As we age, cellulite can change in appearance and severity, so treatments and strategies to combat it must be adjusted to achieve greater effectiveness.
Cellulite is the accumulation of adipose tissue in certain areas of the body that forms fat lumps.
If the skin is not affected by cellulite, it’s because the collagen and elastin fibers form a barrier that keeps the adipose tissue in place. However, when there is a problem in one of the vascular (circulatory), metabolic, and/or lymphatic drainage systems, waste elimination (fluids and toxins) is altered, leading to fluid accumulation, which in turn creates inflammation. This chain reaction leads to lumps of fat, water, and toxins that form the dreaded and common cellulite.
This condition, which affects between 85% and 98% of women, is also known as gynoid lipodystrophy, orange peel syndrome, and mattress skin. It is not actually a disease but a condition resulting from gender, genetic predisposition, hormonal status, vascular, lymphatic or metabolic issues, as well as hydration, nutrition, and exercise. There is no definitive cure for cellulite. However, much can be done to prevent it from occurring or progressing to more serious or irreversible stages. For this reason, it is very helpful to know what type of cellulite you have and your average age to develop a more effective strategy to fight the main enemy.
Between adolescence and your 20s
So-called "hard" or fatty cellulite generally occurs during these years. At this stage,
the skin is firm, hard, and difficult to pinch. It may be barely visible to the naked eye, but when the skin is pressed, the famous “dimples” that indicate the process has begun can be seen. It is often found on the outer thighs and the inner knees, and treatment is largely preventive:
-Protect legs from the sun since ultraviolet rays break down collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm.
-Avoid tight clothing that restricts free leg circulation.
-Applying creams with caffeine, green tea, gotu kola, or algae twice a day and consistently can be very helpful.
-Exercise two or three times a week, preferring aerobic sports like running, swimming, cycling, step, or spinning, which activate circulation and re-stimulate fat metabolism.
-Reduce intake of sugar, salt, tobacco, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol, which slow circulation and retain fluids and toxins.
-Aesthetic treatments such as ultrasound, cavitation, radiofrequency, vacuum therapy, or endermology help eliminate fluids and dissolve fat.
Between your 20s and 30s
Edematous cellulite is often the rarest and hardest to eliminate. This is due to poor circulation, which is worsened by significant fluid retention. It occurs mainly in the legs, which lose their shape and become straighter. The skin texture feels doughy and even painful, both when touched and when sitting. Treatments should aim to improve blood circulation:
-Alternate cold and hot water showers on affected areas.
-Avoid anything that causes fluid retention such as processed foods high in salt, and carbonated drinks.
-Do light, low-impact exercises like cycling, walking, dancing, or Pilates.
-Wear compression stockings.
-Lymphatic drainage massages, pressotherapy, and mesotherapy can be useful to combat this type of cellulite.
-Drink plenty of water.
-Drink infusions or supplements with draining properties like horsetail, green tea, ginseng, butcher’s broom, or horse chestnut.
Between your 30s and 40s
Women in middle age generally experience soft cellulite that moves when walking or changing position and worsens with age or weight gain. The skin has a wavy appearance and usually appears on the front of the thighs, abdomen, and buttocks, often accompanied by varicose or spider veins. Lack of muscle tone worsens it. Treatments aim to improve blood circulation and firm the skin:
-Do resistan
