Light Therapy - An Answer For Cellulite

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a term that describes dimples and lumps in your skin caused by fat. This fat is just normal fat that presses against connective tissues. This pushes the fat up which causes the skin to protrude and look abnormal. It is a completely harmless condition. However, it can make women everywhere more concerned about their appearance. This is because cellulite is much more common with women, than with men.

What Causes Cellulite and Who Has It?

Hormones such as prolactin, estrogen, insulin, thyroid hormones, and noradrenaline can cause cellulite build up. In addition, you may inherit cellulite. The condition can be a genetic one that your parents may have passed on to you. Cellulite is also extremely common in women due to how their dermal layer is constructed. Aging may also cause cellulite as skin gets thinner over time.

Due to cellulite being a condition that is caused by fat build up, overweight individuals may also experience cellulite more. People whose diets consist of fats, carbohydrates, and salt may also be affected. You can reduce your risk of having cellulite by eating healthy, exercising, and not smoking. Getting rid of fat may also help a person to get rid of cellulite. In addition, a person with a large amount of muscle mass may also be less likely to have cellulite. However, it is still not impossible for you to have cellulite if you have a large amount of muscle mass.

What Are Normal Treatments for Cellulite?

Cellulite Creams

There are creams that can help to treat cellulite. Caffeine is a common ingredient in these creams because caffeine dries out the fat cells. This in turn makes the fat cells less visible. You may also see creams that contain retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and aminophylline.

Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis is a procedure that uses cold temperatures in order to freeze the fat cells in parts of your body. It is a procedure that is performed without anesthesia.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is essentially when doctors inject chemicals into the fat layer below the skin. The intent of the procedure is to break up the fat that causes cellulite to be more visible.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure in which doctors physically remove fat deposits using surgery. The procedure is considered to be an invasive procedure.

How Can Red-Light Therapy Be a Great Alternative to Treat Cellulite?

Cellulite is formed due to fats, which means that a great way to control cellulite is to control your weight. Getting rid of fat helps to reduce cellulite. However, some people may experience difficulty getting rid of unwanted fat in certain areas of their body. One of the reasons for stubborn fats to stay where they are is a lack of blood flow to the area. Red-light therapy helps with weight loss by increasing blood flow and circulation in your body.

You can also decrease the circumference of different areas of the body using red light therapy by draining fat cells with the 635nm wavelength that specifically affects the body by draining fat cells. A study was done with two groups. Both groups contained 20 women each. All of the women had to ride a stationary bicycle 3 times per week for a 4-week span. However, one group just exercised and did not receive red-light or near-infrared therapy in addition to exercise. The other 20 participants received 635mm red and near-infrared therapy.

The results of the study showed that the group who received light therapy in addition to exercise had a size reduction in several areas of their bodies. The women lost around 8 centimeters on their waist, hips, and thighs. The group that did not receive light therapy ended up gaining fats.

Citations

DerSarkissian, C. (2019, May 15). Can You Get Rid of Cellulite? Healthy Treatments and What to Avoid. Retrieved June 5, 2020, from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/get-rid-of-cellulite#2 

Cellulite: Causes, treatment, and prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149465#treatment-and-removal Charles, J. (n.d.). Red & Infrared Light Medicine.