The term “cellulite” describes pockets of fat deposits that collect just below the surface of the skin.
This can cause the skin to have a dimpled or lumpy appearance.
However, there are treatments that can improve its appearance.
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This article explains what cellulite is, what causes it, and the available treatment options.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite consists of deposits of fat surrounded by fibrous connective tissue.
Strong collagen fibers andseptae(membranes) connect them to the skin.
Over time, the fibers and septae stretch or break down, and the fat cells grow.
While cellulite tends to increase with weight gain, it can also affect those who are thin.
These fibers are the actual cause of cellulite.
The way the connective tissue is arranged varies, mainly by sex assigned at birth.
In females, they tend to run vertically and perpendicular to the skin.
Because of this, they tether the skin to the underlying tissue at certain points.
This creates chambers of fat cells that push up on the skin while the fibers pull it downward.
It’s a lot like tufted upholstery.
Males also generally have a thicker skin layer than females, which reduces the appearance of cellulite.
Hormones
Hormones are another cause of cellulite that varies by assigned gender.
Estrogen, the primary female hormone, plays a role in regulating fat.
This fat is intended as an energy source for childbearing.
When estrogen declines in menopause, it can lead to weight gain, which increases the likelihood of cellulite.
It also causes the skin to lose elasticity.
All of these factors are believed to contribute to cellulite.
In fact, one of the major risk factors for cellulite is having family members who have it.
A few studies have identified genes that appear to play roles in the likelihood a person will develop cellulite.
The increased risk of cellulite posed by one of the genes looks like it’s heightened in smokers.
At What Age Do You Get Cellulite?
Dietary and Lifestyle Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of and exacerbate (worsen) cellulite.
However, unlike the causes, you may be able to control some or all of them.
Things that can increase the appearance of cellulite include:
How Is Cellulite Treated?
Several products and procedures are touted astreatments for cellulite.
It’s important to note that procedures that just remove fat often have no impact on cellulite.
It takes specialized procedures to change its appearance.
Positive results have been reported after at least six weekly sessions.
Acoustic wave therapy works by administering focused shock waves and radial shock waves to the areas containing cellulite.
A handheld gear is applied to skin and emits these waves, which enter the subcutaneous tissue.
This treatment may require seven appointments to complete.
Radiofrequency
With radiofrequency treatment, cellulite is heated with radio waves.
This has a superficial and temporary effect of smoothing out bumps.
The technique may also involve lasers, suction, infrared energy, and/or massage to improve results.
Results may last a year or longer.
With other brands of laser devices, results may last six months or more.
A small study showed results that lasted up to three years.
Carboxytherapy:Carboxytherapy involves the injection of carbon dioxide gas underneath the skin.
However, thus far, none have had enough adequate or consistent study results to be recommended.
Weight Loss, Weight Gain
Neither losing nor gaining weight is a foolproof way of minimizing cellulite.
For many people, weight gain makes cellulite stand out more.
It goes back to the growth of those fat cells and the possibility that they could start to bulge.
However, for some people, weight loss causes looser skin.
This is especially true of rapid or extreme weight loss.
Loose skin may make cellulite stand out even more, just as it does with loose skin from aging.
It also prematurely ages your skin.
If you do,kicking the habitis the best choice for your health.
Healthier, more youthful skin holds fatty areas tighter so cellulite doesn’t show as much.
A crucial part of healthy tissues is collagen.
Research suggests thatcollagen supplementscan improve the appearance of skin and cellulite.
Over time, your body produces less collagen.
Effects of reduced collagen include:
To make collagen, your body uses amino acids from protein.
It also needsvitamin C, zinc, andcopper.
Thus far, none of these supplements has been proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Summary
Cellulite is the fat deposits that give the skin’s surface a puckered, dimpled appearance.
It most commonly occurs around the hips, thighs, and buttocks.
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