The Facts About Cellulite

Cellulite is an unsightly condition that is often blamed on fat, but in actuality, cellulite is a little more complicated. Find out more about what cellulite is, what it isn’t, and why some people have more of it than others.

Although fat is part of what causes the appearance of cellulite, the presence of fat alone is not enough to create the dimpled appearance that is often compared to cottage cheese or an orange peel. In fact, fat injections are often used to smooth the skin.

Where cellulite is present, there are fibrous connective tissues that hold your skin onto your muscle. The fat that lies between your skin and muscle pushes up on your skin, and the connective tissues pull your skin down, creating a puckering effect similar to that found on upholstered furniture. You’re more likely to have cellulite in areas where the connective tissue has lost some of it’s elasticity or where the tissues run perpendicular to the skin instead of diagonally underneath it. People who have thin skin are also more likely to have cellulite, which is one reason men are less likely to have cellulite than women.

How can you reduce the appearance of cellulite?

Reducing the amount of fat that is stored under your skin will help reduce the appearance of cellulite. You should also stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and exercise to improve the condition of your muscles and the connective tissue.