It happens to almost every female on the planet: one day you wake up, look in the mirror, and realize that the skin on your thighs or buttocks region has started to become bumpy and rippled. This is cellulite and it affects 95 percent of all women.
Cellulite can be really aggravating for most women. Even though cellulite doesn’t necessarily indicate any medical issues, it definitely takes a toll on your physical appearance. What makes it worse is even though you are at your ideal weight and you work out, cellulite doesn’t go away.
You are not alone in this fight. Women of all shapes, sizes, and genetic history suffer from cellulite, so whether you are trim or overweight, chances are you have to battle with cellulite at one point or another. Even models in magazines have cellulite (although airbrushing and photo re-touching eliminates it.)
Since this problem is so universal and the overall consensus from women who have cellulite is that they want to get rid of it, we will walk you through some important information about cellulite.
- What is cellulite?
- What causes it?
- Can I prevent it?
- Can I get rid of it for good?
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a persistent subcutaneous fat that causes dimpling of the skin primarily on women’s hips and thighs. Because women genetically have particular types of fat and connective tissue that differ from that of men, women are always the victims of this skin problem that is also referred to as “cottage cheese skin.”
There are four different grades of severity when it comes to cellulite. Like many other medical or genetic issues, depending on several different factors, you may be suffering from a low grade version to a high-grade version.
The different grades of cellulite include:
- Grade 1—no visible cellulite, even when the skin is pinched.
- Grade 2—no visible cellulite when lying down or standing, but persistent dimpling can be seen when the skin is pinched.
- Grade 3—visible cellulite when standing, but may disappear when lying down.
- Grade 4—visible cellulite when standing and lying down.
As mentioned earlier, there is really no need to fret over cellulite other than the fact that you may not like how it looks on your body. Other than being bothersome, there are no medical repercussions of cellulite.
What Causes Cellulite?
Due to the fact that cellulite is so prominent, there are quite a few factors that cause women to suffer from it. Some of the primary factors include:
- Hormonal factors
- Genetics
- Diet
- Lifestyle
Hormonal Factors
Women are no strangers to the effects of hormones on their bodies. Like many other strictly female issues, estrogen is the primary culprit for cellulite. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do about the fact that you have high levels of estrogen in your body. Sorry ladies, there’s no quick fix for hormones!
Genetics
Once again, this factor cannot be remedied. Unfortunately, cellulite is a genetic trait passed on from mothers to their daughters. Chances are, if your mother or grandmother suffer from cellulite to a certain degree, you will as well.
Diet
Many people may notice that the more overweight an individual is, the more cellulite they get on their body. Fortunately for you, this is one thing that you have full control over. By changing your diet, consuming less calories and fat, and increasing your intake of fruits, veggies, and fiber, you can be one step closer to reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Lifestyle
Exercising is another method to getting rid of this unwanted friend. By committing to exercising more often, you can watch the cellulite disappear!
How Can I Prevent Cellulite?
If the particular grade of cellulite you suffer from is not caused by hormonal or genetic factors, the best way to prevent the occurrence of cellulite is through diet and exercise. By eating a healthier diet, you lessen the chances of weight gain and therefore lessen the chance of the appearance of cellulite. However, extreme dieting is highly discouraged by doctors. Extreme dieting can have the opposite effect, and can actually make you more prone to having cellulite appear on your body.
Exercise is another great way to prevent “orange peel” skin from occurring. Cellulite primarily shows up in the areas of the body with the least circulation, so by exercises that increase circulation and warm the skin are your best bet. So be sure to try swimming, running, or brisk walking for the best results!
How Can I Remove Cellulite?
If you have tried every option available to you and still can’t get rid of your cellulite, you may want to consider liposuction. Many doctors who practice liposuction also offer services that can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. The best way to find out what may work for you is to consult a board certified practitioner who can guide you through the procedures available. This consultation should be offered at no charge and the doctor should be willing to share a variety of options with you.
So, if you are doing everything you should be and are still plagued by cellulite, consider contacting someone like the professionals at DreamBody. The DreamBody team may be able to help get rid of cellulite for good!
