Cellulite -- rippled, dimpled deposits of fat confined mainly to the hips, thighs, and buttocks -- and largely predisposed to the female form. While most of us can agree on a definition, at least in terms of appearance, there has been little consensus among professionals in terms of
etiology or cure. In fact, it may be that there are no real answers for either.
As a practicing aesthetician and consultant, I have listened to countless numbers of women lament over the slightest indication of this dreaded skin condition. Beyond the old wives tales that account for its necessity in child bearing, I have now come to terms with the actuality that there is no viable explanation that warrants any acceptance of cellulite.
Whether you ascribe to the scientific model that holds diet, exercise, or genetics accountable, new more sophisticated methods of
classifying types of fat, or denying either notion altogether, the fact remains -- no one wants cellulite.
Working from the premise that cellulite is a complex skin condition, aestheticians have chosen to combat its effects on a cellular level.
Using our knowledge of the physiology of skin we have come to rely on numerous techniques that work with the molecular structure of the adipose tissue. To date we have witnessed a number of strategies that demonstrate visible results when used consistently and systematically.
These can be broken down simply to products, equipment, and technique.
Exfoliants and oils
At the top of the aesthetician's product list in terms of efficacy are exfoliants and essential oils. These aid the practitioner in smoothing, detoxifying, and rehydrating the affected area. When used persistently over time, these products result in improvement. Salts, plant-based scrubs, and mineral laden muds followed by vitamin-enriched moisturizing lotions and/or essential oils are the typical agents of choice.
The use of moisturizing creams rich in the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E are particularly beneficial. To gain the maximum benefit, practitioners are preceding vitamin therapy with the use of chemical peels to accelerate and regenerate cellular turnover. The objective is to enhance the production of collagen -- a key factor in giving skin a smooth, supple appearance. As results continue to improve, this new trend is gaining popularity
etiology or cure. In fact, it may be that there are no real answers for either.
As a practicing aesthetician and consultant, I have listened to countless numbers of women lament over the slightest indication of this dreaded skin condition. Beyond the old wives tales that account for its necessity in child bearing, I have now come to terms with the actuality that there is no viable explanation that warrants any acceptance of cellulite.
Whether you ascribe to the scientific model that holds diet, exercise, or genetics accountable, new more sophisticated methods of
classifying types of fat, or denying either notion altogether, the fact remains -- no one wants cellulite.
Working from the premise that cellulite is a complex skin condition, aestheticians have chosen to combat its effects on a cellular level.
Using our knowledge of the physiology of skin we have come to rely on numerous techniques that work with the molecular structure of the adipose tissue. To date we have witnessed a number of strategies that demonstrate visible results when used consistently and systematically.
These can be broken down simply to products, equipment, and technique.
Exfoliants and oils
At the top of the aesthetician's product list in terms of efficacy are exfoliants and essential oils. These aid the practitioner in smoothing, detoxifying, and rehydrating the affected area. When used persistently over time, these products result in improvement. Salts, plant-based scrubs, and mineral laden muds followed by vitamin-enriched moisturizing lotions and/or essential oils are the typical agents of choice.
The use of moisturizing creams rich in the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E are particularly beneficial. To gain the maximum benefit, practitioners are preceding vitamin therapy with the use of chemical peels to accelerate and regenerate cellular turnover. The objective is to enhance the production of collagen -- a key factor in giving skin a smooth, supple appearance. As results continue to improve, this new trend is gaining popularity
