Notes

Cellulite occurs from the accumulation of the fat that eventually gets trapped with water and toxins in the layer of tissues under the skin. As a result, this causes a dented skin effect where the skin is puckered and is worsen with an unhealthy diet and the lack of exercise (Larry, 2003; Williams, 2007). The physical look of cellulite is very similar to the surface of an orange peel. Furthermore, cellulite is more commonly found in overweight people but it is also possible to witness it on underweight people and people with an ideal weight as well. An important factor that causes cellulite is the gynoid pattern, and it is more commonly found within women (Frecdland, 2004; Ibrahim, 2009). For women, the gynoid pattern refers to the fat that is found on the outer thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen, midriff and back of the arms (Mo, 2007). The classification of cellulite has four classes: Stage zero, where there are no alterations to the surface of the skin. Stage one, where the skin is smooth when the subject is standing or laying down but undulations appear on the skin surface when pinching the skin or during muscle contractions. Stage two, also called the “Orange skin” or “mattress” can be seen when standing without the use of any manipulations on the skin. And finally, stage three, is defined by the changes described in the second stage, combined with the presence of elevated and depressed areas and nodules (Mitchel et al, 2006).
Essential oils are hydrophobic liquids that contain certain aromas and can be extracted from the stems, flowers, leaves, roots, seeds and rubber of plants. Essential oils have many uses, one of their main properties is their usage in the treatment to get a healthy tension but also to keep the mind and the body in a good mood. The use of essential oils creates a relaxing feeling of goodness both physically and mentally. Moreover, it keeps the body healthy, it lightens the tone of the skin, reduces stress and even weight loss (Williams, 2007). Essential oils are used in aromatherapy and there are three ways in which it can penetrate the human body to have its effects; through the skin, the sense of smell and the lungs.
The most common use of essential oils is during massages. However, the essential oils have to be mixed with a vegetable carrier oil to make it work. Indeed, the structure of essential oils and the carrier oil makes it possible for the skin to absorb the oil so that it can enter deeper and reach the tissues under the surface of the skin. (Jankins, 2006). The essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream through the sweat glands and hair follicles on the surface of the skin. An important factor to note is that an essential oil enters into the body more quickly because it has small molecules (Sibley, 2004).
Body wraps also play a major role in the abortions of the oil in the skin. Indeed, it is possible to wrap a plastic around the skin affected by cellulite and to then leave it cocooned under a blanket to relax the target muscles. This induces sweating and helps activating the heating effect needed to increase the absorption of ingredients contained in the essential oils. For herbal wraps, there is a need to mix herbs together to increase their effectiveness and to help open the pores of the skin. Herbal wraps are used to detoxify moisture and to soften the skin (Jotisalikorn, 2002; Williams, 2007).
There is also the Indonesian wrap, also called the bengkung treatment (Herbal wrap), which was proven to help Indonesian women regain their slender figures after childbirth. The bengkung treatment is used around the abdomen and hips areas and it is believed to help get rid of the excess wind in the body as well as restoring muscle tone, flush toxins and stimulate the lymphatic system (LEE and LIM, 2004).
The Thai herbal wrap treatment is a bit different from the other types of wrapping techniques. Because, in Thailand, there is in abundance a lot of mineral-rich mud that can be used for the treatments. The mud is mixed with other ingredients to form a paste that can be applied on the skin for massages. It is wrapped in a plastic sheet and topped with towels for 20 minutes (Sophie, 2003; LEE el a.t, 2003). The usage of massages can help reduce cellulite by stimulating the circulation, as well as detoxicating and improving the elasticity of the connective tissues (Larry, 2003).
Massages used specifically to reduce cellulite are focused on problem areas that are at risk such as the thighs and the buttocks. The use of basic massage strokes helps the skin to get ready for the treatment. Indeed, the first steps are to sooth, warm and relax the thighs muscles with upward-flowing effleurage strokes. The second step consists of lifting, squeezing and wringing actions of massaging strokes to enliven the muscles of the thighs and allow the exchange of fluids in the tissues. The next step requires deep friction massages to break up the toxins in the skin. To do so, a sink and roll motion has to be made with the thumbs in the affected area at that time. Following that, the next step is about the pummeling, hacking and cupping techniques of massages on the thigh and buttocks. Finally, the last step is to soothe the thighs and buttocks with effleurage massages (Lacroix et al., 2009; Larry, 2003)
The jojoba plant has many features that can be very useful in the treatment of cellulite. Indeed, jojoba has antibacterial features chemically similar to sebum. The sebum can be dissolved in the jojoba oil and it can be used on all skin types which is a huge advantage. It is especially useful for sensitive, dry dehydrated or eczema prone skin but also on skins where acne or psoriasis exists. It can be used in highest percentages; however, it works best when blended at 10% with other carrier oils. The jojoba oil has the particularity to be absorbed rapidly into the skin, which makes it more useful than some other types of oils. While it’s called Jojoba oil, it is technically a liquid wax, but that doesn’t make it any less effective than other types of essential oils. Indeed, it is considered as a favorite for massages with oil blends. However, it is important to note that the jojoba oil may start to solidify and cloud up at cooler temperatures. When this happens, it is advised to gently warm it to liquefy it before using it (Johnson, 2012).
Another useful ingredient required in many treatments, including the treatment of cellulite is the sweet almond. It can be used in future uses for chapped, inflamed or irritated skin as well as skins prone to eczema and dermatitis. The sweet almond tree is grown in many Mediterranean countries but also in California, in North America. The sweet almond oil is extracted from the kernels of nuts belonging to the tree. It is a pale yellow, thick liquid that mixes well with most other carrier oils and essential oils. This popular oil is rich in nutrients, such as unsaturated fatty acids, protein and vitamins A, B, D and E. There are many uses of the sweet almond oil. For example, it helps muscular tensions, pain and stiffness, it’s an excellent moisturizer for both the skin and the hair. It is also very useful to soothe and reduce inflammations and it is beneficial in relieving the itchiness associated with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The sweet almond oil is safe to use, but it is important to note that it is advised to not use it on someone suffering from nut allergies (Thornes, 2003).
The next ingredient that has many benefits in the treatment of many skin related conditions is the Grape seed, which is also a very efficient all-rounder for massages. It is good for all skin types and leaves an oily sheen on the skin. It contains a high level of linoleic acid as well as oleic acid, proteins, vitamins and minerals. It can either be used diluted at 100% or blended with other carrier oils. The grape seed oil is also hypoallergenic; therefore, it is safe to use and a skin reaction to the oil is extremely rare. Usually, grape seed oils cost less than most other carrier oils and can be purchased in large amounts at the supermarket (along with sunflower oil) (Nicola, 2006).
Detoxification is a major part in many treatments, and that includes cellulite treatments. Detoxification can be achieved through food, herbs, strange rituals and various complementary therapies in cleaning the body from toxins. The detoxifications go through the lymphatic system, the kidneys, the liver and it is known to reduces stress levels. Aromatherapy can be used to help detoxification through the lymphatic system by reducing the water retention because it helps reducing the appearance of cellulite. Essential oils are also useful when it comes to detoxification. Indeed, essential oils from rosemary, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, juniper, peppermint, lemongrass, fennel, angelica, bergamot, black pepper, rose, vetiver, sandalwood, cypress, eucalyptus, and ginger are known to help with the detoxification of the skin and help treat cellulite (Nicola, 2006). To conclude, this study’s aim is to take a look at the physical appearance and stability of some products in the treatment of cellulite by measuring three types of essential oils which are; grapefruit oil, juniper berry oil and cypress oil and by combining them with massages and body wraps on the top of thighs.