Cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of skin that some people have on their buttocks, thighs and hips. Because there are differences in the way that muscle, connective and fat tissues are distributed in men and women it is much more common in men than in women. The lumpiness of cellulite occurs because fat deposits distort and push connective tissues beneath the skin thus causing the changes.
The skin condition cellulitis, which is a spreading bacterial infection has nothing to do with cellulite.
Causes of Cellulite
The appearance of cellulite happens to many people. Heredity, skin thickness, gender, the amount and distribution of body fat, and age are all factors that can all influence the extent to which cellulite is present or visible. Men can also be affected although it is more common in women. Female hormones may play a role in contributing to this pattern of fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy.
Cellulite Reduction Most people like to have smooth skin and thus dislike the appearance of cellulite. Therefore, much has been written about cellulite, and many treatments have been promoted, ranging from dietary changes to cellulite creams and mechanical treatments. Some of these solutions include:
Massage treatments: Several machines have been introduced that massage the areas affected by cellulite. One such approved by US FDA is Endermologie which has a temporary reduction in cellulite. While a temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite may result, the technique appears to redistribute fat rather than permanently alter its configuration under the skin. Regular maintenance cellulite treatments are required after the initial effect has been achieved or the appearance of cellulite will come back.
Laser or light therapy: Combining light and massage, the FDA has approved two light therapy devices. Similar to Endermologie, both treatments require multiple sessions of treatment and maintenance treatments to keep up the improved appearance. Laser/massage sessions are more expensive than massage sessions costing thousands of dollars.
Liposuction is also not a recommended treatment. This technique of extracting fat by vacuuming it from under the skin is not effective for cellulite. Actually liposuction can make the appearance of cellulite worse by sucking out the cushion of fat residing under the skin. The result is more dimpling of the skin.
What can be done about cellulite?
In conclusion keeping muscles toned through regular exercise and eating a healthy diet are the best approaches to keeping the body smooth. Patients should be very cautious before trying out surgical procedures, dietary supplements, or elaborate techniques of unproven value. It is important to remember that although they are FDA approved massage and combined laser/massage therapies, are costly and time-consuming treatments are approved only for the temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite and require ongoing treatments to maintain any. A cellulite cream is usually a more economical and more effective option.
Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Cellulite" article category.
People interested in the above article "Cellulite Causes, Treatments and Prevention" are also interested in the related articles listed below:
Cellulite is a familiar word to most. It is used to identify pockets of fat trapped under your skin that produce a dimple effect. It is irregular and can cover a large patch of skin. This condition is mostly seen in women. In effect, more than 89 per cent of all women will develop cellulite sometime during their life. The areas that are most affected are thighs, buttocks, and the abdomen. These are the most common areas for a woman to develop cellulite. It is a misguided conception to think that this condition has anything to do with being over-weight. As a matter of fact, cellulite formation can also affect thin women indiscriminately.
In the past, it was thought that cellulite was caused by a fat disorder. However, recent research seems to indicate that cellulite is due to problem in the circulatory system that deforms the connective tissue. The thick bands of connective tissue bind the skin to underlying tissue which gives cellulite skin its "cottage cheese-like" appearance.
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more brittle. But, it can also take on a dull appearance and show hyperpigmentation problems. When this skin condition presents itself on your face it is known as melasma. Darker skinned women are the most prone to suffer this type of skin problem, however, it is more noticeable in lighter skinned individuals.
It's a well-known fact that women are more prone to cellulite than men. It's the female hormone, oestrogen, that triggers the formation of cellulite. Men on the other hand are protected because of their thick skin and testosterone, a male hormone that stops cellulite formation. Anti-cellulite pants are the latest innovation for women prone to cellulite. But before we proceed on the working and effectiveness of anti-cellulite pants, let's understand briefly how cellulite is formed.
Cellulite, the most common and dreaded problem, can be now treated easily, and without expensive treatments. Thanks to the brilliant people, who designed the anti-cellulite pants! Find out more about this unique cellulite solution here.
Cellulite, knobby like projections on skin formed by accumulation of fatty deposits is a common problem seen among postpubertal females. These lumpy fat bulges are seen around neck, stomach, upper arm and front of thigh. Impaired lymphatic drainage, poor blood circulation and decreased venous flow are some of the factors playing key roles in transforming fat cells into cellulite. High stress condition, pregnancy, excessive smoking, improper massages, obesity and enlarged lymph nodules are reported causes for the formation of cellulite.
The topographical skin change which may occur in post pubertal females is known as cellulite. In addition, the home remedies for cellulite is found to be effective on this unwanted condition. Moreover, cellulite is a skin disorder, and may appear on different parts of the body, for example hips, thighs and buttocks. But, this disorder may also affect the arms, upper back and the abdomen also. The home remedies for cellulite is effective on every affected part of the body. Moreover, this disorder occurs when the smooth tissues of the muscle gets ruptured due to deposition of fat within fibrous connective tissues present under the skin. The home remedies for cellulite helps to melt the deposited fat.
