depends on the time of year. If discordant thighs take you by surprise in the summer, then we stand on roller skates and sit astride a bicycle. No one has yet come up with more beautiful exercise machines for the hips. Again, we remember that somewhere nearby there is a pond suitable for swimming, and a park where you can run in the morning and take a walk before going to bed.
If winter is fierce outside, we take out skates, skis and sleds from the bins. It’s not for nothing that a well-known proverb was invented about the latest inventory. At first you will enjoy life, sliding down the hill, and then, creating a real load on your thighs, you will pull the sled behind you up the hill. You can swim in winter by purchasing a pool membership or signing up for water aerobics classes, which are very beneficial for your hips and the whole body.
Hardware treatment of cellulite
Anti-cellulite massage - salvation from the “orange peel”. The most effective is a hardware method with the ability to work on the deepest fat deposits and large areas of the body.
Vacuum roller massage is a cosmetic procedure, a type of hardware massage. During the session, fat deposits are simultaneously removed by vacuum and the mechanical action of massage rollers. A double blow to cellulite helps remove the “orange peel” at any stage, rejuvenate the body and lose weight by reducing the size of fat cells and removing puffiness.
Operating principle of vacuum roller massage
A fold of skin with signs of cellulite is placed under a special attachment. A vacuum appears underneath. Back pressure expands venous and lymphatic vessels, activates the outflow of interstitial fluid, removes swelling, and activates tissue trophism. Moving the rollers of the nozzle over the skin additionally breaks down fatty deposits, increases skin firmness and elasticity, heats the surface, and gives a lifting effect.
If you have any questions or don’t know how to get rid of cellulite on your legs or which method to choose, we will be happy to advise you at the ANACOSMA clinic.
How to reduce the volume of thighs: basic rules
Wanting to achieve a quick effect, women are looking for the fastest way to reduce their thighs. However, this is unlikely to be done quickly - you need to adhere to an integrated approach and fight for harmony, and then to maintain it. The main measures in this case will be the following:
- Proper and balanced nutrition , aimed at burning fat deposits, removing toxins and excess fluid from the body.
- Physical exercises that will help burn off all excess in the problem area and tighten it, giving it a beautiful shape.
- Wraps , which help eliminate excess fluid, help speed up metabolic processes under the skin and eliminate cellulite.
- Massage that helps make the skin more elastic and toned.
