Cellulite

Basics of Cellulite

Cellulite, everyone has it, even supermodels, and all hate it! The psychological impact of having visible cellulite is enormous. Many ladies are so disturbed with it that they will go to great extents to do something about it. Magazines are forever reporting about the latest tablets and creams, sometimes leading to greater confusion. Unfortunately to date, there is no simple cure for cellulite, but a basic understanding will help in decreasing its visible appearance.

Cellulite is a term that is used to describe fat deposits under the skin that gives it an orange-peel-like appearance. It is most often seen in women because the fat is arranged in large chambers separated by columns of collagen fibres. In men the chambers are smaller and arranged in a diagonal pattern, so cellulite is less noticeable or not present.

The reason it looks the way it does is that fibrous strands of tissue connect your skin to deeper tissue layers. This creates compartments of ordinary fat cells. When the fat cells increase in size the compartments bulge and produce the dimpling appearance on your skin.

If you are overweight, excess fat is stuffed in these compartments causing them to bulge out. Looking on the outside, on the surface of the skin, the bulging provides the dimply appearance of cellulite.

Cellulite is predetermined by genetics, so even thin women can develop cellulite. Factors such as hormones, pregnancy and ageing may all attribute to the weakening of the collagen fibres to give cellulite its appearance.

Even the "morbidly obese" are not necessarily genetically predisposed to cellulite and may display no appearance at all of it.

Cellulite is normal for many women and less obvious when the lady has thicker skin. As the body ages we put on weight and the skin becomes thinner, leading to the appearance of more cellulite.

What causes it?

Cellulite occurs when fat cells swell and partly block circulation and lymphatic drainage. This leads to swelling of the fat chambers, causing the fibrous strands of connective tissue attached to the skin to pull down, creating dimpling of the skin.

Being overweight does not automatically cause cellulite. People with obesity do have cellulite, but some don't. Some people with cellulite have slim figures. There is a clear association between excess fat and cellulite. Enlarged fat cells put pressure on connective tissues, which affects the skin's smoothness and tautness.

Is it dangerous?

Cellulite is a harmless disorder. It is not at all related to the medical condition known as cellulites as a result of bacterial infection. The name is totally coincidental.

Do men have cellulite?

Yes, men do have cellulite, but it is less obvious because the fat chambers are smaller and in a more diagonal pattern. In women the fat chambers are large and vertical. A woman's connective tissue is very inflexible, so as she gains weight and her fat cells expand, they tend to bulge upwards towards the surface of the skin. In men, not only is there generally less fat on the thighs, but also the outer skin is thicker and thus obscures what is happening to any surplus fat below.

Can it be cured?

There is no cure for cellulite. Most treatments do not provide any permanent improvement, but some may provide temporary superficial smoothing. Beware of many of the creams; to date there is no scientific evidence to support their claims.

Does Dieting Help to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite?

The fat cells are still present and can refill if calorie excess resumes. That is why many treatments of cellulite are directed at the surgical removal of the fat cells themselves. Liposculture using advanced techniques may help to soften the appearance.

What can one do to reduce there appearance?

Loss weight will help in selected cases. You can still help matters by cleansing your system and exercising to tone muscles underneath to tighten the skin.