Cellulite

Cellulite describes a condition that occurs in men and women where the skin of the lower limbs, abdomen, and pelvic region becomes dimpled after puberty. The term was first used in the 1920s and began appearing in English language publications in the late 1960s, the earliest reference in Vogue magazine, "Like a swift migrating fish the word cellulite has suddenly crossed the Atlantic."

Descriptive names for cellulite include orange peel syndrome, cottage cheese skin, the mattress phenomenon, and hail damage. Synonyms include: adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy. Cellulite is unrelated to cellulitis, which is infection of the skin and its underlying connective tissue.

Practically all post-pubescent females display some degree of cellulite. There appears to be a hormonal component to its presentation. It is rarely seen in males. It is seen more commonly in males with androgen-deficient states such as Klinefelter's syndrome, hypogonadism, post-castration states and in those patients receiving estrogen therapy for prostate cancer. The cellulite becomes more severe as the androgen deficiency worsens in these males.

Cellulite is not related to being overweight; average and underweight people also get cellulite Causes of Cellulite The causes are poorly understood, and several changes in metabolism and physiology may cause cellulite or contribute to cellulite. Among these are a disorder of water metabolism, abnormal hyperpolymerization of the connective tissue, and chronic venous insufficiency.

Hormonal factors

Hormones play a dominant role in the formation of cellulite. Estrogen is the most important hormone. It seems to initiate, and aggravate cellulite.

Other hormones including insulin, the catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin have all been shown to participate in the development of cellulite.

Predisposing factors

Several genetic factors have been shown to be necessary for cellulite to develop. Gender, race, biotype, a hormone receptor allele that determines the receptor number and sensitivity, distribution of subcutaneous fat, and predisposition to circulatory insufficiency have all been shown to contribute to cellulite.

Diet

Diet has been shown to affect the development and amount of cellulite. Excessive amounts of fat, carbohydrates, salt, alcohol or too little fibre can all contribute to an increased cellulite.

Lifestyle

Smoking, lack of exercise, tight clothes, high heeled shoes, and sitting or standing in a single position of long periods have all been correlated with an increase in cellulite. A high stress lifestyle will cause an increase in the catecholamine hormones.

Therapy

Numerous therapies have been tried. There are no published reports in the scientific literature showing that any of these therapies work. The most beneficial therapy is to control lifestyle factors. Controlling stress and anxiety are of considerable benefit.

Physical and mechanical methods

Iontophoresis, ultrasound, thermotherapy, press therapy (pneumatic massaging in the direction of the circulation), lymphatic drainage (massage technique to stimulate lymphatic flow), electrolipophoresis (application of a low frequency electric current) have all been tried.

Pharmacological agents

Any numbers of drugs that act on fatty tissue have been tried as therapeutic agents. Certain drugs act on the fatty tissue and connective tissue and on the microcirculation. They can be used topically, systemically, or transdermally. These drugs are administered orally, as topically applied ointments, and by trans-dermal injection. None of them has been reported in the scientific literature as having a significant effect on cellulite.

Cosmetic concern

While harmless, the dimpled appearance is a cause of concern for some people. The cosmetics industry claims to offer many of what it calls remedies. There are no supplements that have been approved as effective for reducing cellulite. Syneron, the first cosmetic laser manufacturer to receive FDA clearance for treating cellulite, combine mechanical, light, heat, and radio frequency energy, also known as ELOS, to the skin and claim success after a few applications of their product. Radio frequency in the cosmetic industry is used to heat the skin in a non-invasive (medical) cosmetic procedure to heat the fat tissue underneath the skin.

That procedure regenerates the collagen in the area and makes the skin look younger and more vital. Liposuction, which extracts fat from under the skin, is not effective for cellulite reduction and may exacerbate the cosmetic problem. Dieting does not get rid of the dimpled appearance, but a balanced diet and exercise may help to reduce the fat content within the distorted cells, reducing their contribution to the dimpling.

There has been a connection made between cellulite and the toxic state of the body. Some therapists consider that cellulite can be an indication that the lymphatic system is sluggish.  Some aromatherapy treatments include massage with essential oils combined with baths. The massage is recommended using a loofah, brush or massage glove as the very action of massage is thought to help with the problem of cellulite.

Geranium and Rosemary essential oils together with Black Pepper, Birch, Grapefruit and Juniper essential oils can be used in the treatment for Cellulite. Combine the use of these essential oils in massage and baths with a cleansing diet of fresh fruit and water combined with wholefoods and plenty of raw vegetables and fruit.

Essential oils to reduce fluid:

Cypress, Fennel, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Sandawlood, Thyme. Essential oils to stimulate the circulation system and detoxify: Basil, Benzoin, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cypress, Fennel, Ginger, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sage Essential oils to balance the hormones: Chamomile Roman, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Rose, Sage

Some ideas to try for cellulite:

Dry brush skin daily. Brush in an upward manner all over the body with a natural hair bristle brush, paying particular attention to the affected areas. Bath at least once a day. Choose from one of the suggested recipes below:

Recipe 1:

2 drops Cypress essential oil, 2 drops Fennel essential oil, 2 drops Juniper essential oil Diluted in 30ml of carrier oil

Recipe 2:             

2 drops Black Pepper essential oil, 2 drops Lemon essential oil, 2 drops Sage essential oil diluted in 30ml of carrier oil

Recipe 3:             

2 drops Geranium essential oil, 2 drops Fennel essential oil, 2 drops Rose essential oil Diluted in 30ml of carrier oil

Follow the bath with a cold shower Massage the area affected with cellulite twice a day using one of the following recipes:

Recipe 1: 

2 drops Cypress essential oil, 2 drops Geranium essential oil, 2 drops Juniper essential oil Diluted in 30ml of carrier oil

Recipe 2:             

2 drops Grapefruit essential oil, 2 drops Fennel essential oil, 2 drops Lemon essential oil Diluted in 30ml of carrier oil

Pay attention to your diet. Exercise regularly and try to find ways to really relax and create an environment which is stress free.

Sage Essential Oil - Salvia Officinalis (10ml)

Sage is considered to be good for respiratory infections and has a very warming effect on the muscles and works well as a massage oil to relieve aching muscles.

£4.00

Sandalwood Essential Oil- Amyris Balsamifera (10ml)

Sandalwood is one of the best essential oils to use in the treatment of chronic bronchitis. It is a good oil to use for oily skins and acne and is often liked by teenage boys as it has a masculine scent as well as helping to sooth itches and rashes.

£5.60

Basil Essential Oil - Ocimum Basillicum (10ml)

An uplifting oil which is good for muscular aches and pains, respiratory infections and for insect bites.

£4.50

Cedarwood Essential Oil - Juniperus Virginia (10ml)

Cedarwood has a woody scent and is very good in helping with skin conditions such as acne and dandruff. It can help with catarrh and has a tonic effect on the body so try it for stress related conditions.

£5.00

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£5.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile (10ml)

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£14.50

Clary Sage Essential Oil - Salvia Sclarea (10ml)

Clary Sage is wonderful as it blends so well with other oils and has a wide variety of uses. Try it for high blood pressure, aches & pains, skin care, asthma and emotional tension as well as stress related conditions.

£6.00

Cypress Essential Oil - Cupressus Sempervirens (10ml)

Cypress is a great asset for any sort of skin care. It can be used for varicose veins or haemorroids, it is great for sweating and can help with the menstrual cycle.

£5.20

Fennel Essential Oil - Foeniculern Vulgare (10ml)

This is a herb of ancient medical repute which has been used for years. Try it for bruising, inflammation of the joints, arthritis, PMT and many digestive complaints.

£3.75

Geranium Essential Oil - Pelargonium Graveolens (10ml)

Geranium is lovely floral oil which can help with a wide variety of skin conditions, poor circulation, cellulite and many menopausal problems as well as fluid retention and hormonal in-balance.

£8.50

Ginger Essential Oil - Zingiber Officinale (10ml)

Ginger is great for muscular aches and pains. Dilute it in carrier oil and massage straight onto the area. Use Ginger for nausea and sickenss as well as colds, fevers and flu.

£5.60

Grapefruit Essential Oil - Citrus Paradisi (10ml)

Grapefruit oil is a sunny happy oil which has valuable anti depressant qualities. It can help with oily skin and hair as well as acne. Also use it to de-toxify and stimulate the circulation after exercise.

£5.60

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Abrialis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£3.30

Juniper Essential Oil (10ml)

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£5.90

Lemon Essential Oil - Citrus Limon (10ml)

This antiseptic and anti-bacterial oil will perform many tasks especially when blended with other oils, including treating verrucas, insect bites and tension headaches. It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system. It will aid slimming, help shift cellulite and smooth out those wrinkles

£3.30

Lemongrass Essential Oil - Cymbopogon Citratus (10ml)

Lemongrass will clear the mind and help some types of headaches. It has an anti-bacterial action and is good for skin complaints, athletes foot and sore throats. For the sports-person Lemongrass is the ideal cooler and deodoriser. Lemongrass will repel insects and help combat tobacco smells

£3.50

Patchouli Essential Oil - Pogostemon Cablin (10ml)

The main use for Patchouli is in the area of skincare and the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, cracked skin, exzema and allergies. It can also help with fluid retention and is used for depression and stress related conditions.

£6.00

Rose Damascena 5% Dilute Essential Oil (10ml)

Rose is often referred to as the Queen of all essential oils not least because of its price. It can help with lack of confidence, depression or grief as it has uplifting qualities and is said to produce feelings of well-being and even happiness. It has strong connections with our sexuality and can aid menstual problems.

£8.70

Rose Otto (Centifolia) 5% Dilute Essential Oil (10ml)

Rose Otto is a wonderful oil which can help with skin care especially where the skin is more mature and is soothing for conditions such as asthma and hayfever.

£7.75

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£3.50

Black Pepper Essential Oil - Piper Nigrum (10ml)

Black Pepper is best used for circulation and sore muscles. It is good for chilblains and can help the digestive tract as well as being valuable for catarrh and chills.

£6.80