Most women suffer the dimpled skin of cellulite at some point in life. Cellulite commonly appears above the knees or on your hips and buttocks and can't be prevented, although the condition is not a threat to your health. Makers of products aimed to remedy cellulite promise fast results, but no cure for the condition exists. Notify your physician before considering any home remedy to relieve a skin condition.
Significance
Cellulite is signaled by the appearance of bumps or dimples above the knees that have a similar texture to cottage cheese. The area around your knees faces a higher risk for cellulite due to the natural presence of extra layers of fat that are also common around your stomach and buttocks. Doctors don't classify cellulite as a medical condition, although some women with cellulite experience self-esteem issues. Numerous diets, creams and devices claim to cure the condition, although the appearance of cellulite can only be effectively minimized --- not cured --- through a healthy diet combined with regular exercise.
Cause & Identification
Your skin connects to the muscles in your body with the help of thin cords. The cords attach underneath the skin around your knees. Fat rests in between the cords and commonly builds up in excess amounts. The excess fat presses against the underside of your skin, which results in the uneven texture of cellulite. Cellulite that appears only when you pinch the skin above your knees represents a less serious case of the condition, while rough, bumpy areas that resemble valleys are more severe.
Risk Factors
While men suffer cellulite above the knees in rare cases, eight in 10 women will experience the skin condition, reports Medline Plus. Your risk rises for cellulite as you age and the elasticity of your skin decreases, although weight gain, stress levels and your family history also contribute to your likelihood for cellulite.
Theories/Speculation
Numerous products claim to cure cellulite around your knees, including creams, lotions, detoxification diets and colon cleansers. Evidence is lacking to prove any cure for cellulite exists. Liposuction, a common treatment for cellulite, often worsens the appearance of skin, although radiofrequency systems and lasers that combine tissue massage with infrared light or laser energy can temporarily improve the appearance of your skin after treatment that may last as long as six months.
Potential
Regular exercise on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes helps you lose weight and diminish the appearance of cellulite above your knees, especially when combined with a healthy diet that includes leafy green vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats.
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