For many women, simply mentioning the word cellulite creates anxiety and distress. The condition causes skin to appear dimply or lumpy, similar in texture to an orange-peel or cottage cheese, according to the MayoClinic.com. If you have it, it's likely you've searched for a quick fix. Medications and treatments marketed to eliminate cellulite provide only temporary improvement. A healthy diet and exercise is your best option to reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve the look of your skin.
Causes
Cellulite alters the appearance of your skin when fat cells push against connective tissue below the skin, TeensHealth.org notes. The connective tissue, or collagen fibers, stretch or tighten as the fat protrudes through creating an uneven or dimpled surface, MedlinePlus.com adds.
Types
Cellulite ranges in severity from mild to severe based on the appearance of the skin. In mild cases, known as grade 1, cellulite is not visible when lying down or standing up but is visible when you pinch the skin, DermNet NZ.org says. Conversely, in moderate cases, or grade 2, dimpling of the skin is visible only when standing and not when lying down. In severe cases, grade 3, skin dimpling is obvious when standing and lying down and bumpy portions of skin with peaks and valleys are visible, the MayoClinic.com notes.
Risk Factors
Whether you develop cellulite depends on several factors. Genes, age, thickness of your skin, the amount of fat on your body and gender are all risk factors for the condition, TeensHealth.org says. According to the MayoClinic.com, an estimated 80 percent of women have some cellulite, mainly because women carry their fat in areas where cellulite commonly develops --- hips, thighs, and buttocks. Additional risk factors include stress, taking hormonal contraceptives, inactivity, a poor diet and dehydration, the MayoClinic.com and MedlinePlus.com add.
Treatment
Cellulite is not reversible. Despite claims that massages, wraps, creams, supplements or surgery can eliminate the condition, most treatments only reduce the appearance of cellulite, MedlinePlus.com warns. Commonly touted treatments include weight loss, liposuction, topical medications, laser, radiofrequency procedures that use heat to tighten skin, massage and injection of drugs into cellulite, DermNet NZ.org says.
Prevention
While no one solution exists to prevent cellulite, TeensHealth.org suggests strength training such as lifting weights and aerobic exercise, which includes swimming, running or bicycling, to combat the condition. Losing weight improves the appearance of the skin and diminishes dimpling, MayoClinic.com adds. Additionally, staying hydrated, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight and diet of fruits, vegetables and fiber helps prevent cellulite, MedlinePlus.com notes.
Warning
Cellulite treatment options such as liposuction are risky and often ineffective. Some procedures may cause scarring or worsen skin dimpling, DermNet NZ.org warns. Others are backed by little or no scientific evidence, the MayoClinic.com advises. Speak to your doctor before considering cellulite therapy.
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