Cellulite and stretch marks are entirely different skin issues. Characteristics that cellulite and stretch marks share is that many people find them undesirable to look at, and both are common issues that affect many people. Neither cellulite or stretch marks are uncomfortable or dangerous for the person affected, but may affect self-esteem. Cellulite and stretch marks are easy to identify, and there are some ways that may help eliminate them.
Identification
Cellulite has a dimply, cottage cheese-like appearance on the skin. It is extremely common for women and girls to have cellulite, and it can sometimes appear on men. The most common areas for cellulite to appear is the thighs, especially the back of the thighs, and the butt. Other areas affected may include upper arms, stomach and legs.
Stretch marks can be pink, white, purple or red, depending on a person's skin color and how severe the stretch marks are. They often start darker in color, and fade over time to a light color. Stretch marks are actually small scars, and are slightly indented. Some common areas for stretch marks are the stomach, chest, hips, arms and upper legs. Both men and women can get stretch marks.
Cellulite Causes
The cause of cellulite lies in fat deposits that push up between fibrous connective cords beneath skin, leading to the dimpled appearance. Since cellulite is so common and is considered a normal occurrence by many doctors, it is tough to pinpoint how a it is actually caused in certain people. Sometimes cellulite occurs with age or weight gain. Other risk factors include high levels of stress, a sedentary lifestyle and using hormonal birth control. Cellulite is extremely common, and the majority of women have some form of cellulite on their body, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cellulite Treatments
If you're overweight, weight loss can greatly improve cellulite. Exercise, especially strength training, will strengthen muscles and improve cellulite. Massage may help cellulite by stimulating circulation in the often ignored areas like thighs. If you're serious about cellulite removal, and is willing to spend some money, laser treatments are available, and effective, according to the Mayo Clinic. Laser cellulite treatments work by massaging the affected area with laser light, which encourages skin tightening.
Stretch Mark Causes
Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched too quickly. Although skin is naturally somewhat elastic, the usual production of collagen is halted when skin is overstretched. Collagen is a protein that builds the connective tissue in skin. When this happens, scarring in the form of stretch marks takes place. Common causes of stretch marks include rapid weight gain and obesity, pregnancy or rapid muscle growth, as is seen in competitive body builders. Going through puberty often results in some stretch marks. Men and women can get stretch marks on legs, arms, chest, stomach, hips and butt.
Stretch Mark Treatments
Stretch marks usually fade over time, and may vanish on their own. If you want to remove stubborn stretch marks, there are a few ways to help accomplish this, but no guaranteed cure. Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant that can deeply penetrate through layers of skin. This healing oil can reduce the formation of free radicals that interfere with the healing of scars such as stretch marks. Dermabrasion, a cosmetic procedure, can greatly improve the look of skin and remove stretch marks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dermabrasion involves the freezing of the affected skin, followed by "sanding" with a specialized instrument, resulting in a new layer of skin after the healing process.
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