Cellulite is popularly known as orange peel skin, a very common aesthetic condition, especially among women. And although it does not represent a serious health problem, its impact on self-esteem and body image can be significant. Today, thanks to advances in aesthetic medicine, we have multiple strategies available to visibly improve its appearance.
Orange peel skin
Orange peel skin refers to cellulite due to the appearance that the affected skin takes on, becoming uneven with small dimples or depressions, similar to the surface of an orange. This characteristic texture is caused by the way fat cells accumulate beneath the skin and push upwards, while fibrous septa (connective tissue structures) pull downwards, creating that uneven surface.
Cellulite is a structural alteration of the subcutaneous tissue, characterized by an accumulation of fat, fluid, and toxins that causes compression of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. This results in a disruption of the connective tissue, which manifests as visible depressions or protrusions on the skin.
It affects women to a greater extent (up to 85-90%) due to a different arrangement of collagen fibers and a greater hormonal influence.
Causes that promote orange peel skin.
Orange peel skin is not necessarily related to overweight. Even slim women can have it. Among the most common factors are:
- Hormonal factors: especially estrogen, which influences fluid retention and the accumulation of localized fat.
- Genetics: family predisposition is an important factor.
- Sedentary lifestyle: promotes poor circulation and lymphatic stagnation.
- Unbalanced diet: rich in salt, simple sugars, and saturated fats.
- Stress: it can alter lipid and hormonal metabolism.
- Wearing tight clothing or high heels: they hinder venous and lymphatic return.
Types of cellulite
Correctly identifying the type of cellulite is essential to choose the appropriate treatment:
- Soft cellulite: spongy to the touch, easily moves with pressure, associated with sagging. It typically appears in sedentary individuals or those with frequent weight fluctuations.
- Hard cellulite: firm to the touch, difficult to move, often painful. It is more common in young women with good muscle tone.
- Edematous cellulite: less common, with obvious fluid retention and a feeling of heaviness. It is often accompanied by swelling and circulatory problems.
How to eliminate orange peel skin
Cellulite cannot be cured, but its appearance can improve significantly through a combination of personalized medical-aesthetic treatments, physical activity, and lifestyle changes.
In addition to medical-aesthetic treatments, there are daily habits that can significantly enhance results and prevent the progression of cellulite. Regular physical exercise, combining cardiovascular activity with muscle toning, helps improve circulation and reduce subcutaneous fat tissue.
Maintaining a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, quality proteins, and low in sugars, saturated fats, and salt, helps reduce inflammation and fluid retention. Drinking enough water throughout the day promotes lymphatic drainage and the elimination of toxins.
It is also important to avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption, as they negatively affect microcirculation and skin health. Finally, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that does not hinder circulation and to adopt body care routines that include gentle massages or exfoliations to stimulate the skin and underlying tissue.
Therapeutic approaches in aesthetic medicine
One of the most effective treatments is radiofrequency, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, improves circulation, and helps drain retained fluids, being especially useful in cases of soft cellulite and sagging.
Ultrasonic cavitation, on the other hand, uses ultrasound waves to break down localized fat cells, which is effective for compact cellulite. Another common approach is vacuum therapy or subdermal massage, a suction technique that mobilizes tissues, promotes lymphatic drainage, and restructures connective tissue.
Carboxytherapy involves microinjections of carbon dioxide under the skin, which improves tissue oxygenation and stimulates lipolysis, making it highly suitable for edematous or fibrous cellulite. Transdermal electroporation also offers excellent results, as it allows active ingredients such as caffeine or centella asiatica to be directly introduced into the affected area, tailoring the formula to each case.
You can find more information in this article about non-invasive treatments for cellulite.
