Cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. The condition is most prevalent in women.
You can't get rid of cellulite. But, it's not harmful to your overall health. You can reduce the appearance of cellulite through a combination of exercise, diet and treatments.
Cellulite makes the skin look dimpled, rippled or uneven in texture, and is due to fat tissue pushing against the connective tissue beneath your skin. Mayo Clinic also highlights that it's not only very common - it's also totally harmless. It's not completely clear why cellulite is more common for women than men.
Fast facts about cellulite
It usually affects the buttocks and thighs but can also occur in other areas. Between 80 and 90 percent of women will probably experience cellulite. Cellulite is also known as orange-peel skin, due to its texture. Numerous treatments available, but the effect is mostly temporary.
Most men don't care much about some cellulite
In fact, most men cannot even “see” your cellulite, as they can't “see” your new haircut, dress etc.
In addition, hormonal factors play a large role in the development of cellulite, and genetics determine skin structure, skin texture and body type. Other factors, such as weight and muscle tone affect whether you have cellulite, though even very fit people can have it.
As women start approaching menopause, estrogen starts decreasing. From 25 to 35 is when you start seeing the appearance of cellulite. Estrogen has an impact on the blood vessels. When estrogen starts to decrease, you lose receptors in blood vessels and thighs, so you have decreased circulation.
Losing weight and strengthening the muscles in the legs, buttocks and abdomen may make cellulite less noticeable in those areas, but it won't go away altogether. That is because once a fat cell develops, it is yours for life.
Strength training, especially exercises that target the thighs and glutes, may also help diminish the appearance of cellulite. Some experts recommend a daily cardio routine and two or three strength training sessions every week.
It has been deemed unattractive and undesired by many as it gives the skin an orange-peel-like, dimpled appearance. Many people with severe cellulite seek effective treatment options and wish to know how to prevent the condition.
Aerobic exercise
Weight loss can lessen the appearance of an individual's cellulite. Some common aerobic exercises include: walking. running.
Squats and other exercises to smooth your skin
Exercise is an important part of getting rid of cellulite, but you can't just rely on a heavy cardio routine. Squats, deadlifts, and other muscle-building exercises will help you replace some of that fat with muscle, smoothing your skin and diminishing the dimpled effect.
Why does cellulite look worse some days? Excess sugar or diets high in fat can cause cellulite to look worse on some days. Sugar expands fat cells because they are deposited there. Too much salt can also cause you to retain fluids, making the appearance of cellulite worse.
Distribution of Fat
And because women naturally have thinner skin than men do and tend to store fat on their thighs and buttocks, women are more likely to suffer from cellulite.
The constant fluctuation in weight can cause a pattern of stretching of the skin that may affect the skin's integrity. Weakened skin and connective tissue makes it easier for fat deposits to push through and promote cellulite. Nonetheless, maintaining a healthy and steady weight is always advised.
Cellulite. On top of all of this the stress response is also one of the reasons why cellulite creeps in! The natural decline in muscle mass occurs when there is an excessive amount of cortisol are made, and you are now creating the perfect place for fat to make a cosy home in the subcutaneous layer of the skin.
When these fat cells are depleted, there is less pressure. However, losing weight can sometimes make the appearance of cellulite worse. Lose skin, which often accompanies weight loss, can make cellulite more noticeable.
Eating plenty of whole-grain foods and fibre will help to remove toxins from your body. Avoiding excess salt is also recommended as this can cause dehydration and swelling - both contributors to cellulite. Eating in a calorie deficit will also help you to burn fat which can contribute to the appearance of cellulite.
Exercise Smart
Get moving. It's one of the best treatments. It won't make your cellulite disappear, but strong muscles under lumpy areas can make your skin look more even. Try a three-part plan: a healthy diet, brisk exercise, and moves that tone your muscles.