Cellulite: The Three Stages and what to do about it!

It’s a problem as old as breakups, mother-in-laws and the terrible twos. Cellulite seems to find every woman – and even a man or two – and never leave the building. Got cellulite? Oh, so do most of your friends! And their friends too. It’s reported that over 80 percent of women suffer from this medical condition. And while yours may feel like it’s busting out of your thighs, it’s probably not as bad as you think. The trick is to understand which stage or grade your cellulite is at. And also learn more about your hormones. Get other causes in check – like your lifestyle – and your orange peel doesn’t have to be your enemy this summer season.

Cellulite: The Stages and Getting to Grips with Your Grade

Those models pap’d on the beach in Costa Rica in tiniest of bikinis? They might not seem to have even the smallest amount of cellulite but haul them into a scientist’s lab and things may look very different under a microscope.

The first grade is known as no clinical symptoms, meaning orange peel wouldn’t be visible with the naked eye. However anatomical changes under the skin are happening. Next up, grade two which means the skin has a certain “paleness” to it. The temperature has dropped and elasticity – which keeps skin “bouncy” – is nose diving. While cellulite isn’t obvious yet, this is the start of things to come. Grade 3 is where most women get nervous, when lumpy bumps are messing with the overall texture of thighs and buttocks. There may not be a smooth curve or contour anymore.

Lastly, Grade 4 is unfortunately where not only cellulite is very plain to see but where it is actually a feeling too. A painful one. Sore lumps mean deep within your skin something has structurally changed altogether. A constant condition, it’s also progressive. What to do? Body treatments are one way of sorting out your orange peel effect. And so too is nutrition, exercise and supplement support.

Planning Your Anti-Orange Peel Program

Cellulite treatment may not be a one-stop shop, but just with a little forward planning, it is possible to tackle. First get your hormones checked out. Remember those men who aren’t getting plagued with the orange peel as much as women? Well, it’s because women’s hormones (in other words, oestrogen) are the main culprit that seems to cause and flare cellulite production.

Others like insulin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, thyroid hormone and prolactin are known to have a role too. And so, if you are crazy stressed, don’t be surprised if your cellulite gets triggered. An expert medical aesthetic doctor will be able to check for a hormone imbalance. And then look at treatments that really kick start results. Heard of carboxytherapy?

Cellulite’s big reason for sitting around and not moving is because, well your system is not. Poor circulation and the build-up of toxins needs help. And that’s where carboxytherapy really does great things. This gas-based therapy, it helps by stimulating your circulation and also collagen for tighter skin. Added bonus? Fat cells are broken up and your skin’s tone and texture is given a new lease of life.

The Way Forward: Managing Your Cellulite Long Term

Once you’ve done so research regarding your health and found your treatment partners, also find out how you can eat cleaner to your body’s benefit. Cellulite needs less fatty and starchy foods. And be warned; a diet very high in fat, salt or very little fibre can make the condition worse. Need a nutrition shake up?

The Renewal Institute Diet (RID) means clean eating to keep you full but with what your body needs to shed weight. And including weight bearing exercise (your own) like step ups, squats and lunges, targets those orange peel-prone areas such as upper thighs. Supplements really help nutrition and exercise buddy up, boosting your body as you deal with floating fat. The key ones to invest in are CLA, Vit D3, and Vit K2, all known to help rev the effects of your treatments.

While stress is inevitable, if you’re able to cut down – or even quit – vices like smoking, sitting for long periods of time (the Netflix is addictive, we know) and working versus working out, your cellulite will really thank you. Lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference and also help improve your mood. And we love any kind of rewards program!

Seeing yourself in that new bikini already? Well, it is the season. And it’s the season to really show your body some extra love, so make time to work on those things you might have ignored this year. Happy journeying.