Cellulite, which is caused by the entrapment of fat cells within the body’s fibrous networks, often creates a puckered or dimpled appearance on the surface of the skin. The visual effects of cellulite on the body have been dubbed “orange peel syndrome” or “cottage cheese skin.” Cellulite treatment has become a major industry of its own within the larger health and beauty industry. Cellulite treatment claims to minimize the puckered appearance of cellulite on the skin’s surface, and is available on the market in various forms.
One of the most common and inexpensive treatment products is cellulite cream. Cellulite creams often contain natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, which are purported to smooth the surface of the skin. Topical cellulite treatments may also come in the form of oils or foams which have a “crackling” effect on the skin. Some people speculate that the reported minimization of cellulite from topical creams, oils, or foam is actually caused by the action of massaging the product into the skin rather than the product itself.
Electric muscle stimulation is another form of cellulite treatment on the market. With electric muscle stimulation, pads are placed on the body and electric currents pass through the pads, causing the muscles to contract and relax. Another form of treatment which entails stimulating the skin is an endermatic vibrator system. This system claims to treat cellulite by generating vibrations which stretch the connective fibers of the skin and increase blood circulation.
A special massage technique which drains the lymphatic system of toxins and excess fluid has also been marketed as a cellulite treatment. Lymphatic drainage massage promotes circulation of the lymphatic system, and also impedes fluid from solidifying and lodging with fat cell fibers. Other methods of draining the body of toxins, such as saunas and hydro therapies, are also used for cellulite treatment and prevention. These treatments operate under the assumption that cellulite is partly caused by the buildup of toxins in the body.
Liposuction is a treatment which involves the removal of fat deposits trapped between the muscle and skin. The fat deposits are removed via a suction pump, which is inserted through small incisions made to the skin. Because liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure, it is often considered a last resort for treating cellulite.