Cellulite is a word that conjures images of dull, dimpled skin with stretch marks and blotchy pigmentation. It’s the bane of all women who spend their lifetimes trying to rid themselves of it, only to have it return time and time again.
In this article, we will examine some of the causes of cellulite, including genetics, hormones, diet, and lifestyle. We’re also going to highlight some skincare habits you can practice to fight cellulite at the source.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite forms when fat and toxins build up under the skin and pushes up against the connective tissue in the skin, giving it an orange peel or cottage cheese appearance. The genetics of cellulite is complex and differs from person to person.
Leading Causes of Cellulite
There are three main factors that affect the presence of cellulite in the body.
- Genetics
Certain genetic traits might cause an individual to be at risk of cellulite, for example, gender, race, metabolism rate, fat distribution under the skin, and insufficient circulation.
- Lifestyle and Diet
This factor concerns the amount of fat, carbs, salt, and fiber in your diet. In addition, smoking and a sedentary way of life do not help.
- Hormones
Experts believe that estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin play a part in cellulite production.
- Clothing
Tight clothes across the buttocks and thighs may also contribute to cellulite.
How to Fight Cellulite
Cellulite occurs naturally in the body, and regrettably, you cannot completely get rid of it. Though you may not be able to remove it, there are ways to reduce and remove its appearance. Read on to learn the three most effective ways to curb cellulite.
Exercise
Consistent exercise cuts cellulite by increasing muscle mass, which flattens your fat cells. It also increases blood flow which speeds up fat loss throughout the body. Additionally, upping your activity increases your metabolism, preventing additional fat deposition in the body.
Diet
Pairing exercise with the right cellulite-reducing diet will greatly improve your results. Proper hydration and eating foods rich in antioxidants will not only burn off the cellulite, but also effectively keep it off.
Treatments
Treatments are another way to deal with cellulite. While diet and exercise are the best for long-term results, adding treatments will help you get quicker results. There are various types of treatment, such as:
- Deep tissue massage
- Acoustic wave therapy (breaking up of cellulite using sound waves)
- Laser treatment
- Mesotherapy (injecting drugs into the cellulite)
- Subcision (using a needle to break up the bands of connective tissue forming the cellulite cells)
- Topical creams and lotions containing caffeine or 0.3% retinol
- Spa treatments
- Radiofrequency, ultrasound, infrared light, or radial pulses to heat the skin
Final Thoughts
Rather than use invasive treatment methods to deal with cellulite, a good fat-burning cellulite cream coupled with a healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise is the key to quickly and safely losing cellulite and permanently keeping it away. Overall, apart from its unattractive appearance, cellulite does not have any adverse effects on your health.