Are you struggling with cellulite and looking for effective ways to get rid of it? Or maybe you lost hope for improvement, thinking that the "orange peel" will accompany you forever? It is worth knowing that most women over the age of 20 struggle with the same problem and there are effective ways to eliminate it. Do only expensive treatments help? It turns out that collagen gives new possibilities. How do you get rid of cellulite? Here's what you should know about this persistent skin defect that affects many people.

What is cellulite, or a few words about the characteristic "orange peel"

Cellulite (in other words, female-type lipodystrophy, liposclerosis, edema-fibrotic-sclerosis, nodular sclerosing fatty degeneration [1]) is a very common problem that belongs to pathological changes, however, it is often considered merely an aesthetic ailment. Its symptoms are thickening and dimpling of tissue resembling a mattress or an orange peel, which appear mainly in women - this is due to, among others, from the difference in the structure of fatty lobules in women and men. It is assumed that this phenomenon may affect up to 85% of women over 20 (after puberty) ^[1,2,3,4].

Where does cellulite appear on the body?

Cellulite appears where there is more fat, i.e. in the area of ​​​​the abdomen, hips, buttocks, lower limbs and arms ^[1,2,4]. Interestingly, Caucasian women are most at risk of this type of thickening. Asian and black women are less likely to develop an “orange peel” ^[1,2]. Cellulite is therefore largely genetic - which can be read later in the article.

Cellulite and cellulitis

An important issue that should not be forgotten is that cellulite and cellulitis - despite the similar name - are two different conditions that have different causes. The first is considered mainly a cosmetic defect caused by uneven distribution of adipose tissue. In turn, cellulitis is a disease entity, the cause of which is a bacterial infection leading to inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, requiring treatment with antibiotics ^[2,5]. It is therefore wrong to use these terms interchangeably.

Where does cellulite come from? Causes of lipodystrophy

Causes of cellulite are complex, however, the main factors that affect the appearance of the characteristic "orange peel" include:

• metabolic processes disorders
• microcirculation disorders (e.g. impaired flow in capillaries and damage to endothelial cells)
• differences in the structure of subcutaneous tissue of women and men
• excessive amount of estrogens.

Genetic conditions have a significant impact on the formation of cellulite,"orange peel", meaning it can be hereditary. Genetics is responsible for the number, function and distribution of hormone receptors, biological type and structure of adipose tissue, susceptibility to vascular diseases and hormonal balance (in this case, for maintaining the optimal level of estrogens and progesterone - it is the excess of estrogens and deficiency of progesterone that contributes to the formation of skin lesions of this type).

Cellulite affects almost exclusively women - mainly white (Caucasian). Are less likely to develop orange peel Women of Asian and African-American descent. Interestingly, the type of beauty according to ethnic division also depends on the location of cellulite. Characteristic thickenings appear more often in the abdominal area in Nordic women, and in Latin American they usually accumulate on the hips ^[1,2].

What contributes to the formation of cellulite? Do genetic predispositions prevail?

Although genes play a large role in this aspect, other factors also affect the appearance of cellulite. Importantly, it can be fought in many ways. Specialists emphasise that a lifestyle can significantly improve the condition of the body, and the timely implementation of healthy habits has a preventive effect and delays the appearance of the "orange peel". So what should you pay attention to every day? First of all, you should look at:

• eating habits - a diet based on fats, simple sugars and salt increases the risk of cellulite; an excess of carbohydrates leads to hyperinsulinemia, and too much salt retains water in the body; it is crucial to take care of a balanced diet
• the amount of physical activity every day - lack of exercise leads to blood flow disorders and the formation of edema, while properly selected exercises can reduce the visibility of calluses and improve skin elasticity
• addictions - smoking negatively affects the condition the circulatory system, and drinking alcohol contributes to the stimulation of the process of fat storage and deposition in the subcutaneous tissue
• stressful lifestyle - excess cortisol affects the increased deposition of adipose tissue ^[1,2].

Changing your daily habits usually brings a number of benefits, thanks to which you can both prevent the formation of cellulite and reduce the already existing ones. Interestingly, seemingly trivial modifications can be of great importance - for example, giving up frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes or tight clothes. Certain fashion choices have a bad effect on the condition of the circulatory system, which can contribute to the formation of swelling and cellulite on the thighs^[1]. Genetic conditions therefore do not put anyone in a losing position and do not necessarily mean that nothing can be done about the "orange peel".

What is good for cellulite? Effective methods for degenerative changes in the subcutaneous tissue

Modern medicine and cosmetology offers many effective treatments that can eliminate cellulite. Treatment is usually selected depending on the stage of changes, skin condition and patient's preferences (e.g. taking into account the willingness and ability to change habits). Great emphasis is placed on lifestyle modification - especially on increasing regular physical activity and using a balanced diet. A combination of different practices usually produces the best results^[4]. How to get rid of cellulite? In the fight against "orange peel" , the following are used:

• mechanical methods (e.g. segmental massage, lymphatic drainage, vibration massage, sequential pressure massage, endermologie, carboxytherapy)
• skin preparations (anti-cellulite creams and gels)
• treatments involving the injection of active substances under the skin (needle mesotherapy)
• supplementation (e.g. artichoke and rutin extract, L-carnitine, caffeine, and collagen).

The synergistic approach aims to improve circulation and the lipolysis process, stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin and improve the condition of the epidermis ^[1,2].

Collagen as a food supplement - is it effective in fighting cellulite?

Collagen is a building protein produced by the body. Occurs e.g. in the skin, muscles, cartilage, cornea of ​​the eye and in bones or ligaments. With age, the ability to produce it decreases, which affects the overall condition. Youth protein is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin - type I collagen predominates there (85-90%) ^[6].

The beneficial properties of collagen cosmetics have been known for a long time. These agents help to increase hydration, smoothness and firmness of the skin and reduce wrinkles ^[7]. It turns out that preparations with youth protein are also hoped for people looking for effective ways to eliminate cellulite acting from the inside ^[8]. Oral collagen products are effective in fighting the "orange peel" and are safe for the body ^[9].

Collagen that reduces cellulite on the thighs (and not only). VERISOL^®, anti-cellulite effect from the inside

Clinical trial involving 105 women aged 25 to 50 showed that daily supplementation with 2.5 g of bioactive collagen peptides (produced collagen hydrolysis) helps to reduce cellulite. Oral administration of VERISOL^® for a period of 6 months resulted in:

increased skin density (increase in elastin and collagen)
restoration of the correct structure of the skin surface
8% decrease in skin waviness on the thighs

Efficacy was confirmed both in the group of women with a normal weight and overweight (although in the latter case the effects were less visible). The first results in the form of improvement in the appearance of the skin could be seen after 3 months of supplementation, but after 6 months they were more pronounced ^[8,10].

The advantage of orally ingesting highly purified bioactive collagen peptides VERISOL^® is that they affect collagen metabolism in the dermis - unlike topical cosmetics that only reach the outer layers of the skin. VERISOL^® has a beneficial effect on the extracellular matrix of the skin, which helps fight cellulite. Thanks to this, you can enjoy a firm body regardless of age ^[8].

OSAVI offers a food supplement Collagen Hair, Skin & Nails - 150 grams, which contains patented and clinically tested bioactive collagen peptides VERISOL^®. The product is neutral in taste and smell, making it a great addition to drinks, smoothies and meals. It dissolves perfectly - both in warm and cold drinks, and does not contain any additives.

Try Our Collagen Recipes - Find them on our Blog or social media Profile and add to favourites

Thanks to the measuring cup inside, it is easy to measure the right amount of powder. The recommended daily dose is 2.5 g of collagen, which corresponds to 1.5 scoops. The entire package is enough for 60 days of supplementation.
The preparation responds to the needs of women who are looking for modern and scientifically proven solutions to improve their beauty - including combating cellulite.

[1] Janda K., Tomikowska A. 2014. Cellulit – Przyczyny, profilaktyka, leczenie. Roczniki Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej w Szczecinie, 60 (103), s. 29–38.
[2] Gałązka M. et.al. 2014. Cellulit jako problem medyczny i estetyczny – etiopatogeneza, objawy, diagnostyka i leczenie. Hygeia Public Health, 49(3), s. 425–430.
[3] Callaghan DJ Rd. 2017. Cellulite: a review of pathogenesis-directed therapy. Semin Cutan Med Surg., 36(4), s. 179-184. doi: 10.12788/j.sder.2017.031. PMID: 29224035.
[4] Rawlings, A.V. (2006). Cellulite and its treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28, s. 175-190. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00318.x
[5] Swartz M.N. 2004. Cellulitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 350, s. 904-912. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp031807
[6] Żelaszczyk D. 2012. Kolagen – struktura oraz zastosowanie w kosmetologii i medycynie estetycznej, Estetol Med Kosmetol, 2(1), s. 14-20, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14320/EMK.2012.003
[7] Aguirre-Cruz G. et. al. 2020. Collagen Hydrolysates for Skin Protection: Oral Administration and Topical Formulation. Antioxidants, 9(2), 181. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9020181
[8] VERISOL® True Beauty Comes From Within. Pobrano 07.11.2022 z https://www.gelita.com/en/products/collagen-peptides/Verisol.
[9] Choi FD. 2019. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol., 18(1), s. 9-16. PMID: 30681787.
[10] Schunck M. 2015. Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. J Med Food, 18(12), s. 1340-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0022. PMID: 26561784; PMCID: PMC4685482.