What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a common skin condition that affects over 80% of women around the world. It can make your skin appear dimpled or bumpy. It is not a disease but a cosmetic concern for most people. The dimply skin affects certain areas of the body, especially the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. The condition is usually referred to as “orange peel skin” because of the uneven texture. It not only affects women but also men. The condition is a result of fat deposits pushing through the connective tissues under the skin.
Human cells have three major components – dermis, epidermis, and fat cells. The fat cells are present beneath the top layers of the skin known as the epidermis and dermis. These fat cells store excess energy. Between the fat cells and the top layer of the skin, there are connective tissues. These tissues run vertically between the fat cells and the top layer of the skin. The vertical bands create chambers that can accommodate fat. When the fat cells expand, the chambers fill up and begin to bulge. This forms a small bump over the skin. When the same thing happens to most of the chambers under the skin, there are small bumps all over. This appearance of bumps gives an uneven texture to the skin causing a dimpling effect. This condition is known as cellulite.
According to its severity, the condition can be ranked in three grades. It ranges from grade 1 which is mild to grade 3 which is the most severe form of cellulite.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of this skin condition is not known. However, there are a few risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing cellulite.
Gender
Cellulite can affect both men and women. But the condition affects more women than men. According to estimates, 80-90% of women around the world get cellulite at some point in their lives. On the other hand, it only affects 10% of men globally. The reasons are multiple. To support childbirth, the physical structure of women is such that they have stronger thighs and pelvic regions. Therefore they tend to carry more fat cells in their lower body. But they also have fewer connective tissues in that region. This is the reason why active women with an ideal BMI and a healthy lifestyle can also develop this condition. Additionally, female hormones are a major reason why more women are affected by this condition.
Age
Women are more prone to this condition as they age. This is due to the changes in hormones. As they age, women tend to produce less estrogen. This hormone is responsible for the smooth flow of blood in the vessels. As estrogen in the blood decreases, there is poor circulation, and the formation of new collagen results in the breakdown of the connective tissues.
Pregnancy
Cellulite affects the lower body of women. It is the same region that grows during pregnancy. Also, hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger the condition or make your cellulite appear worse. However, with sufficient weight loss post-delivery, most women can overcome the severity of cellulite.
Genes
Cellulite may run in families. If other women in the family have it, you have a higher chance of developing the condition. However, since most women develop cellulite, having a family history is not much of a concern.
Lack of Exercise
Lack of exercise is one of the potential risk factors. Regular exercise helps strengthen the connective tissues. It also burns excess fat stored under the skin. Therefore strength training targeted towards the lower body can significantly reduce your risk of getting cellulite.
Smoking
Tobacco smoke leads to reduced blood flow in the vessels. It also hampers the process of collagen formation. This results in damage to the connective tissues which makes your skin look drier. It also causes premature aging and can contribute to cellulite.
Diet
A diet rich in fats, carbohydrates, and salts is likely to contribute to this condition as well.
Treating Cellulite
Cellulite is not a disease. Therefore it does not require any treatment. But since it is a cosmetic concern for most women, many opt for invasive and non-invasive treatments. This may include laser therapy and the use of a filler injection. It is a widespread misconception that liposuction can treat cellulite. In fact, the best way to treat cellulite is to adopt certain lifestyle changes. This includes incorporating a regular and targeted exercise regime. It also involves making a few dietary changes and quitting habits like smoking.
Exercise
If you want to get rid of cellulite, you need to keep your body moving. Highly-priced moisturizers and serums will not produce the dramatic effect they claim but exercise will.
Squats, lunges, and high-intensity strength training not only affect your lower body but will also boost your metabolism. This will tone the thighs and lower abdomen but it will also burn the excess fat stored under the skin.
Foods Which Can Help Get Rid of Cellulite
The strength of the connective tissues and fat deposits in the cells are the two primary concerns in this condition. There are various foods that can help improve the integrity of connective tissue and skin layers. Incorporating these foods on a consistent basis can help in reducing cellulite. Some of these foods are
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- Eggs
- fish
- Brown rice
- Olive oil
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Flaxseeds
- Carrots and
- Berries
In all, food rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help reduce the condition. However, since the body also needs nutrition from carbohydrates, limiting the intake of carbs can be very effective in treating cellulite.