Skin Concerns

Cellulite, also known as cottage cheese skin or orange peel, is a form of localized fat storage in the adipose cells of the hypodermis. The connective strands within these cells begin to stiffen, swell and pull down the skin at attached points. This creates sections of skin that appear to be held down while others bulge outward.

Cellulite appears in both men and women (although more often in women) in the lower limbs, thighs, buttocks, abdomen and pelvic regions. The condition is generally characterized by dimpled and lumpy sections of skin tissue, giving the texture an uneven and bumpy appearance.

CAUSE: Contrary to popular belief, the cause of cellulite is not a cut and dry weight management issue.

Eczema is a common, allergic skin condition that occurs in the upper layers of the epidermis. Also known as atopic dermatitis, this chronic inflammation of the skin is most often characterized by red, swollen, dry, cracked and itchy patches of skin. The inflammation can take form in one spot or can become a widespread affliction. Eczema can affect adults and children of all races and age groups.

Folliculitis is common skin condition caused by an infection in the hair follicles. The irritation is the body's natural response to ingrown facial hairs and damaged hair follicles that cause inflamed papules and pustules. The infection typically appears in clusters, forming small, white and pus-filled bumps that develop around the hair follicles. These blisters often break open, scab or form dry and crusted patches of skin over the affected area.

Wrinkles are skin creases, folds and surface lines that develop on the skin. In general, most wrinkles are associated with aging and the face. These skin wrinkles are often referred to as crow's feet, frown lines, worry lines and laugh lines. Some wrinkles can be classified as mild and superficial, while other wrinkles have the ability to form deep furrows or overlaps, particularly around the mouth, cheek and lip regions. These deeper wrinkles are typically classified as dynamic or static. Dynamic wrinkles appear with movement of the face, and static lines remain unchanged by facial expressions or muscle movement.

The Fitzpatrick scale of facial lines organizes wrinkles into three categories, including:

• Class I: Fine or superficial wrinkles
• Class II: Fine-to-moderately deep wrinkles and a mild number of lines
• Class III: Fine-to-deep wrinkles, numerous lines, and redundant creases or folds