The effects of estrogen deficiency on the skin connective tissue include a decreased production and topical content of both type I and III collagen and elastin fibers, which also contributes to cellulite.
Estrogen, the female hormone, tends to exacerbate cellulite because it encourages the body to build up and store fat. On the other hand, testosterone, the male hormone, burns fat. However, cellulite is more than just excess fat. It actually involves several components of the skin's structure.
Estrogen is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and connective tissue health. A deficiency can weaken the connective tissue structures, allowing any remaining fat to push through and create the appearance of cellulite [45].
Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable, but some lean people have cellulite, as well. It tends to run in families, so genetics might play the biggest role in whether you develop cellulite. An inactive lifestyle also can increase your chances of having cellulite, as can pregnancy.
Interestingly, studies have shown that estrogen deprivation in postmenopausal conditions accelerates many skin changes, including dryness, atrophy, fine wrinkling, and poor wound healing.
Fibroblasts are responsible for creating collagen, which provides the main support structure for your skin. As collagen production declines, the skin can start to sag and develop more wrinkles. However, estrogen may increase how much collagen your skin produces to help prevent these issues.
The decrease in estrogen may lead to symptoms like vaginal dryness, mood changes, night sweats and hot flashes. The primary estrogen in your body changes from estradiol (E2) to estrone (E1) during menopause.
Too much sugar expands fat cells because it gets deposited there. Too much salt can make the appearance of cellulite worse because it causes you to retain fluids. Fad diets and quick weight loss can make your skin looser and actually make cellulite appear — even though you've lost body fat.
Thigh skin can lose elasticity, sag and wrinkle up due to weight loss, pregnancy or aging. Not only can this be unappealing to the eye, it can cause functional problems as well.
While the evidence on this subject is limited, one study on 105 women aged 24-50 demonstrated that regular use of 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides, over a period of 6 months, led to a clear improvement of the skin appearance in women suffering from moderate cellulite.
Regarding vitamins, they all have a role to play in cellulite prevention and they can somewhat contribute to its reduction, with perhaps vitamin C (ascorbic acid) being the most important, due to its antioxidant action and its important role on collagen synthesis.
Cellulite often develops when women produce more estrogen, usually during adolescence or pregnancy.
A balanced diet rich in antioxidants can help improve skin elasticity. Ever heard the saying, "You are what you eat?" It's especially true during menopause. Regular exercise boosts blood circulation and reduces fat deposits, minimizing cellulite appearance.
Circulating concentrations of estrogens, androgens, and growth factors decline with age and the shift in fat distribution from the hip/thigh region to the abdominal/upper body region with age in women has been attributed to the changes in the reproductive hormonal milieu3, 4.
In summary. Estrogenic medication, such as “the pill” in women and transition hormone therapy in male-to-female transsexuals, causes cellulite, if combined with excess calories, sugar intake, lack of exercise etc, at a much higher rate than on people who are not on that medication.
Laser and radiofrequency treatments.
In one method, a thin fiber is slipped under the skin to deliver laser heat that destroys the fibrous bands binding fat. This approach has shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite for six months to a year.
Cellulite can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, weight gain, and more. Here's the kicker: even active, healthy women with good diets still experience cellulite. While lifestyle and diet play a role, cellulite often results from a buildup of toxins and fat.
Lipedema stages include: Stage 1: Your skin looks normal, but you can feel something like pebbles under your skin. You can have pain and bruising at this stage. Stage 2: Your skin surface is uneven and may have dimpling that looks like quilted stitching, a walnut shell or cottage cheese.
According to the Mayo Clinic, losing weight and strengthening the muscles in the legs, buttocks, and abdomen might help reduce cellulite's appearance in those areas. However, it's important to note that cellulite won't disappear altogether; once a fat cell develops, it stays with you for life.
Retinol can help thicken the skin, which may reduce how much cellulite you see. Before you'll know if retinol can help you, you'll need to apply the product for 6 months or possibly longer. If you're interested in trying a cellulite cream or lotion, it helps to test it on a small area first.
Female hormones normally cause cellulite, do not reduce it
With HRT this effect will diminish and skin laxity (and consequent cellulite) may improve somewhat but don't expect a significant improvement just with HRT and definitely not ridding cellulite.
Low estrogen skin tends to be thinner, showing more visible blemishes and wrinkles. Low estrogen skin also has lower collagen reserves. Collagen is the naturally occurring protein that keeps your skin looking smooth and full.
Red Wine and the Risk of Breast Cancer
Doctors determined long ago that alcohol increases the body's estrogen levels, fostering the growth of cancer cells.
High blood levels of vitamin D linked to reduced estrogen – and potentially lower breast cancer risk | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.