What is cellulite and what part do toxins play?

Cellulite unfortunately is a fact for 90% of women worldwide. It is not selective to women who are only overweight, but also plagues women who are thin as well. No one is immune it seems. It can be frustrating and embarrassing, but there is hope.

Recent medical studies have shown that cellulite and its "orange-peel" texture is caused by the following:

• The accumulation of toxins in the spaces between the skin's cells, in what doctors call the "extra-cellular matrix". These toxins are by-products of metabolism, and are also the results of pH changes, hormonal imbalance, the effects of pollution, and the body‘s natural aging process.

• A decrease in micro-circulation in the capillaries of the skin, which effects the ability to supply oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carry away metabolic wastes.

• An increase in fluid held in the adipose (fat) tissue, causing water retention.

• An increase in the number and size of the fat cells in the area.

• The thickening of the fibrous "bands" anchored to the skin through the adipose tissue. These can be thought of as being like the buttons on a mattress where the thread anchoring the button through the fabric causes an indentation below the surface - but the remainder of the surface is raised.

Cellulite is the product of anatomy, genes and hormones and is seen to develop among women during periods of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause and PMS. Hormones play a critical role in blood flow, fat, connective tissue and lymphatic drainage. It usually makes its appearance when a woman is around 25 to 35 years of age, though sometimes even earlier.

Anti-Cellulite Treatment

Lack of exercise coupled with inadequate water intake and poor diet along with natural aging leads to loss of skin tone tissues, prompting cellulite's formation. A healthy diet can reduce the build up of cellulite, but cannot do anything for the cottage cheese lumps that have already appeared on the skin. Women can attempt to reduce subcutaneous fat, exercise to increase the integrity of the connective tissues and stimulate circulation to the affected areas with the help of massage.

Keeping oneself hydrated and avoiding excessive consumption of coffee and alcohol are recommended. Avoid smoking, diuretic pills, laxatives, and diet pills. Reducing salt intake can further prevent cellulite deposition since salt causes water retention. A regular exercise regimen is a good foundation for good health and anti-cellulite treatment.

Anti-cellulite treatment creams are used to reduce the dimpling effect through chemical reactions to change fat cells into fatty acids that can slide through cell membranes into the bloodstream. Ionithrmie is unique in that it is the only system that combines lymphatic drainage to flush the toxins with active ingredients to emulsify and disperse fatty deposits and toxins. Also unique is the combination of salon treatments with the use of home maintenance products to enhance and prolong the benefits. Once the benefits have been achieved they are easily maintained with daily body brushing and application of product. It is important to remember, regardless of which treatment option is chosen, without maintenance, any benefits you get will go away.