Evaluacion de la composicion corporal

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006, 28, 175–190

Review Article

Cellulite and its treatment
A. V. Rawlings
AVR Consulting Ltd, Northwich, U.K.

Received 25 January 2006, Accepted 15 February 2006

Keywords: cellulite, conjugated linoleic acid, nuclear hormone receptors, papillae adiposae, ultrasound

Synopsis The presence of cellulite is an aesthetically unacceptablecosmetic problem for most post-adolescent women. It is largely observed in the gluteal-fermoral regions with its ‘orange-peel’ or ‘cottage cheese’ appearance. It is not specific to overweight women although increased adipogenicity will exacerbate the condition. It is a complex problem involving the microcirculatory system and lymphatics, the extracellular matrix and the presence of excess subcutaneousfat that bulges into the dermis. It has been described as a normal condition that maximizes subcutaneous fat retention to ensure adequate caloric availability for pregnancy and lactation. Differences in the fibrous septae architecture that compartmentalize the adipose tissue have recently been reported in women with cellulite compared with men. Weight loss has been reported to improve thecellulite severity by surface topography measures although in obese subject’s skin dimpling does not seem to change appreciably. However, histological analysis suggests that fat globules retract out of the dermis with weight loss. Cellulite has been treated with massage which decreases tissue oedema but it is also likely to have its effects at the cellular level by stimulating fibroblast (and keratinocyte)activity while decreasing adipocyte activity. In addition to massage, effective topical creams with a variety of agents were used to ameliorate the condition.
Correspondence: Anthony V. Rawlings, AVR Consulting Ltd, 26 Shavington Way, Kinsmead, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8FH, U.K. Tel.: +44 160 6354535; e-mail: TonyRawlings@aol.com

Nevertheless, only a few studies are reported in the scientificliterature. Xanthines, botanicals, fragrances and ligands for the retinoid and peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptors appear to be giving some benefit. Reducing adipogenesis and increasing thermogenesis appear to be primary routes and also improving the microcirculation and collagen synthesis. Many agents are being investigated for weight management in the supplement industry [hydroxycitrate,epigallocatechin gallate, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), etc.] and some of these agents seem to be beneficial for the treatment of cellulite. In fact, CLA was proven to ameliorate the signs of cellulite. One product, Cellasene, containing a variety of botanicals and polyunsaturated fatty acids also appears to provide some relief from these symptoms. Although more work is needed, clearly thesetreatments do improve the appearance of skin in subjects with cellulite. It is quite possible, however, that synergies between both oral and topical routes may be the best intervention to ameliorate the signs and symptoms of cellulite. ´ ´ Resume ` ´ ´ La presence de cellulite est un probleme cosmetique ´ esthetique inacceptable pour la plupart des femmes post-adolescentes. On l’observe courammentdans ´ ´ ´ la region gluteale femorale sous forme de ‘peau ´ d’orange’. Il n’est pas specifique d’un surpoids chez ´ la femme, bien qu’une augmentation d’adiposite ex` ` ´ acerbe le phenomene. C’est un probleme complexe ` mettant en jeu le systeme micro circulatoire et lymp´ hatique, la matrice extracellulaire et la presence

´ ´ ´ ª 2006 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Societe Francaise deCosmetologie ¸

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Cellulite and its treatment

A. V. Rawlings

` ´ d’un exces de graisse sous-cutanee dans le derme. ´ ´ ´ Elle a ete decrite comme une condition normale qui ´ ´ maximise la retention sous-cutanee de graisse pour ´ ´ assurer une disponibilite calorique adequate lors de ´ la grossesse et de la lactation. Des differences dans l’architecture fibreuse du ‘septae’ qui...