What is Cellulite and can it be prevented?
Cellulite is something that a very high percentage of us will experience. We are talking 80 to 90 percent. So firstly, you must never feel that if you have it, you are one of a minority. Because, in actual fact, the majority of women and some men have cellulite.
If it is something you suffer from and it effects you negatively, then not to worry. There are ways you can reduce the appearance and prevent it from getting any worse. We will have a look at some of these tips today. But first…
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a term for the lumps, bumps and dimples that you get in your skin. Most people get cellulite on their thighs, hips and buttocks as these tend to be the areas with more fatty deposits. Think of it as the same reason why we say when we overindulge in some chocolate cake (my favorite) that it will go straight to our thighs, hips and…our cheeks?! (yep, mine too) Although we can find cellulite in both men and women, it is much more common in women. This is due to how our fat, muscles and connective tissues are distributed (which is different to men).
What causes cellulite?
The exact cause of cellulite is unknown. But what we do know is that it is something to do with how the connective tissue in your skin connects to the layer of fat below it. And the dimpled appearance occurs when the fat deposits push or pull the connective tissue distorting it and pushing through. As women, our fat cells grow vertically to our connective tissue making it easier to push through into the layer of skin causing cellulite. As a man, your fat cells are in a cross shape. Making it significantly more difficult to push through into the skin.
What factors can increase the chances of cellulite?
Hormonal factors and age: Many of our hormones are vital in the cellulite production process. One theory is that the increasing and decreasing of the level of these hormones in the body weakens the connective tissues making you more prone to cellulite. And as we age our skin becomes less elastic and thinner; both of which can increase the chances of getting cellulite.
Genetic factors:
– Speed
– Metabolism
– Distribution of fat
– Ethnicity
– Circulatory levels
Diet and Lifestyle: Those who eat foods that are high in carbohydrates and salt but low in essential fibers have a very high risk of getting cellulite. Also, those who smoke and do not exercise much, or who have jobs which require you to sit down for long periods of time. These activities reduce blood flow to the areas that are prone to cellulite and so again, increase the risk.
Reducing the appearance and prevention
Maintaining a healthy diet:
A healthy diet will not get rid of the cellulite, but it will most definitely improve how it looks. Reducing your carb and fat intake means that you’re automatically lowering the amount of fat entering your body. Which, of course, in turn, reduces the amount of free fat to fill up the fatty deposits.
The less fat in the body, the less there is to push through the connective tissue and distort the skin. As well as that, a healthy diet is also going to improve your skin as a whole. With some foods helping to keep the elasticity of your skin at its maximum. All of which help to reduce your chances of getting cellulite.
Supplements and Topical creams/oils:
There are some supplements available on the market. But if we are honest, there is no substantial evidence to prove that any of these directly affect cellulite. These also include oils and creams that you are to apply to the top layer of your skin, over the affected area. From our previous blogs, we already know that using the right cream is going to help improve your skin, but this does not mean that it will necessarily help the cellulite underneath the surface.
Exercising:
Exercising will increase blood flow throughout the body. When it comes to cellulite, it is vital that the blood flow to the skin and the layers that are below it increases. As the more blood that gets to the skin, cells, and fatty layers the more oxygen they have and the healthier they are. And exercising helps to increase this. It also aids in tightening the skin, all while decreasing the amount of fat in the body. Which, as we have said before, reduces the possibility of cellulite.
Cellulite is something nearly all of us suffer from. It honestly does not matter what shape, size, ethnicity or gender you are it is possible for us all to get it. Unfortunately, you cannot get rid of cellulite altogether, but there are some things you can do at home to help to reduce the appearance. These include;
– Body brushing
– Exfoliating
– Massaging the areas
– Coconut oil and dry brushing
– Drinking lots of water
– Green tea
– Apple cider vinegar
Some people may not be bothered by cellulite, but if you are don’t forget it can easily be reduced. Like many other health problems a healthy diet, exercise and a well planned out home care routine are great tools to have in your self-help toolbox.
Image Credits:
Featured image: https://www.lipotherapeia.com/how-to-get-rid-of-cellulite/
1: http://www.austinmacauley.com/news/what-hybrid-publishing
2: https://intl.target.com/p/marquee-question-mark-small-room-essentials-153/-/A-15315694
3: https://pixabay.com/p-2150881/?no_redirect
4: https://fonolo.com/blog/2014/01/how-a-call-center-can-reduce-abandonment-rates/