Cellulite and Lipedema: Understanding, Differentiating and Naturally Relieving These Invisible Pains
Introduction
Cellulite, orange peel skin, heavy legs... what if what you thought was a simple "cosmetic complex" was actually hiding a deeper, often misunderstood problem: lipedema ? Today, we're helping you sort out these two very different realities, better understand their causes... and, above all, discover natural solutions to gently soothe your body, without taboos.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite , also known as superficial lipodystrophy , affects nearly 90% of women at some point in their lives. It manifests as a bumpy appearance of the skin (orange peel effect), due to an accumulation of subcutaneous fat, poor lymphatic circulation and water retention.
🎯 Most affected areas: thighs, buttocks, hips, sometimes arms.
👉 This phenomenon is hormonal and inflammatory , aggravated by poor diet, stress, a sedentary lifestyle or hormonal disorders (such as during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause).
And what about lipedema?
Less well known but very real, lipedema is a chronic disease that mainly affects women (up to 11% of them according to studies). It is an abnormal storage of painful fat in the legs and arms, often symmetrical, independent of weight or diet .
🧠 It's not overweight , cellulite, or just excess fat.
💥 Symptoms: constant pain, swollen legs, spontaneous bruising, feeling of heaviness, loss of mobility. It is often underdiagnosed because it is confused with obesity or lymphedema.
Why do these disorders appear?
👉 For cellulite :
- Hormonal imbalances (estrogen)
- Poor venous and lymphatic circulation
- Genetic
- Lack of movement
- Chronic inflammation linked to stress or diet
👉 For lipedema :
- Genetic terrain
- Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
- Hypothesis of an inflammatory and endocrine origin
🧠 What do they have in common? Poor circulation and tissue inflammation .
What natural solutions are there for relief?
As you can see, neither cellulite nor lipedema can be cured permanently, but it is entirely possible to alleviate their effects on a daily basis. Here are some gentle, natural, and accessible solutions:
1. 🧊 Maholi perineal cryotherapy
Yes, you read that right. Applyingcold to the perineum , as with our Holi bags, acts on the pelvic venous plexus . This stimulates:
- Lymphatic drainage
- Elimination of toxins
- Blood circulation in the legs
💡 Result: lighter legs, reduced inflammation, reduced pain.
👉 Discover our article on blood circulation and cold here to learn more.
2. 🚶 Gentle physical activity
Walking, yoga, swimming, or Pilates promote circulation and reduce tension. Beware of overly intense sports, which can aggravate inflammation in cases of lipedema.
3. 🥦 Anti-inflammatory diet
- Red fruits, green vegetables, turmeric, omega-3
- Reduce sugar, processed foods, alcohol
- Hydration ++ (water, circulatory herbal teas such as red vine)
4. 🤲 Manual massages
Manual lymphatic drainage or deep massages (like Renata França) can provide real relief, especially for swollen or painful legs.
5. 💆 Stress management
Stress increases cortisol… which promotes water retention and inflammation. So we breathe, we meditate, we give ourselves moments of pause and well-being 🧘
💡 Discover our tailor-made meditation to naturally reduce your stress here
The + Maholi : a cocooning ritual to adopt
👉 Every day, apply your Holi pouch for 1.5 to 2.5 hours on the perineum.
👉 Combine this practice with a self-massage of the legs with circulatory oil, and a guided meditation.
👉 Elevate your legs at the end of the day, drink a detox tea, and let the magic happen.
Also find our article on the link between cold and digestion : another key factor in water retention and cellulite!
Conclusion: Pain does not mean fatality
Cellulite is natural, lipedema is a disease. And neither should be a source of shame or loneliness . At Maholi, we believe in a respectful approach to the body, without aesthetic pressure, but with listening and kindness .
🧊 Our Holi cold packs are natural, local, Oeko-Tex certified , and designed to help you live better every day .
FAQ: Cellulite & Lipedema
What is the main difference between cellulite and lipedema?
👉 Cellulite is aesthetic and localized. Lipedema is a painful, chronic, and symmetrical condition.
Does cold really help relieve cellulite?
Yes! It stimulates circulation, reduces inflammation and swelling. When applied regularly, it visibly improves the feeling of light legs.
How do I know if I have lipedema?
Consult an angiologist or vascular doctor. An accurate diagnosis is based on clinical observation and sometimes a lymphatic assessment.
