All About Cellulite: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

It’s not a secret that almost every woman has cellulite. It’s just a fact and there’s nothing weird about it. And of course, there is nothing wrong if you have it. It’s absolutely normal. But sometimes its presence can affect our self-confidence. So let’s clear up what cellulite is and how to deal with it.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite (also known as orange-peel skin, cottage-cheese skin, hail damage and the mattress phenomenon) occurs when the skin covering certain areas of fat is pulled downward to the deeper tissues by connective tissue bands. This creates an uneven surface.

Cellulite can be usually found on:

• hips
• thighs
• abdomen
• buttocks
• breasts

Why are women more affected by cellulite than men due?

Cellulite affects approximately 90 percent of women and 10 percent of men, mostly in industrial nations.

The main protein of connective tissue, commonly called collagen, has the appearance of a picket fence if we talk about women. Whereas in men it looks like a cross-linked fence. And this cross-linked structure is much stronger.

Adrenergic receptors is also one of the reasons why women get cellulite. Stimulated alpha receptors cause fat cells to produce fat while stimulated beta receptors break down fat. In women, for every one beta receptor in the thigh, there are nine alpha receptors.

Estrogen also makes fat meanwhile testosterone breaks down fat. So a women’s body, as peculiar as it may sound, is genetically designed to be a place for cellulite to develop. Men have one layer of fat throughout their entire body and a one-to-one alpha- and beta-receptor ratio.

What are the culprits of cellulite?

No one really knows why cellulite develops, but anyway, there are often-blamed causes among doctors. They are:

Genetics
Certain genes are responsible for cellulite development. Genetic factors can be linked to a person’s speed of metabolism, distribution of fat under the skin, ethnicity and circulatory levels. All these can affect the chance of cellulite developing. But it doesn’t mean you have to develop it if you do the right things: eat a healthy diet and exercise.

Lymphatics
Lymphatic system serves as drainage that helps the body get rid of waste. Lymph nodes can become puffed up by unhealthy habits like a bad diet and lack of exercise, which can make cellulite more noticeable.

Aging
People often think that the older they become the more visible cellulite gets. But it’s not necessarily age that is the main reason. The fact is that cellulite looks worse because the skin ages, loses its elasticity and thus it sags more.

Diet
Diet can really play a great role in the formation of cellulite especially if it’s not a healthy and balanced one. Moreover, inflammatory foods such as dairy and soda also affect the cellulite condition.

How to get rid of cellulite?

According to doctors, there is no 100% cellulite cure. But there is a number of techniques that may be successful in reducing the appearance of cellulite by breaking up the bands of connective tissue under the skin’s surface. There are acoustic wave therapy, laser treatment, subcision, radiotherapy, carboxytherapy endermologie and others among them.

But as for me, I prefer more natural ways to treat cellulite. And I must admit, they are less expensive. These ways also may be used as part of a self-care routine to go along with improvements to your lifestyle and exercise habits.

Exercise
Exercise can help you reduce body fat which makes cellulite less visible. Choose a workout that combines aerobics and strength training. It will help you burn body fat and tone and define your muscles. I advise you on creating a workout routine that focuses on the areas of your body that are prone to cellulite.

Healthy diet
I always keep saying how important a regular healthy and balanced diet is. It can make cellulite less visible. Exclude processed and high-sugar food, animal fats, fried fatty food, fast food. Besides, say no to alcohol. You can also feed your skin cellulite-busting foods like decaf green tea, blueberries, kiwi fruit, walnuts, eggs and dried beans.

Drink plenty of water
Just remember, hydration is essential. Dehydration can make cellulite more noticeable. That’s it.

Dry brushing
This simple home procedure stimulates blood and lymph flow, removes dead skin cells and stimulates new cells growth. Use a natural plant loofah or body brush to gently smooth dry skin for up to five minutes. You can start at the feet and move your way upward. Use long fluid strokes or circular motions. It’s better done before a bath or shower.

If you want the result be more effective and visible you can add to your care routine such home treatments as scrub, body wrap, anti-cellulite cream with massage and skin hydration.

My favorite products to beat cellulite

Sculpting & Firming Anti-Cellulite Body Wrap for Legs by GUAM

Anti-Age Talasso-Scrub by Collistar

Refresh, Seaweed Body Polish by Pursoma

Cellulinov by Sisley

Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert

NuFACE NuBODY Device from Challenge Kit

The main thing you should always keep in mind is that, first of all, all these treatments are focused not only on cellulite itself but on your inner beauty and health. Working out, eating a healthy balanced diet, drinking water, doing massages, etc. – all these procedures you should do on a regular basis for happy and healthy life. As a sign of self-love and self-care.

Remember, whatever you do, you do it for yourself!