Adipose Cellulite, how to recognize and eliminate it?

Adipose cellulite is characterized by the presence of soft and non-painful dimples to the touch. These give the skin a grainy and bumpy appearance. Adipose cellulite results from a surplus of subcutaneous fat storage that accumulates in the adipocytes of the hypodermis, the cells of the adipose tissue.

Let's recall that the skin is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The epidermis, the superficial part, has a protective role and is covered by the hydrolipidic film. The dermis is thick and elastic: it notably contains the sebaceous glands that produce sebum. Finally, the hypodermis is the deepest layer of the skin. Predominantly made up of fat cells, it serves as an energy reserve and plays a role in thermal insulation.

Adipose cells are held together by collagen fibers. When fats accumulate in the adipocytes, we observe a hyperplasia of these cells, in other words, a multiplication. This is generally followed by their hypertrophy, that is to say, their swelling. This causes a structural change at the dermis level, which has repercussions at the epidermis level and induces the emergence of adipose cellulite.

Adipose cellulite is often found in the stomach, hips, thighs, arms, and buttocks. Its causes are varied: overweight, lack of physical exercise, unbalanced diet, heredity... Most often, it is due to an imbalance between the fat consumed and expended. Consuming too much fatty food and/or a lack of physical activity leads to an excess of fat in the body. This surplus is then stored in the adipocytes, which promotes the appearance of adipose cellulite. Heredity also plays a role. Recent studies have shown that certain genes are determinant in a person's ability to store fat or eliminate it easily. It appears that the ATXN1 and UBE2E2 genes are particularly involved in adipogenesis, that is, the formation of adipocytes.

It is quite challenging to completely eliminate adipose cellulite. However, several methods can be implemented to prevent its onset or reduce its appearance.

Certain daily actions.

Certain daily habits or practices help prevent the onset of adipose cellulite and limit its development.

• Adopt a balanced diet : when we regularly ingest a large amount of fat, the excess is stored in adipocytes, which distorts the dermis and promotes the appearance of cellulite. To prevent it, having a balanced and varied diet is recommended.

• Maintaining regular physical activity : engaging in sports helps to burn the excess fat stored in adipocytes and aids in reducing cellulite.

• Massages : Performing a kneading and rolling massage can notably stimulate the circulation of fats and water, providing a draining effect. When accompanied by the application of a toning treatment, such as our caffeine body cream or our green coffee body scrub, this type of massage has a smoothing and firming effect on the skin. The caffeine in particular has a lipolytic action. It triggers a cascade of reactions that result in the reduction of fats in the adipocytes.

Aesthetic Medicine.

When adipose cellulite is established, it is possible to turn to certain aesthetic medicine techniques to reduce its appearance.

• Radiofrequency : The emission of a very high-frequency electromagnetic wave allows for the heating of the hypodermis and the promotion of lipolysis. The accumulated fat is thus evacuated and the adipocytes deflate. However, this procedure is not recommended for pregnant women, and individuals with a pacemaker or melanoma. After the session, some redness and swelling may appear for a few hours.

• Shockwaves : These acoustic waves help stimulate microcirculation and collagen synthesis, soften connective tissues, and induce lipolysis. After the session, one may experience slight pain and irritation, which will gradually fade in the following days. However, it is not recommended for individuals with a pacemaker and pregnant women to use shockwaves.

• Mesotherapy : this method is based on the injection of active ingredients with lipolytic properties, such as caffeine or L-carnitine. After the injection, a small reactive edema or skin redness may sometimes be observed. These are normal reactions that spontaneously disappear after a few hours or days.

• Cryolipolysis : This method involves exposing the area to cold temperatures (-3°C to 0°C) with the aim of destroying adipocytes, without damaging the surrounding tissues. The initial results are often observed after 2 to 3 appointments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. After a session, it is possible to experience muscle soreness for a few days.

Surgery.

Finally, there are also surgical methods available to remove a portion of adipose cellulite.

• Liposuction Liposuction is a technique that involves the suction of fat through cannulas inserted into the skin via small incisions. Following the procedure, it is not uncommon to observe the emergence of edema and bruising, which typically resolve after a few weeks. During liposuction, the fat cells are eliminated. As a result, fat cannot return after undergoing liposuction. That's why, in the same area, only one operation is performed.

• Subcision : a micro-blade is used to penetrate the subcutaneous fat and release certain septa, thereby eliminating dimples. The septa are the partitions separating the adipocytes.

• RAWLINGS A. Cellulite and its treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2006).

• HERMAN A. & al. Caffeine's mechanisms of action and its cosmetic use. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2013). 

• SADICK N. Treatment for cellulite. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology (2018).