What is Cellulite?

The simplest answer for many women is that cellulite is the bane of their existence, the reason they dread wearing short shorts or miniskirts or bikinis. It’s the orange peel texture on their upper thighs and the jiggly cottage cheese that appeared on their buttocks. But what is cellulite? More importantly, what can be done to get rid of it?

The Basics

Cellulite is caused by pockets of subcutaneous fat pushing and straining against the skin. As the connective tissues that keep skin flexible and elastic are weakened, this straining fat causes bulging sections (cottage cheese) and indented dimples (orange peel texture). Trapped fluids and toxins also accumulate in these pockets beneath the skin, further contributing to unsightly cellulite. Typically the lymphatic system helps to flush out excess fluids and toxins but the fat deposits prevent it from doing its job effectively.

Cellulite is most commonly found around the thighs and buttocks but it can also extend to the legs and hips. Some less than fortunate women also discover cellulite on their upper arms.

The Causes

Cellulite can be caused by a number of factors, many of which can work in tandem to compound your cellulite problem. These factors range from a genetic predisposition to hormonal factors to something as simple as your lifestyle choices. The most common causes of cellulite–and the easiest ones to remedy–are all environmental.

One of the key causes of cellulite is weight and body fat distribution. The areas that are most prone to cellulite are areas with high body fat distribution, especially the buttocks and thighs. But weight is not a guaranteed indicator of cellulite, as curvy women are no more likely to discover orange peel skin than their skinnier friends. Diet and exercise can be helpful for minimizing cellulite, however significant decreases in body weight following extreme dieting can cellulite to appear. Drinking alcohol, smoking and consuming ‘junk food’ can also contribute to cellulite by increasing the amount of trapped toxins beneath the skin.

One thing that does not cause cellulite is age. Sadly, a teenage girl is just as likely to discover cellulite as her middle-aged mother. However, she may be more prone to cellulite because it runs in her family, as cellulite can be hereditary.

Do Men Get it?

While women are more prone to cellulite, men can experience cellulite too. The reason men don’t get cellulite as frequently can be attributed to the structure of their skin. While women have bands of subcutaneous fat and connective tissue, men have a latticework of tissue to support their skin. This helps to keep fat deposits from straining against the skin and causing tell-tale cellulite dimpling.

How Can I Get Rid of it?

Getting rid of cellulite can be a difficult proposition, especially since there are so many different factors that you need to consider. There are a number of different treatments available to help with your cellulite problem, ranging from cosmetic surgery to a relaxing trip to the spa.

Of course, many women are embarrassed by their cellulite and seek out treatments they can do from the comfort of their home. One of the most popular home remedies is the ubiquitous cellulite cream. The drugstore shelves are lined with cellulite creams that promise to firm, tone, tighten and flatter your orange peel skin. Unfortunately, not even product lives up to its promises. Luckily, we’ve done our research to help you find the right cellulite cream for you.

Check out our cellulite cream reviews to find out which creams are effective and which ones are just lotions.