Causes of Cellulite
Table of Contents
Can Cellulite Be Prevented?
Cellulite is something that affects women of all ages, it ranges from mild to severe and some women are more prone to it than others. I personally used to think it only affected older women and those who are overweight. Some believe it can also be caused by lack of exercise.
The truth is, causes of cellulite are many and it can affect women of any age group. Cellulite is commonly found on the buttocks, hips, and thighs, what most women want to know is why it affects them and is there a way to eliminate it?
In this article, I will tell you about some of the causes of cellulite and what you can do about it.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is the term given to the appearance of lumpy or dimpled skin, its usually most visible on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. You may have heard the reference cottage cheese thighs or orange peel butt. That is because it often resembles that kind of texture.
While cellulite is not considered a serious health condition, it can be something that women will freak out about and want to get rid of. It looks unattractive and often gives an image that a woman does not exercise or take care of themselves.
The truth is that even women who are at a healthy weight and exercise suffer from cellulite.
Cellulite affects over 90% of women and 10% of men.
Causes of cellulite
Cellulite is caused by when fat pushes up against the layer of connective tissue underneath the skin. This makes the fat more visible causing the look of orange peel or cottage cheese dimples. The risk of cellulite increases as women get older. It is often blamed on 1 menopause which could have something to do with it.
Hormonal changes
The decline of estrogen can cause cellulite, low estrogen levels may reduce blood circulation and reduce collagen production. Less collagen can cause the size of the fat cells to increase and reduce the thickness of the collagen layer this can make cellulite more visible.
It’s not just estrogen that may cause cellulite, other hormones such as prolactin and the thyroid hormone may be responsible for increasing cellulite.
High levels of insulin
It is thought that higher levels of insulin and catecholamines 2 cause cellulite due to the breakdown and storage of fat cells. A high carb diet may increase lipogenesis which is the formation of fat cells.
One of the reasons cellulite is more visible in women than it is in women is because the connective tissue in women is arranged differently than it is in men. The fat cells in women are arranged vertically under the skin. When the fat cells grow the tops begin to bulge through the layer of tissue.
Fat cells in men are arranged horizontally and lay flat against each other.
Sitting and inactive lifestyle
It is believed that a lot of sitting and inactive lifestyle can contribute to cellulite, this is due to poor blood circulation.
Smoking
People who smoke seem to be more susceptible to cellulite accumulation, this is because smoking can reduce the levels of collagen in the skin. Smoking can also cause premature wrinkles and dry discolored skin.
Cellulite is identified in four stages:
- Grade 0 – No cellulite
- Grade 1 – Smooth skin with subtle bumps and dimples when sitting
- Grade 2 – Cottage cheese or orange peel appearance when sitting or standing
- Grade 3 – Cottage cheese or orange peel appearance when standing or sitting with more prominence of big dimples and deeper raised areas.
Can cellulite be prevented?
You would think with all the modern science available today that there would be an easy way to eliminate cellulite, the truth is there is no proven quick fix to eliminate it, however, a lot of women have found that there are certain ways to treat and vanish cellulite.
Dry skin brushing
There are many health benefits to dry skin brushing, it helps improve circulation in the skin, eliminates dry skin and can help distribute fat cells evenly. Dry skin brushing can also have positive benefits on the lymphatic system.
Coffee scrub wrap
Coffee scrub wraps can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, this is the secret in many booty and thigh enhancement creams. Coffee scrubs help plump the surrounding tissue and help smooth out cellulite. Coffee helps stimulate lymphatic and blood flow in the affected area and it’s also a good source of 3antioxidants.
Moisturize your skin
While there is no strong scientific proof keeping your skin soft and hydrated may help prevent cellulite buildup. Using natural moisturizers containing natural aloe vera and coconut oil can help rejuvenate skin and keep skin cells healthy.
There are special skin creams that contain coffee and other natural moisturizers, many of them are specially made to combat cellulite in the buttocks, hips, and legs.
Vacuum therapy
Vacuum therapy is a popular way to treat cellulite, using a booty pump works on the principle of “tension induced stimulation”. This procedure stimulates new cell tissue which increases new firm tissue and reduces the appearance of cellulite.
Maintain healthy hormone levels
Research has shown that a lack of estrogen or overall hormone imbalances can increase your risk of developing cellulite. This is why it believed a lot of women see cellulite buildup particular during and after menopause. Keeping a close eye on hormone levels may not only prevent cellulite it has other health benefits as well.
Exercise may help
While it is true that there are women who exercise regularly and still seem to accumulate cellulite, however, exercise can prevent cellulite and lessen the visible results.
Exercising helps tone the muscles underneath the fat deposits which can reduce the appearance of cellulite and as we all know exercise offers many other health benefits.
Conclusion
Cellulite is in no way life threatening but it does not look good. If you suffer from unsightly cellulite you are not the only one. Cellulite affects thousands of women around the world. The Good news is that its not the end of the world it can be treated and most of the treatments are completely safe and are side effect free.