Early cellulite in adolescents: causes of appearance and consequences for the body

06/28/2004 20:07 (Updated: 05/13/2021 22:41)

Health » Health and prevention » Prevention

A lot of publications about cellulite have appeared in various publications in recent years. But no one in our country had even heard of this problem 7-8 years ago. While in Europe and the USA cellulite has been studied and treated since about the 50s of our century.

It is important to focus on the problem of early cellulite, which appears in girls literally as early as 14-15 years old. Many complexes arise in young people with the appearance of cellulite. In order to properly cover the topic, it is still necessary to talk about the main reasons leading to the emergence of this problem, since 90-95% of women around the world know first-hand what cellulite is.

Cellulite is a disease of an unbalanced body

This is a disease of unhealthy lifestyle. The waste produced by the body is deposited in the subcutaneous tissue, that is, “passive fat” is formed. In this way, bumps and irregularities are formed - “orange peel”, which makes the body aesthetically unattractive, and subsequently, with age, flabby and loose.

Of course, cellulite doesn't happen overnight. After all, the imbalance between lymph circulation and tissue-mineral balance develops over the years. The woman’s goal is to eliminate congestion, ensure normal fluid circulation and, as they say, smooth out the skin texture characteristic of cellulite. Experts can help her with this. But everyone has to keep in shape and consolidate the success achieved in the salon on their own.

Cellulite: external manifestations

Cellulite is a pathological subcutaneous fat layer. This phenomenon occurs as a result of poor blood circulation, in which excess “water” contributes to tissue swelling, and overgrown cells compress blood vessels and capillaries. After some time, these cells become coarser and denser, forming nodules that look like bumps on the skin.

In itself, the “orange peel” on the butt does not cause harm, and rather belongs to the category of cosmetic flaws of the skin, making it flabby and uneven. This phenomenon is often observed in teenage girls as a result of hormonal imbalance. The growth of estrogens, which are responsible for feeding subcutaneous fat cells, contributes to the appearance of cellulite.

If there are too many female hormones, fat cells begin to grow and, accordingly, an orange peel appears. In this case, the teenager should be shown to an endocrinologist and undergo all the necessary tests to select medications.

Causes of cellulite in teenagers

Among the main reasons are the following:

1. Poor nutrition, consumption of processed foods and preservatives instead of fresh foods. Incompatibility of products.
2. Small and irregular physical activity, sedentary lifestyle.
3. A genetic factor that predisposes the body to this problem.
4. A hormonal factor that is important because female hormones influence the development of adipose tissue and water retention in the body, which occurs mainly in the hips and pelvis. It should be noted that hormonal activity is high during puberty, which we are talking about, during pregnancy and menopause. During these periods, a certain “blooming” of cellulite occurs.
5. Stress also affects the formation of cellulite and has a destructive effect on all systems of the female body. But they have a particularly negative effect on the endocrine glands, in particular on the adrenal glands, which regulate water balance in the body.

Prevention

It is easier to prevent any problem than to fight it. Cellulite is no exception. To avoid the formation of “orange peel” on the thighs and buttocks, you need to follow simple rules:

• maintain a daily routine to avoid physical, mental, and emotional stress;
• walk more in the fresh air;
• eat a balanced diet;
• increase physical activity, play sports, do gymnastics;
• do not neglect cosmetic procedures. Massage the skin, make wraps;
• maintain personal hygiene;
• use caring creams and masks that are appropriate for the age and type of dermis of a teenage girl;
• get a good night's sleep. Sleep should be eight hours a day;
• reduce coffee consumption to one cup per day;
• increase stress resistance;
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. These substances increase the feeling of hunger, disrupt the functioning of the kidneys and liver, which complicates metabolic processes and promotes the accumulation and proliferation of fat cells.

A healthy lifestyle will not only help prevent the appearance of “orange peel”, but will also have a general healing effect.

Cellulite in girls during puberty is a normal phenomenon caused by physiological processes occurring in the body. In most cases, manifestations of lipodystrophy in girls disappear on their own, after stabilization of hormonal levels. However, the “orange peel” does not look aesthetically pleasing. It has a bad effect on the emotional state of not only girls, but also boys, and makes it difficult to communicate with peers. Modern cosmetology has a sufficient number of methods and means to remove the defect. It is important to remember that many techniques are only suitable for adult women. Before getting rid of cellulite, you should definitely consult with your doctor. Choose the optimal, effective, safe set of therapeutic measures.

The appearance of cellulite is influenced by a teenager's lifestyle

There is no need to talk about nutrition; it is obvious that many teenagers are addicted to McDonald's products, drink Coca-Cola and Pepsi, and in unlimited quantities. It’s not for nothing that many countries are literally at war with fast food establishments, because this food has a detrimental effect on the fragile body of a teenager.

In addition, teenagers eat at night, and often these are incompatible foods, consume large amounts of high-calorie foods - carbohydrates and fats instead of, for example, lean meat, fruits or vegetables.

Food for the night

Added to this are sitting for long periods of time studying at school and at home, time spent inactive in front of the computer and TV, constant anxiety that arises quite naturally in a teenage girl about studying and relationships with friends and parents, and early smoking.

All of the above against the background of active puberty leads to early cellulite. It turns out that the teenage girl’s lifestyle is initially wrong. And, of course, parents should pay more attention to their daughter’s healthy lifestyle.

Features of development

Adipocytes synthesize fats and introduce them into the blood. They are located under the epithelium in the form of clusters. These substances produce calories that are used by the body. They also release the hormone leptin into the blood, which signals the brain that a person is full. In response, the nervous system suppresses appetite, and a feeling of fullness occurs.

With increased daily calorie intake and/or low physical activity, adipose tissue grows and the number and size of adipocytes increase. New cells require energy, which increases appetite.

In obese people, the level of leptin in the blood is higher than normal, but the appetite is still high. Why is the feeling of hunger not suppressed? In this case, the receptor perception of leptin by brain neurons is disrupted.

The accumulation of fat leads to compression of the capillaries. Discirculation of lymph and blood is formed. The skin swells - this is the first signal of cellulite.

The second stage is the formation of “orange peel” - accumulations of adipocytes subjected to fibrosis. Subcutaneous “nodes” form and the skin becomes lumpy.

How to get rid of teenage cellulite

Experts recommend using the following measures to prevent

• water procedures,
• hydromassage,
• shaping,
• aerobics,
• sauna and other types of baths,
• anti-cellulite and modeling massages,
• taking cleansing teas and nutritional supplements
• healthy lifestyle in general.

Professional cellulite treatment programs

For girls who have serious problems with their body, of course, they need professional programs for body modeling and cellulite treatment, which are offered only by clinics and beauty centers. Now there are a lot of companies dealing with body problems, and each promises extraordinary results. This is understandable - business is business. But an unprofessional approach can only aggravate the problem.

Cellulite is often called "orange peel"

Therefore, the parents of a young patient should pay attention to whether the salon or center has a License, as well as to the specialists (their level of education and experience in medical institutions). Find out how long the center you brought your child to has been open. In addition, each establishment, naturally, has its own approach, its own “system” for solving the problem of cellulite. It’s a good idea to also have a nutritionist consult you and outline a proper nutrition program for a teenager.

Fight cellulite at home

Please note the following recommendations:

• limit the consumption of “harmful” foods: fast foods, sweets, carbonated drinks, etc.;
• motivate your child to attend a sports club, swimming pool, or dance;
• Do not allow your child to smoke or drink alcohol.

Organizing a healthy lifestyle is an important step in the fight against cellulite in a teenager. As a result, constant attendance at fitness classes and disciplined nutrition will become an integral part of a child’s life, allowing them to have good health and a toned figure even in adulthood.

Myth

Anti-cellulite preparations “burn” subcutaneous fat.

IS IT TRUE

Some anti-cellulite agents actually help reduce fat reserves in fiber, but they do not directly affect fat. Lipolytic anti-cellulite drugs most often stimulate microcirculation and thereby promote more active metabolism in the skin and subcutaneous layer.

Some substances - L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, a number of vitamins - are included in lipid metabolism and stimulate it, but the “fat burning” effect is observed only with sufficient physical activity. Not a single “burner” replaces physical exercise; such means only help to launch the processes of using the body’s reserves to replenish energy losses.

To solve the problem of lipodystrophy, long-term efforts and an integrated approach are required using a variety of means - internal and external medications and nutritional supplements, physiotherapy, massage, etc., and it is highly advisable to entrust their selection to specialists who will take into account all individual characteristics.

Organization of proper nutrition

It will not be possible to cope with childhood cellulite, regardless of the reasons for its appearance, without adjusting the diet.

It should be based on:

• lean meat (beef, chicken, turkey);
• vegetables, both fresh and thermally processed;
• eggs;
• fruits;
• dairy products;
• berries;
• nuts;
• cereals;
• greenery;
• sea ​​fish.

Fats cannot be excluded from the diet. They are necessary for the full functioning of the body. You just need to eat a high-quality product of plant or animal origin, in small quantities.

There is no need to completely deprive your child of sweets. They improve mood and calm the nervous system. It is advisable to replace store-bought cakes and sweets with homemade cookies, jellies, and desserts made from nuts and dried fruits.

Children's consumption should be reduced to an absolute minimum:

• fast food;
• carbonated drinks;
• semi-finished products;
• sausages;
• smoked meats, pickles;
• mayonnaise, ketchup;
• chips, salted nuts.

Attention: strict diets are contraindicated for children and adolescents!

A growing organism is a complex, developing system. A lack of nutrients can trigger the development of serious diseases that will last a lifetime. Food should be balanced, prepared independently, and not bought in a supermarket. Preference should be given to baked or steamed dishes rather than fried ones. It is necessary to feed the child in compliance with the regime, avoid high-calorie snacks. Between meals, it is permissible to give your baby yogurt or an apple. Portions should not be large. If your child is full, you shouldn’t force him to finish everything that’s left on the plate.

How to deal with it

Parents, having discovered cellulite on the child’s body, must first rule out a medical cause for its appearance. To do this, you should contact an endocrinologist. The doctor will examine the boy or girl, assess the condition of the skin, and determine the presence of excess weight.

Additional examinations may be required to exclude pathological conditions. Including:

• blood tests;
• urine tests;
• Ultrasound of internal organs and others.

Depending on the results obtained, the child will be prescribed the optimal treatment. You may need to take hormonal medications.

Attention: any medications can be given to children only as prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication can cause irreparable harm to a growing body.

If the problem is not related to the disease, a cosmetologist will help to cope with it. Most salon procedures are contraindicated for minors, as are cosmetic anti-cellulite products (especially those with an aggressive, warming effect). They can damage delicate baby skin.