Cellulite is the herniation of hypodermic fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests as skin dimpling.
While beauty standards are constantly changing (hopefully for the better! ), it’s obvious that getting rid of cellulite is still one of the most prevalent fitness goals. We understand. We’ve all been told that cellulite is unsightly by pop culture, media images of the “ideal” figure, and sometimes even our friends and family.
But, in reality, it’s quite common and, for many women, unavoidable. So why are we still wasting time and money attempting to get rid of it? Read on to learn what professionals want you to know about cellulite, as well as what you can (and cannot) do about it.
Almost every woman has it.
Cellulite is an extremely common concern for women, affecting up to 90% of women and 10% of men. Cellulite is considered normal and very, very common. Most people believe that cellulite is simply fat, but it is not just “fat.”
You can thank your ancestors.
There is a reason why only 10% of males have cellulite. It affects the majority of women due to the way our bodies are constructed, which makes it even more frustrating. Cellulite has to do with hormones and the way male connective tissue is created versus women’s.
First, there are the hormones: Women have higher estrogen levels (duh), and fat cells respond differently to estrogen than to male hormones. As we age, estrogen levels grow, worsening the problem. The structural element comes next. Men’s connective tissue is more interwoven than women’s. Think of men’s connective tissue as mesh on a screen door–it’s more difficult for fat to get through–while women’s connective tissue isn’t as tightly formed, leaving more spaces for fat to bulge through. Thank you, science!
And why do some women have cellulite on their arms and stomach but not on their buttocks and thighs? Genetics, you guessed it! Obviously, you can’t change your DNA, so there’s no point in wasting time pondering why some people have cellulite in certain areas while others don’t.
It is just tangentially related to your weight.
According to specialists, there is a common misperception that decreasing weight is the greatest approach to getting rid of cellulite. If a person’s weight is above their recommended BMI and they are ‘overweight,’ then losing weight may be beneficial to reducing cellulite.
And while leading a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for a variety of reasons, it’s safe to say that cellulite reduction isn’t near the top of the list. A good diet, plenty of rest, avoiding cigarettes and sun exposure, and moderate alcohol consumption are all excellent lifestyle choices.
Fit women have it as well.
It’s true that exercising can help with cellulite, but it’s far from a panacea. Daily exercise will help, but only when one focuses on building muscle. That means cardio isn’t the cellulite-fighting miracle it previously was. Most women notice cellulite on their arms, thighs, and buttocks, so squats, lunges, and even exercises like Zumba, Barre Motion, exercise bands, and resistance training will help.
Even expert trainers consider cellulite as a normal part of the female experience. Exercise will not eliminate cellulite because aging will happen regardless. With enough exercise, you’ll lose body fat and gain muscle mass, and your body will eventually look tighter and firmer. Only reducing the visible appearance of cellulite, but it will remain. You really might miss it because you’re so focused on how powerful and fit their legs appear!
Fortunately, healthy, body-positive models like Iskra Lawrence and Ashley Graham are breaking down this image by demonstrating to the public that, yes, you can work out on a regular basis and still have cellulite–and there’s nothing wrong with that.
There is no miracle cure for cellulite.
You’ve probably seen lotions, gadgets, and appliances that claim to totally remove cellulite. The bad news is that they don’t work. Foam rolling, for example, is occasionally recommended as an all-natural technique to decrease cellulite, although its effects (at least on cellulite) are only transitory.
Unfortunately, there are no miracle skincare or cream that have been proven to effectively work on cellulite. While some creams, for example, contain high levels of caffeine, seaweed, and collagen, these products consistently fall short of their promise of smooth, dimple-free skin. The majority of these products operate by tightening the top layer of the skin, but their benefits fade within a few hours.
Even surgery is not always effective.
There are several surgical treatments available to help with cellulite removal, but it’s crucial to note that none of them are permanent. Treating it is difficult. While many treatments claim to improve cellulite appearance, long-term success remains elusive. We believe it is acceptable to claim that no treatment is totally effective and that none is more than slightly and temporarily beneficial. Here’s a quick rundown of the treatments available, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Liposuction: In terms of cellulite treatment, this has actually fallen out of favor.
In general, liposuction is not an appropriate treatment for cellulite and can worsen the condition.
Cellulaze: This is the first FDA-approved ‘cure’ for cellulite.
A small laser tube is inserted under the skin as part of the procedure. The laser warms up, causing the fat to melt and the fibrous bands that hold the fat in place to dissolve. While it has excellent results, it does not completely eliminate it. And if you want it, you’ll need a lot of money because it costs around $5,000 depending on the treatment region and takes numerous treatments over time.
Zwave: This treatment sends high-energy shock waves to the affected areas.
This procedure breaks down the tissues that surround the dimpled areas by collapsing the gas bubbles within the fat structure. It takes about 10 sessions to be done two to three times per week, so you can see the time commitment involved. Furthermore, the cost per session is between $300 and $450, so it adds up.
Cellfina: This therapy takes under an hour and consists of three steps.
- First, the various therapy sites are identified.
- Second, each location is numbed.
- Third, with a very small blade, a specialized tool grips the skin and nips the connective tissue.
There is a three-day healing time, but no scarring occurs. Because the benefits can endure for more than two years, this is definitely the best option, albeit it is pricey, costing between $2,000 and $5,000.
To Conclude
So, if cellulite is so difficult to get rid of, and practically all women have it, why are we still striving so hard? We’re all for working for your goals, and if one of them is to decrease it, we understand. At the same time, it’s critical to recognize that it’s perfectly fine to not care whether you have cellulite, and changing your thinking may even help alleviate body image issues. When you understand that cellulite is just a part of being a woman, you realize that eliminating it isn’t possible.