5 Facts About Cellulite You Need to Know
Cellulite is a common condition in which your skin appears to be dimpled, usually around your hips and thighs. This dimpled skin is due to underlying fat deposits beneath the skin, which protrude against connective tissues. If you or someone you know has cellulite, continue reading to discover must-know facts about this condition. In this article, we will shed light 5 common cellulite myths while offering helpful tips and advice on how to lessen the appearance of cellulite.
1. Cellulite Affects Women More
According to Dermatology experts, approximately 80-98% of women have some form of cellulite on their body. Women are more likely to experience cellulite because the female connective tissues are thin, but their fat layers are thicker. On women, fat is stored more in their thighs and buttocks, which are constantly being flexed causing tension that pushes fat out. The end result: Cellulite.
That is not to say, however, that men are immune to this condition. Instead, men merely experience it to a lesser degree and are less likely to speak about it publicly. According to experts, about 10% of men experience forms of cellulite because the male connective tissue is thick while their fat layers are thin. Men store fat differently in the abdomen. As a result, men are less subject to the effects of cellulite.
2. Cellulite Increases With Age
Estrogen is a female hormone that helps maintain the circulation of blood vessels. As women age, their bodies produce less estrogen, thereby decreasing blood circulation. Without optimal blood circulation, women’s connective tissues will begin to thin and previous existing cellulite may worsen. Fat layers will begin to push up against the skin with no connective tissue to shield the dimpled fat.
3. Weight Affects Cellulite
Please remember that women of all shapes and sizes are prone to cellulite, even supermodels. While women who are overweight are most susceptible to cellulite, it can even happen to women who are in the best of shape. With regular exercise and a proper diet, you can reduce the appearance of cellulite. While exercise will not magically make cellulite disappear, it will definitely help diminish its appearance.
If you’re insecure about your appearance, then gain confidence by creating an exercise routine that incorporates strength training and muscle toning. Take before and after pictures to document your process and compare.
4. Anti-Cellulite Creams Don’t Work
Don’t go out to the store and purchase expensive anti-cellulite creams and lotions that promise to eliminate cellulite. Instead, save your money! There is no medical research that supports the idea that these products actually work. Instead, pay a visit to your dermatologist to learn the best methods of reducing the appearance of cellulite. Most likely, your doctor will tell you to stay hydrated, eat healthy and exercise for the best results.
5. There are Cellulite-Fighting Foods
Believe it or not, eating fruits and vegetables that contain high percentages of water will help fight cellulite. Fruits and vegetables containing over 90% of water and are great for fighting cellulite include:
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Incorporating foods with high water content into your diet will help ensure strong and tight connective tissues. Strong connective tissues will prevent fat layers from dimpling through your skin. Also remember to drink at least eight glasses of water everyday to keep hydrated and reduce inflammation and bloating. By including hydrating fruits and vegetables and lots of water in your diet, you will notice less cellulite and you may even begin to notice that you’ve lost a few pounds too! Talk about a win-win!
Conclusions
If you’re a woman, it’s likely that you will experience cellulite in your lifetime. In fact, there’s a good chance that you may already have. If you’re concerned with the appearance of cellulite, try exercising to tone and strengthen your muscles and tweak your eating habits.
Instead, try incorporating ingredients with high water content into your meals and drinking lots of water. While there are many ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite, you need to remember that cellulite is a perfectly normal condition that happens to the best of us.
