Cellulite,
the dimpling of the surface of the skin most commonly seen near the
thighs and buttocks, is something that affects an estimated 93% of
all women and around 10% of all men. Despite it being so widespread,
many people find that it negatively impacts their confidence. Some
would even go as far as to say that it plays a lead role in dictating
their everyday fashion choices.
While
some are happy to embrace their cellulite and own it, others may be
keen to investigate whether something can be done to reduce its
appearance. Keep reading for answers to some of the most frequently
asked questions regarding this common skin complaint.
What
causes cellulite?
The
reality is that most scientists and specialists have conflicting
opinions regarding what causes
this distinctive dimpling of the skin. Many believe that it is
brought about as a result of hormonal fluctuations, while others
claim that a person is predisposed to it through genetics.
Regardless
of the reasons why it appears, cellulite is essentially fat deposits
beneath the skin’s surface that push up against the connective
tissue in the dermatological layer.
Who
is most at risk of developing cellulite?
As
mentioned above, cellulite is most common in women, and the vast
majority of women will develop this ‘orange peel’ effect sometime
after reaching puberty. The reason why women get it and men are
practically immune is because women generally have a higher
percentage of body fat.
Research
also shows that there is a higher risk for those who do not exercise
regularly and for those who are overweight. Smokers also tend to
suffer from more severe grades of cellulite than non-smokers.
Some
experts insist that wearing tight
underwear that limits blood flow to the thighs and buttocks can
exacerbate existing cellulite, as well as encourage its formation.
Do
you have to be overweight to get cellulite?
Definitely
not. While a healthy diet and exercise can help to reduce it and
prevent it from forming excessively, women of all body types can
develop cellulite.
Is
it possible to get rid of cellulite?
New
developments in radiofrequency technology mean that it is possible to
drastically reduce the appearance of a person’s cellulite. This is
done through cellulite treatments that typically last around 30
minutes – one hour and focus on heating the derma and subcutaneous
layers of the skin to encourage extra production of collagen. Most of
these cellulite treatments are pain-free and non-invasive.
coloradolaserspa.com is an
excellent example of one of the laser spa providers specializing in
skin tightening and cellulite treatments.
Other
ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite include losing weight,
exercising more, applying a body lotion containing retinol, and using
a coffee body scrub to improve lymphatic drainage.
Should
you do something about it?
Instead
of making it your goal to eliminate cellulite, focus on transforming
your lifestyle for the sake of your health, and confidence will be
sure to follow thereafter. However, if that dimpled appearance
continues to bother you, do not hesitate to do something about it.
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