Cellulite Facts And Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite sometimes called "cottage cheese skin" is a common finding in women. The skin of the hips and thighs appear to have a cottage cheese or orange peel look to the surface. The condition is pretty much limited to women. Although more noticeable in those overweight, it can occur in thin individuals as well. Cellulite is a series of ripples of fat cells and fibrous connective tissue under the skin. Usually found on the thighs and butt, especially in women, it has a characteristic pucker or 'orange peel' appearance.
What Causes Cellulite?
Although there are several possible explanations, the truth is: we don't know why cellulite is caused. Being overweight doesn't cause cellulite - many sufferers are slim, while many severely obese people show no signs of it. Older people have more cellulite than younger people, although it's also prevalent in adolescents. Despite intensive research as well as the existence of hundreds of different creams, lotions and oils which claim miracle properties, no proven cure for cellulite exists. It is believed that there are a number of factors that contribute to its development. Tension, fatigue, smoking, lack of exercise, alcohol, drugs, age, genetics and a difference in female fat architecture have been held responsible for the poisoning of connective tissue and formation of cellulite. Some researchers believe that cellulite is genetic, while others believe that it is caused by eating too much fat, not exercising enough and having poor circulation, collecting toxins in your body, or maybe all of the above.
Age : Cellulite can start to develop in girls as young as 14 or any time after puberty, but it does become more common after the age of 30. There are two main reasons for this, firstly the average women gains approximately 4.5 – 6.8kg of fat per decade and the more fat you gain the more likely you are to develop cellulite. Secondly, ageing also triggers the thinning of the top layer of the skin that covers the subcutis layer, making the lumpy fat more visible from the surface.
Lifestyle : Our lifestyles today are nowhere near as active as those experienced by our grandparents. For example we walk an average of 12 kilometers per day less than what they would have done. The formation of cellulite is affected by inactivity, therefore, the more exercise you do the more calories you will burn and the less likely you are to gain weight. Exercise also strengthens the heart and helps to improve circulation.
Excess Weight : Recent statistics have shown that at least 35 per cent of the US population is deemed overweight while a further 25 per cent are obese. The UK also has a similar number of heavy weights with 30 per cent of women being overweight and a further 20 per cent classed as obese. While cellulite does affect slim women, it is more prevalent in those who are fat and overweight.
What Factors Contribute To Cellulite Build Up?
Insufficient water intake, no exercise, constipation and digestion problems, tension and stress, pollution, incorrect breathing, fatigue, poor eating habits, estrogen when secreted before each menstrual cycle as estrogen tends to retain water, intoxication of the system.
Who gets cellulite?
Cellulite appears normally from around the age of 14, but can happen at any age, and although cellulite is not hereditary, you might be more prone to cellulite because of acquired bad habits from your parents. Cellulite sometimes appears after pregnancy, (or being on birth control pills) when the system is flooded with estrogen, or after a traumatic experience, since it interferes with blood circulation, or it can be simple toxin buildup, as listed above. Although largely a feminine problem, men can also have cellulite, and normally gets it on their stomach and neck areas.
Where do you find cellulite on your body?
Regular fat can be found anywhere on the body, while cellulite tends to settle on the following areas
|
·
|
inner, upper and back of thighs,
|
|
·
|
upper back below the shoulders,
|
|
·
|
inside and back of upper arms,
|
Where cellulite is present you might also experience further problems with broken blood vessels and/or varicose veins.
How to know if you have cellulite?
Press tissue between your thumb and finger, or between the palms of your two hands and if it is "normal" fat it will appear smooth, with no ripples or bumps but if you have ripples or bumps which look like "orange peel" - you have cellulite. Cellulite tissue is also sensitive.
Cellulite - how is it formed?
All muscles in the body are covered with a padding of fatty, connective tissue, which varies in thickness, and is surrounded by a liquid – supplying this "covering" with nourishing and removing waste products. This fatty tissue is held in place by a network of fibers, and when the system works well, all waste products are removed from this system – resulting in smooth body curves. When the waste removal system start to fail, waste products start building up, and the connective tissue becomes saturated with liquid, which then thickens and hardens – forming hard pockets that puff up to produce the "orange peel" or "cottage cheese" effect.
Is Cellulite Dangerous?
Cellulite is a harmless disorder. It is not related to cancer and it does not involve internal organs.
Can Cellulite Be Cured?
There is no cure for cellulite. There are many treatments available but there is not any one standout therapy at this time. I believe most treatments do not provide any permanent improvement, but some may provide temporary superficial smoothing. If you are going to try a product I would suggest Cellex Body Smoothing Lotion. It contains L ascorbic acid which is a good antioxidant for your skin, so you will have some benefits regardless of how the cellulite responds.
Will Cellulite Spread?
Cellulite is seen mostly on the hips and thighs but other areas can be involve
How Can Dieting Help Avoid Cellulite?
|
1
|
Do not allow yourself to get dehydrated. Drink a regular amount of water.
|
|
2
|
Avoid excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol, very high fat foods like chocolate/candy.
|
|
3
|
Make sure your diet includes enough fiber. (30 grams a day is a good target)
|
|
4
|
Eat regular amounts of fresh fruit.
|
|
5
|
The more natural foods your diet contains, the better.
|
|
6
|
Quit or cut down on smoking
|
|
7
|
Avoid unnecessary medication - In particular, avoid pep-pills, sleeping pills, laxatives and diuretic pills.
|
|
8
|
Take regular exercise - Ideally in the fresh air. Make it part of your daily routine. If outside exercise is impossible, do it inside, to music. Or, do a regular series of breathing exercises.
|
|
9
|
Don't let stress get on top of you - Make relaxation a regular part of your daily routine.
|
These steps will help to cleanse your body of toxins that are believed to be a major contributory cause of cellulite. They will also make you feel a lot better.
Don't expect miracles
As stated, there is no cure for cellulite. We still don't know exactly what causes it or how to eliminate it. For example, hormones are also believed to be a contributory factor. This is why women whose bodies are undergoing hormonal changes (during puberty, menstruation, menopause etc.) often notice the appearance of cellulite.