Method of ameliorating cellulite by disrupting the barrier function of the stratum corneum

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Cellulite Described The pathogenesis of cellulite is usually described as a three-or-four-stage process.
Herein, cellulite pathogenesis will, for the purposes of providing an explanatory model, without limiting the scope of the invention, be considered as a three-stage process having the following characteristics: Stage 1 Blood vessels in the affected area become dilated and leaky.
At this stage, surface effects are minimal and treatments to repair vascular integrity and remove excess fluid can be quite effective.
Laser Doppler examination can detect abnormal blood flow and biopsies also show sub-surface defects.
Stage 2 Fat cell metabolism is grossly disturbed with a dramatic increases in the amount of fat and size of cells.
Fat globules form as engorged fat cells adhere together.
Vascular integrity is further impaired, dermal and epidermal disturbances are noted.
Examples of such disturbances are epidermal thinning, poor vasculature in the dermis, the skin surface becoming rough and gray due to poor micro-circulation and surface heterogeneity develops, i.
e.
the beginnings of an "orange-peel" surface can be seen.
Stage 3 In the third stage, a continued breakdown of the micro-vasculature can be observed, with continued fluid accumulation, increasing fat synthesis and decreasing rates of fat metabolism.
Fat cells are engorged, adhere together and are surrounded by a collagen shell, made up of abnormal collagen.
These distinct nodules can be several centimeters in diameter, are quite palpable at the surface, and may be quite painful.
The collagen-shelled fat nodules re-direct the capillary network and represent areas where blood flow is diminished.
The subcutaneous fat region is quite disorganized from fluid retention, from the presence of fatty nodules and from the effects of gravity.
The orange peel skin is readily apparent, surface heterogeneity is obvious.
The epidermis and dermis are thinner and less firm and organized.
The abnormalities can be readily detected visually at the skin surface and are unsightly and embarrassing to most people afflicted with advanced cellulite