Besides stretch marks(妊娠纹), another common type of skin line that can appear on our body is known as growth marks or striae from weight gain(生长纹或肥胖纹). When these appear on certain parts of the skin, they often form a texture that resembles orange peel skin(橘皮), which is considered visually unappealing and aesthetically undesirable. So, how do we say “橘皮” in English? Is it simply “orange peel”?
Actually, what we refer to as 橘皮 is a type of cellular tissue called Cellulite(脂肪团) in English. These fat deposits lie in pockets separated by collagen fibers beneath the skin. Not only does cellulite resemble orange peel, but it is also sometimes referred to as cottage-cheese skin or hail damage due to its dimpled and uneven appearance.
Cellulite is extremely common in women. Female hormonal levels(女性荷尔蒙水平) can cause unique structural changes in the subcutaneous layer, especially during puberty. Additionally, the body requires increased metalloproteinase activity(金属蛋白酶) during menstruation to shed the endometrial lining, which can also result in excessive collagen breakdown in the skin. In simple terms, fat that is normally deeper in the skin gets pushed into the upper connective tissue(结缔组织), creating uneven, dimpled skin on the surface that resembles dried orange peel—hence the name.
Areas such as the waist and abdomen(腰腹部), buttocks(臀部), and thighs(大腿) have a higher concentration of fat tissue, making them more prone to the development of cellulite. Other contributing factors include:
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Age(年龄)
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Hormonal levels(雌激素水平)
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Family history(家族史)
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Weight gain(体重增加)
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Loss of collagen(胶原蛋白流失)
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Thinner epidermis(表皮变薄)
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Sedentary lifestyle(久坐不动)
It’s important to note that cellulite is not the same as obesity, nor is it a medical condition. You only need to address it if you find it aesthetically bothersome. Some people may hope that weight loss will eliminate cellulite, but in reality, losing weight may improve but not completely remove cellulite. Even thin individuals can have it. Therefore, cellulite is not strongly correlated with calorie intake or expenditure. The most effective way to reduce its appearance is by reducing local fat accumulation and improving skin elasticity(减少局部脂肪堆积和增强皮肤弹性).
At Ai Beauty Clinic London, there are three key approaches to reducing the appearance of cellulite:
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Shaper RF Body Contouring(Shaper射频纤体曲塑) – Often described as the “yoga of body contouring,” this treatment uses patented 3DEEP™ technology to deliver RF energy concentrically through the epidermis(表皮层), dermis(真皮层), and fat layer(脂肪层). The bio-thermal effect triggers collagen contraction, regeneration, and restructuring, helping to smooth skin texture and erase the appearance of cellulite safely and comfortably.
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Thermage for the body(身体热玛吉) – A high-energy RF treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing response. It tightens loose skin caused by childbirth or weight loss, and also improves the appearance of stretch marks(妊娠纹) and cellulite(橘皮组织).
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Lipodissolve Injection(溶脂针) – Currently considered one of the safest and most effective non-surgical methods for localized fat reduction. In addition to breaking down fat, it also promotes the circulation of blood and lymph(血液及淋巴循环), helping to restore the skin’s elasticity(恢复皮肤弹性) and smooth texture.
