Cellulite is one of the most common skin conditions affecting women. More than 90% of women and even a small percentage of men will develop cellulite at some point in their lifetime.
What does cellulite look like?
Cellulite is described as the dimpled, "cottage cheese" appearance commonly found on the upper thighs, buttocks, lower abdomen, and hips. It forms when pockets of fat become trapped in between fibrous connective tissue called septae. The septae are what neatly hold our body's fat cells into compartments and form the structure for our skin. The more weight that is put on these tissues, the more the trapped fat cells gets pushed through, causing bulges and lumps to appear on the surface of the skin. Men have more solid fibrous tissue structures and thus, are less susceptible to developing cellulite.
Who is at risk for cellulite?
Women over the age of 40 are more likely to struggle with cellulite problems. This is due to the fact that skin begins to lose elasticity as we get older which makes the appearance of cellulite more noticeable. However, girls as young as 14 can develop minor cases of cellulite.
What lifestyle choices can affect cellulite?
There are a variety of ways to prevent cellulite and improve its appearance. One of the most successful ways is by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. By avoiding certain foods that contain high amounts of calories and sugar, you can eliminate excess fat and toxins in the body that can cause damage to the skin's tissues.
What treatment options are available for cellulite?
There are many treatment options available to help with cellulite. Your skin care professional can recommend which procedure will provide you with the ideal results you are seeking. Because cellulite is often caused by predisposed conditions, it is important to understand that there is no solution to completely eliminate cellulite. However, many treatments have been very successful in dramatically improving the look of cellulite, while helping to stimulate collagen production and toning the skin.
