IN FOCUS: CELLULITE

   
Few women are lucky enough in their lifetime to be free of unsightly dimples in their skin, otherwise known as cellulite.  Womensnet spoke with Dr. Marianne Waldmann Laue about the causes and possible treatments for signs of cellulite.  She is director of development for new skin products at Henkel and is also responsible for development of the Diadermine brand.   
     
womensnet: Dr. Waldmann-Laue, where does cellulite come from?
   
Dr. Waldmann-Laue: The formation of cellulite can be divided into four stages.  During the first stage, where one does not yet notice anything with the naked eye, the microcirculation of the blood is not functioning properly.  This results in waste materials not being transported away correctly.  During the second stage, the elasticity of the connective tissue also begins to slacken.  This is caused by decreasing collagen production due to aging.  At this stage, one can already see the typical dimpling or lumping of skin by doing the “pinch test.”  To do this, simply grasp an area of skin on the thigh and squeeze it between your fingers.  In the third stage, these bulges and dimples are already visible as “orange peel” skin without you doing anything.  The fat cells fill up unnaturally, because the microcirculation and thus the transport processes are no longer functioning.  In the fourth and final stage, these fat cells have already become so hardened that they are easily visible as “mattress skin.”  Only at this point is this referred to in medical terms as “cellulite.”

Celluli-Slim*—a new anti-cellulite cream from Diadermine—has been on the market since November.  How does this cream help to reduce signs of cellulite?

   
Dr. Waldmann-Laue: Celluli-Slim is a moisturising anti-cellulite gel cream, which with the help of a slimming activator is effective in four ways: Its caffeine stimulates the breakdown of fat and the purification of the body.  A special amino acid (L-carnitine) stimulates fat burning in the fat cells.  This gives off energy.  The ingredient esculin—extracted from the horse chestnut—stimulates blood microcirculation, whereby surplus waste materials and fat are eliminated more quickly and circulation is stimulated.  Last but not least, a high performance collagen activator firms the skin.  It delivers encoded information to the fat cells to produce more collagen.  These skin cells, so called keratinocytes, gather this information and pass it on to the deeper skin layers.  You see, these four ways respond specifically to the aforementioned factors responsible for the formation of cellulite.   
         
womensnet: How should Celluli-Slim be applied?

   
Dr. Waldmann-Laue: To achieve visible results, it is recommend to use the cream for at least three weeks—in the morning and at night.  In our tests, in 88% of the test subjects their skin became measurably smoother after this time period.  A reduction in the circumference of the thigh was measured in 82% of the test subjects.  Those seeking long term benefits should apply the cream daily.  Because it supplies moisture, it is also ideal to use as part of your daily skin care regime. 

womensnet: Can cellulite be also prevented in other ways?

   
Dr. Waldmann-Laue: Absolutely!  The cream is only one component to successfully combating cellulite.  First, one should take steps as early as possible to prevent cellulite from forming.  In other words, action should already be taken during stages 1 and 2.  Cellulite—or skin alteration occurring in stage 4—is difficult to reverse.  However, one by can all means achieve very positive effects in treating this “orange peel” skin.  A combination of measures can be particularly effective.  Overweight women should first try to reasonably reduce their weight.  This means: No crash diets!  These often only worsen cellulite and are not suitable for health reasons.  Also recommended are a long term reduction in your calorie intake and a healthy balanced diet.  All measures which stimulate the circulation, such as daily massage, are also helpful.

An important element here is exercise.  Next to aerobic sports, gymnastics are also recommended for the problem zones, in order to boost the metabolism exactly in these areas.

* Check with a retailer in your country for product availability.