By Lisa Johnson
What is the truth about cellulite? Many people wonder what exactly cellulite is and why they would get it. The truth may shock you.
Many people believe that cellulite is just plain fat. There are others that say that it is excess water and toxins that lie just below the skin. Neither is exactly right. It is the structure of the overlying skin and of the underlying connective tissue that determines whether a given area has a smooth or rippled appearance. The amount of fat in an area does play a role in the amount of cellulite by exacerbating the condition, but it is not the primary cause.
Over 90% of women have cellulite, even celebrities. So why do more women have cellulite than men? The first reason is because men tend to have thicker skin than women. The second reason is because of the difference in the connective tissue arrangement in men and women. Most men have connective tissue that is arranged in a cross-hatched or diagonal manner, in a smooth and continuous pattern, while women’s run vertically or perpendicular to the skin.
The problem is that the causes of cellulite are not completely understood. There are many theories that are offer and explanation to why cellulite is present in one’s body.
There are many people that believe that cellulite is genetic because there are certain genes that are required for the development of cellulite. There are certain genes that predispose us to characteristics that are associated with cellulite. Some of these characteristics are race, gender, metabolism, and even poor circulation.
Other possible explanations for cellulite come from diet, hormones, and lifestyle. Many say that a poor diet and lack of exercise are major contributing factors to the appearance of cellulite. Smokers and those who sit or stand for long periods of time are also said to be at a greater risk of developing cellulite.
Now that we know a little more about what cellulite is, the question is “what do we do about it?” Stay tuned in the next few weeks for more on cellulite. We will be discussing different options for ways to treat cellulite. Be sure to let us know if you have any amazing treatments that work for you in battling these pesky dimples!
