According to the National Institutes of Health, cellulite is basically fat deposits. Fat that's allowed to accumulate on the body can bulge out, leaving an almost pitted appearance to the skin. A number of factors play a role in its development, but genetics seems to be the most important. Many people who suffer from cellulite often want to get rid of it, so they tend to turn to various products and procedures with a variety of results.
Cellulite
As collagen weakens or breaks down, it allows fat to move closer to the skin, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, this weakening or breakdown of collagen is rarely uniformed, so portions of this fibrous tissue remain attached to the epidermis, which is the surface layer of the skin. As fat accumulates, it pushes out in between the connected areas of collagen, thereby causing the dimpling associated with cellulite.
Symptoms
Cellulite commonly manifests as dimpling or puckering of the skin. It's most often seen on the back of the thighs, but people do develop visible fatty deposits along the buttocks, hips, breasts, arms and even stomach, asserts both the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic. Women are by far more prone to develop cellulite than men, yet no one is immune to this condition.
Significance
While weight gain is frequently attributed to the development of cellulite, almost any person may experience this dimpling effect to the skin. The Mayo Clinic maintains that even fit individuals who carry no excess body fat may develop cellulite. This is largely due to the fact that collagen--or the breakdown of collagen--coupled with the loss of skin elasticity as people age contributes to its formation. A gain in weight merely accentuates its presence under the skin.
Considerations
According to the Mayo Clinic, genetics plays a significant role in whether a person develops cellulite. Most people who get cellulite have family members who are also dealing with this condition. Nevertheless, other factors have also been linked to the development of cellulite, asserts the National Institutes of Health. For some people, diet may lead to its formation. Others develop these fatty deposits as a result of hormonal changes. It may even have something to do with a person's metabolism.
Treatment
The most effective form of treatment is really a combination of diet and exercise. By maintaining a healthy weight as well as good muscle tone, cellulite is far less noticeable than when a person carries excess pounds, advises the Mayo Clinic. It's also possible to diminish the appearance of cellulite through certain cosmetic procedures. Laser therapy or radiofrequency therapy used in conjunction with deep tissue massage may temporarily improve the appearance of the skin.
Warnings
Both the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health warn against liposuction. This cosmetic procedure does nothing to remove the fatty deposits that are causing the dimpling. Actually, it may worsen the appearance of the skin.
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