Cellulite is fat under the surface of the skin. It makes the skin appear puckered, like the skin of an orange. Cellulite is common, and is most likely to appear on the thighs and buttocks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Everyone has some cellulite, according to Medline Plus, and genetics, hormones and diet all determine the amount you have. It is almost impossible to eliminate cellulite once you have it, but it is possible to prevent it and to reduce its appearance.
Formation
Your skin is attached to the underlying muscle by collagen fibers. The membrane between the skin and the meat of an uncooked chicken is much like the collagen fibers in humans. When fat collects under the skin, it pushes the skin outward while the collagen fibers remain attached to the muscle. The collagen fibers pull the skin back toward the muscle, which results in cellulite's characteristic puckered appearance.
Cellulite and Fat Loss
According to Medline Plus, losing body fat will not eliminate cellulite, but it can reduce its appearance. Liposuction is not recommended, because it may make the cellulite look worse. It is not possible to spot reduce, so to lose fat from your thighs, you need to lose fat all over. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercises five days a week for overall fat loss. A healthy, low-calorie diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can also help you lose fat. To determine the number of calories you should consume per day, multiply your target weight by 10.
Exercise
Exercise helps you lose fat, tones your muscles and helps you maintain a healthy weight. In addition to aerobic exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends resistance training on all the major muscle groups at a minimum of three days per week. Resistance training builds muscle mass, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite by compressing the fat beneath the surface of the skin. Adding muscle mass also increases your metabolism so you burn more calories and fat while you're at rest.
Cellulite and Massage
Massage can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, according to the Mayo Clinic. You don't need to pay for professional massage treatments -- do your own cellulite massage in the shower by massaging your thighs and buttocks with your knuckles. You can also massage a firming lotion, which temporary plumps and smooths the skin, into your thighs.
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