Cellulite Facts

Cellulite is a skin condition that manifests as skin that looks loose and dimpled. Often referred to as a "cottage cheese" or "orange peel" appearance, it can be an embarrassing condition to have. Knowing the facts about cellulite can help you deal with the condition and find ways to get rid of it.

What Is It?

Many people have experiences cellulite, but not everyone knows exactly what it is. Cellulite are collections of fat that contained damaged fat cells. These fat collections push against the connective tissue in the skin, resulting in a puckered appearance on the outward skin. Some may think that only overweight people can get cellulite. However, as you age, you become more susceptible to damaged fat cells, and therefore more susceptible to cellulite.

Susceptible Areas

The areas on your body that are most susceptible to developing cellulite are those on or near your buttocks or thighs. These are the areas where high deposits of fat are found. Occasionally, depending on a person's body fat composition, cellulite can also be found in the stomach, on the backs of arms or anywhere else where there is stored fat.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cellulite are loose skin, pucker marks and dimpled skin. If you don't know whether or not you have cellulite, try pinching a large area of skin on the top or the bottom of your thigh and examine the skin between your fingers. If it looks dimpled or puckered, you have cellulite.

Risk Factors

If you don't have cellulite yet and are worried about developing it, know that there are some risk factors for those who are more susceptible. Your gender can be one of the biggest predictors, as women are much more susceptible to men. Genetics can also play a part in your level of cellulite. Your body type and weight, how much excess fat you have and the thickness of your skin are also factors.

Treatments

A good diet, low in fat with plenty of water can help repair fat cells and then flush them away, resulting in smoother skin. Toning exercise can help tighten the skin so that the cellulite is less noticeable. Massaging the skin to improve circulation and even the skin can be effective. Laser treatments using radio frequency can also reduce the cellulite by breaking down the fat cells and flushing them away.

References

• Cellulite