There's no single answer. Cellulite can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, weight gain, and more. Here's the kicker: even active, healthy women with good diets still experience cellulite. While lifestyle and diet play a role, cellulite often results from a buildup of toxins and fat.
Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable, but some lean people have cellulite, as well. It tends to run in families, so genetics might play the biggest role in whether you develop cellulite. An inactive lifestyle also can increase your chances of having cellulite, as can pregnancy.
The effects of estrogen deficiency on the skin connective tissue include a decreased production and topical content of both type I and III collagen and elastin fibers, which also contributes to cellulite.
You can't get rid of cellulite. But, it's not harmful to your overall health. You can reduce the appearance of cellulite through a combination of exercise, diet and treatments.
There is no particular age of onset for cellulite. It can occur at any age postpuberty, although it mostly appears between the ages of 20 and 30.
Estrogen is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and connective tissue health. A deficiency can weaken the connective tissue structures, allowing any remaining fat to push through and create the appearance of cellulite [45].
Weight loss has a number of life-altering benefits, both physical and psychological in nature, though it may not be a solution for cellulite. In many cases, patients who lose weight and build muscle may notice an improvement in the appearance of their visible cellulite, but it does not go away completely.
According to the Mayo Clinic, losing weight and strengthening the muscles in the legs, buttocks, and abdomen might help reduce cellulite's appearance in those areas. However, it's important to note that cellulite won't disappear altogether; once a fat cell develops, it stays with you for life.
Most men don't mind some cellulite and most men usually not notice it either.
Aim to avoid fast foods like burgers, Chinese, McDonalds and Ice Cream. But also be aware of margarine and highly processed fats and oils, BBQ sauces and other condiments high in sugar, unhealthy fats and salt. Say no to fizzy drinks, pasta, chocolate and white bread as these can make cellulite worse.
Regarding vitamins, they all have a role to play in cellulite prevention and they can somewhat contribute to its reduction, with perhaps vitamin C (ascorbic acid) being the most important, due to its antioxidant action and its important role on collagen synthesis.
Distribution of Fat
And because women naturally have thinner skin than men do and tend to store fat on their thighs and buttocks, women are more likely to suffer from cellulite. Even women who have a low BMI and are overall fit and trim can deal with cellulite.
There is no proof dry brushing your skin reduces cellulite or the appearance of cellulite — this claim isn't supported by any scientific evidence. “It's likely that what people interpret as cellulite reduction is really just a temporary plumping up of the skin from increased blood circulation,” Dr. Khetarpal says.
Cellulitis is caused when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in the skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.
The effects of estrogen deficiency on the skin connective tissue include a decreased production and topical content of both type I and III collagen and elastin fibers, which also contributes to cellulite.
Thigh skin can lose elasticity, sag and wrinkle up due to weight loss, pregnancy or aging. Not only can this be unappealing to the eye, it can cause functional problems as well.
Cellulite is not harmful to your health. Most health care providers consider cellulite a normal condition for many women and some men. Many people seek treatment for cellulite because they are bothered by how it looks. Talk to your provider about treatment options.
Most of the contributing factors for cellulite are things you can't control, including skin structure, hormones, genetics, and age. Things you can control that may improve cellulite include eating well, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.
Regular aerobic exercise can help people burn calories and, alongside a balanced diet, can aid in weight loss. Maintaining a moderate weight can lessen the appearance of cellulite. Some common aerobic exercises include: walking.
Too much sugar expands fat cells because it gets deposited there. Too much salt can make the appearance of cellulite worse because it causes you to retain fluids. Fad diets and quick weight loss can make your skin looser and actually make cellulite appear — even though you've lost body fat.
This condition is common among many individuals, regardless of their fitness levels. Athletes often have low body fat and high muscle mass. Therefore, they may experience cellulite even if they are in peak physical condition. The effect of cellulite on their performance is negligible.
There's no way to completely eliminate cellulite. Some treatments are available that may reduce its appearance, though. To achieve the best results, work with a reputable health care provider to decide which therapies may be right for you.
Applying 0.3% retinol cream has been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite. Retinol helps thicken skin, which reduces the dimpling. Such products are applied once or twice a day. Any effect from a retinol cream won't be noticeable for six months or longer.