Put simply, cellulite is just an overgrowth of fat that happens because of two natural phenomena: the production of fat signaled by the hormone estrogen, and the weakening of our connective tissues (collagen) in the skin as we age.
We get a lot of questions about cellulite treatments at Peach and we wanted to share the misconceptions about these treatments and expose the false claims. There are treatments that are applied to the skin’s surface and some that work underneath the surface of the skin.
There are treatments that incorporate homeopathic methods with essential oils or herbal infusions and there are medical procedures. Consumers have many “solutions” being offered to them to get rid of their cellulite.
The most important thing to look for as a smart consumer: does this treatment act upon the actual causes of cellulite or just hide symptoms? In most cases, you will find the answer to be neither of the two. Let’s explore these products and procedures.
Creams, wraps and massages
The manufacturers of these products may use words like “breaking up” fat or “burning away” fat, but they do not do this. They only work on the skin’s surface creating optical illusions that are, at best, only temporary.
The claims and treatments here are are varied as is the previous research on the causes of cellulite. Without acknowledging the cause, these treatments are useless, and their claims false.
RF and ultrasound
Those are said to target fat cells but sometimes the product advertising may use different words interchangeably like ‘skin-tightening’ or ‘skin-smoothing’ to throw consumers off.
RF treatments may help reduce the appearance of bumpy skin by reducing inflammation, but it will not get rid of fat or repair the structure under the skin. There is also suctioning devices that get paired with RF and Ultrasound therapy that combine heat with the lifting of skin to target the collagen fibers and fat.
This can in fact damage the already weakened structures of the collagen fibers which could lead to even more cellulite.
Liposuction
Lipo may remove the fat immediately, but with the connective tissue damaged by the suctioning instruments, your body will easily replace the fat and break through the already severely damaged collagen fibers to create unevenness on the skin’s surface with more cellulite.
Also, since the body needs to maintain homeostasis, the percent and distribution of fat on our body will balance again within a year, bringing your fat back. If not back to the treated area, it will grow in another area.
Targeted exercises and weightlifting
This does not work to eliminate cellulite. Unless the whole body is getting a well-rounded workout (with an accompanying healthy diet), you cannot reduce the fat in a specific area of the body.
There are significant changes to the body that can be observed when we have a drop in body fat percentage after completing a balanced exercise program. Does a reduction of fat mean that you will get rid of cellulite? It will most likely not.
Remember, since the fat around hips, thighs, and butt are controlled by the estrogen hormone, we would have to affect our hormones to change the way our body creates and distributes fat.
There are some diets that can help support lowering estrogen (those rich in phytoestrogen) and there are some foods that can increase estrogen in our bodies like conventional dairy and meats (treated with growth hormones like rBST). Healthy hormone-balancing diets paired with a rigorous fat-blasting exercise plan is one of the best ways to fight against not only fat but cellulite too.
Don’t be swayed by the pursuit of anti-cellulite treatments—we will all have a little because of our hormones. The final verdict on cellulite? You need to lose weight and eat well to get rid of it.