Cellulite is also known as orange peel skin because of the lumpy texture. This condition is present in 80-90% of women. In men, cellulite is far less frequent and it’s distributed differently than in women. Cellulite predominately affects adults, but some children may have to deal with it too.
Even though it’s extremely widespread, people have various misconceptions around cellulite. Here is a quick overview of this condition and the best ways to remedy it.
What Exactly Is Cellulite?
As we age, our fat cells can pass through the connective tissue and pile up under the skin. The resulting dimples are called cellulite. Cellulite can form on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks. It tends to be more spread-out on women, while men only have cellulite in the stomach area.
This formation of lumps is caused by a reaction between connective tissue and the fat stored underneath it. While not dangerous, cellulite can be unsightly and embarrassing. In some people, it leads to body image issues and a lack of self-confidence.
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A Note on Cellulitis
It’s important to note that there is a significant difference between cellulite and cellulitis, as the two are easy to confuse. Cellulite is a harmless cosmetic concern, while cellulitis is a potentially dangerous infection.
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A Note on the Severity of Cellulite
Experts have developed a severity scale based on the depth of the depressions in the skin.
Orange peel skin is a general term for this condition, but it’s also used specifically for mild cellulite. If you have mild cellulite, pinching your skin is the only way to make it show.
In the case of moderate cellulite, the skin appears somewhat draped, even when you’re not pinching it. This is also described as a cottage cheese texture in your skin. Severe cellulite is described as mattress-like for the always present linear depressions.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite is often tied to obesity. However, studies show that thin people may have it as well, and there are overweight people who are free of this skin condition.
So, what are the main contributing factors to cellulite?
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Genetics
Scientists have found that there is a genetic component to this skin condition. The tone and thickness of your skin impact your chances of getting cellulite.
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Gender
Why are women much likelier to have cellulite than men?
The answer lies in the structure of the connective tissue, which is formed from a protein called collagen. In women, the collagen is arranged vertically, which makes it easier for the fat cells to get through. In men’s connective tissue, the collagen forms a crisscrossing structure instead.
It’s also worth noting that fat distribution is different between sexes. Since fat builds up around the abdomen in men, this is where they show cellulite. This is less noticeable than texture changes on the thighs.
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Hormones
Your hormones have a strong impact on the formation of cellulite in your body. In particular, women’s estrogen levels impact the distribution of their fatty tissue. When estrogen levels drop, fat cells become larger, which can result in additional cellulite.
Insulin, noradrenalin, and other hormones impact cellulite formation as well.
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Aging
The skin loses its elasticity with age, which makes cellulite development considerably likelier. Additionally, age affects the hormones produced in your body.
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Lifestyle Choices
Poor circulation may contribute to the development of cellulite. People who live an active lifestyle have a better chance of preventing this condition.
A Look at Potential Remedies
The medical community is still working on how to get rid of cellulite for good. The following methods are both efficient and safe:
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Shockwave Therapy
Here is a method that can help you get rid of cellulite for 2-6 months. This is a non-invasive procedure and it’s one of the most effective ways to treat this issue.
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Massages
Massaging the problem areas on your body can help improve the circulation. You can do some simple massages at home, but your best option is to find a professional who can perform a deep massage on you instead.
You can opt for a technique that uses suction, such as Endermologie. In the short term, deep massages have a great effect on your skin. However, the long-term effects are yet to be proven.
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Subcision
While this is an invasive procedure, the effects on your body are fairly mild. Research shows that subcision can bring extraordinary improvement. But this method is costly, and it is usually reserved for people who have moderate to severe cellulite. The effectiveness of this option lasts up to two years, and medical science is still working on better subcision methods.
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Exercise
There are specially designed exercises that can help you treat cellulite. This method improves your circulation and reduces body fat. But exercise is also dependent on an increased liquid intake, reduced stress, and a better diet. These lifestyle factors could keep you safe from the development of additional cellulite lumps.
Methods That Are Considered Unsafe
Experts warn against using liposuction and mesotherapy. What do these procedures entail?
Liposuction means removing fat directly from the affected areas. But this fat removal isn’t always even, so there’s a chance you’ll end up with even deeper dimples. While liposuction is a safe procedure in general, it isn’t useful at getting rid of cellulite.
On the other hand, mesotherapy can be damaging to your health. In this case, the idea is to inject your skin with chemicals that break down fat cells. However, this is inefficient and can also lead to infections and painful skin rashes.
A Final Word
If you’re trying to decide how to get rid of cellulite, safety should be your first concern. There are a few simple medical procedures that can free you of this skin condition. For now, they are all temporary, and they can be overly expensive. Many people opt for home remedies instead, which means massages and an improved exercise regime.
It’s not always possible to prevent the formation of cellulite, as it is hereditary to an extent and dependent on your age. But keeping your weight down will reduce your chances of having to deal with this issue. If you don’t yet have to deal with cellulite, consider taking up a more active lifestyle as a preventive measure.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149465.php
https://www.livestrong.com/article/280435-cellulite-in-children/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/187154-cellulite-in-men/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24018731_A_validated_photonumeric_cellulite_severity_scale
https://www.livestrong.com/article/176747-what-are-the-causes-of-severe-cellulite-in-thin-people/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-cellulite-forever/
https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/lose-weight/burn-fat/cellulite-causes/
https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/skin-and-beauty/naturally-reduce-the-appearance-of-cellulite.aspx
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1468-3083.2000.00016.x
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686339/
https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/19/1/27/225278
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5234561/
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/get-rid-of-cellulite#2-10
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