Gynoid-lypodystrophy, known as cellulitis or cellulite is a condition that gives the skin an undulating and uneven appearance, affecting 80-90% of women after puberty.
Is a multifactorial disorder believed to be caused by the following factors:
Anatomical changes
Microcirculation failure
Reduced production of the vasodilator hormone adiponectin by the subcutaneous cell tissue
Genetic polymorphism
Changes in dermal connective tissue
Inflammatory processes (food with anti-inflammatory properties may help)
Estrogenic hormone processes (such processes elicit lipogenesis and inhibit lipolysis. This may partially explain a higher prevalence in women and a casual correlation due to an exacerbation of this condition during high-estrogen periods e.g., during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, and oral contraceptives use)
Due to its multifactorial etiology, the management of this skin condition may require a combination of treatments. Although there are many therapeutic modalities, there is no evidence that any treatment provides satisfactory and lasting clinical results.
The most recommended therapeutic processes include balanced diet associated with physical activity and the use of devices with combined technologies such as laser and more.
Nutrition
The food industry has conducted research to analyze how conjugated linoleic acid decreases cellulite signs because it is a powerful PPAR-alpha activator that improves the epidermal differentiation, reduces inflammation, and favors bright in the skin. Nevertheless, there is scarce evidence for its long-term results.
Conjugated linoleic acid found mostly in meat and dairy products. Other common dietary sources of CLA include beef, mutton, eggs, mushrooms, and vegetable oils
There is also a theory regarding the hormone adiponectin. Studies show that there seems to be less adiponectin expression in the “more cellulite” regions, so maybe adiponectin is protective. Practically, prefer vegetarian meals. A study showed that a full animal-based meal (e.g., sausages and eggs) can lead to a drop in adiponectin levels within hours (compared to a vegetarian meal). Additionally, switching to a vegetarian diet appears to increase adiponectin levels 19%. However, more studies are needed to establish this theory.
So, this conflict of results between CLA-containing products and a vegetarian diet seems to confuse things a bit. A balanced Mediterranean diet seems to be the golden ratio.
Topical
Numerous are the ingredients used in topical presentations to treat cellulite. Most of the products contain caffeine, retinol, or botanical derivatives as active ingredients. The potential effects are lipolysis, lymphatic drainage, stimulation of peripheral microcirculation, edema reduction, and stimulation of collagen production.
Talking about caffeine, its use is based on the potential to induce lipolysis in adipose tissue by inhibiting the activity of phosphodiesterase enzyme. Caffeine also has a stimulant effect on cutaneous microcirculation and as an antioxidant.
Additionally, Ginkgo biloba leaves are also used to improve the appearance of cellulite because they contain flavonoids, bioflavonoids, and terpenes. These substances improve the local microcirculation when reducing the blood viscosity, inhibit the platelet growth factor, diminish the capillary permeability, and improve the tone of the vessel wall.
To conclude, as a multifactorial skin disorder, cellulite may need a combination of treatments with balance diet and workout play a key role. Try to enrich your diet with antioxidants and foods with anti-inflammatory properties. Generally, fruits, vegetables, herbals, and spices may be the best choices to achieve this. Topical use of some products such as Ginkgo biloba and caffeine may also help. More studies are needed.