Cellulite Fact Sheet: Definition, Types, Causes and Treatments

Cellulite is a skin condition marked by a lumpy and dimply appearance. In essence, it is simply a collection of fat beneath the skin that takes on a bumpy look because the fat pushes against connective tissues, subsequently causing the skin above it to crease. Cellulite is also known as adiposis edematosa among medical professionals and cottage cheese skin in colloquial terms. It is mostly noticeable on the buttocks and thighs. While cellulite is not harmful, most women prefer to get rid of it.



Types of cellulite

Cellulite comes in different grades and variations, which the dermatologist can identify and diagnose.

Grades

Grade One

 Cellulite is not noticeable whether standing or sitting; only when the skin is pinched

Grade Two

 Cellulite is evident when standing but disappears when laying down

Grade Three 

There is an appearance of dimply skin whether standing or sitting and whenever the skin is pinched

Variations

Soft cellulite 

A type of cellulite that is usually present in spots where there is a fat buildup, such as the upper arms and legs and is typically accompanied by spider
or varicose veins.

Hard Cellulite

 Also referred to as solid cellulite, this type is more prevalent among young women and is often found around the hips and upper thighs.

Edematous cellulite

Causes of cellulite

Cellulite usually affects women age 35 and older and gradually exacerbates with age. While some men have cellulite, women are more prone to it because of differences in the distribution of fat, muscle, and connective tissue beneath the skin. Factors that contribute to cellulite include:

Hormones 

The production of cellulite is believed by many experts to be caused by hormones and hormone changes. Estrogen, insulin, thyroid hormones, noradrenaline, and prolactin are all supposedly contributors to cellulite development.

Genetics

 The development of cellulite can also be caused by genes, particularly those who have traits associated with cellulite including gender, race, circulatory inefficiency, as well as slow metabolism and fat distribution under the skin.

Lifestyle 

People who adhere to an unhealthy lifestyle are prone to developing cellulite. Smokers, in particular, are highly prone to cellulite as well as those who lead an inactive lifestyle. Likewise, standing in one position for extended periods can cause cellulite to develop. Inactive people are also at risk of developing cellulite.

Diet 

Improper diet, in addition to lack of exercise, can result to accumulation of fluid, waste products and toxins in the body that ultimately leads to cellulite formations. Eating too much carbohydrates and fat and taking in too much salt often results to greater cellulite production. Likewise, consuming saturated fats and sugary food excessively leads to cellulite formation.

Cellulite Treatments

There are a number of products and treatments that are used to get rid of cellulite. The following are among the most common treatment options today.

Diet Change

 Medical professionals recommend improving the diet to ultimately get rid of cellulite. Taking in wholesome food and following proper eating habits is one way to fight against cellulite.

Exercise

 In conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise is beneficial for people who want to remove cellulite. Exercising releases sweat. This process flushes out toxins from the body and progressively reduces the appearance of cellulite. Jogging, running, cycling and performing weight training exercises are beneficial in the gradual removal of cellulite.

Cellulite creams

 There are many advertisements for cellulite creams that promise to eliminate dimply skin. Many of these are made with ingredients like caffeine, retinol, and the antioxidant dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). Caffeine is a popular component in cellulite creams and works by helping the flow of blood to the skin as well as acting as a diuretic and flushing out.

Liposuction

 This is one of the most popular methods opted by people who want to eliminate cellulite from their buttocks and thighs. Liposuction is a medical technique that removes the fat through a vacuum-like machine that sucks fat from under the skin. One reason for the popularity of the technique is because its long-lasting and effective results.

While reviews of current treatment methods are mixed, medical professionals are on a constant search to find the most effective cellulite treatment. While certain procedures hold promise, experts recommend exercise and proper diet as most effective in gradual elimination of cellulite.