What’s one thing that practically every single woman and many of the men on the planet have in common? If you guessed cellulite, you’d be right. It’s estimated that as much as 90 percent of the female population has experienced the issue at some point. Although guys can get cellulite as well, it’s much more common in women because of their body type and fat distribution.
Although cellulite is super common, that doesn’t mean people have gotten used to it. In fact, you could argue that it’s one of the most common concerns people have about their appearance. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to prevent, which means that many women are left trying endless home remedies and feeling self-conscious at the beach.
If you’re bothered by your cellulite, here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Cellulite?
If you think that fat is the sole cause of cellulite, think again. While the issue does have something to do with the fat in your body, it isn’t the main cause. If it was the main cause, you’d only see cellulite in people who are overweight. Even very thin women can struggle with cellulite.
Although the exact cause of the issue isn’t known, there are a few different factors that might be in play. They include:
- Hormones. Estrogen might play a role in the development of cellulite, which is one of the reasons it’s much more common in women than in men.
- Connective tissue shape. Another reason women tend to have more cellulite than men might have something to do with the shape of their connective tissue. The connective tissue and fibers found in women’s bodies are often much more open or more loosely woven than the connective tissue found in male bodies. Fat is able to push through women’s connective tissue more easily, leading to the lumps and bumps associated with cellulite.
- Age/skin elasticity. As you get older, your skin loses its elasticity, which can make cellulite appear more prominent and visible.
- Genes. Since the issue does seem to run in families, there might be a genetic component to whether or not you end up developing cellulite. If your parents have it, it’s likely that you’ll have to deal with it as well.
Can You Prevent Cellulite?
Now for the million dollar question: can you do anything to prevent cellulite? The answer is most likely no, but there are things you can do to reduce its appearance or keep it from becoming a big source of embarrassment.
One thing worth trying is exercise. Strength building exercises, which focus on boosting muscle, can often help make cellulite less visible. The reason for this is that building muscle helps to minimize the amount of fat you have in certain areas, such as the thighs and buttocks. The thighs and buttocks tend to be the prime locations for cellulite, so the more toned they are, the less visible any lumps and bumps will be.
What Else Can You Do About It?
If you’re concerned about cellulite, there are a few more things you can do to keep it under control. A treatment such as Coolsculpting can help to remove excess fat that might be a contributing factor. If you are overweight, losing the extra pounds can also help to minimize the appearance of lumps and bumps on the skin.
It can also be a good idea to avoid habits that can make cellulite worse. For example, smoking cigarettes speeds up the aging process in the skin, causing it to lose elasticity more quickly. Quitting smoking might help improve the appearance of your skin and your cellulite.
Laser treatments that help to boost collagen production and improve skin’s elasticity might also help to minimize the appearance of cellulite.
Dr. Paul Vitenas and the staff at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas can help you choose the best treatment or plan of action to take if you’re concerned about cellulite or excess fat on your body. To learn more, call 281-810-9083 to schedule a consultation today.