Skin and Hair Health
What’s Dimpled and a Common Skin Sight? Let’s Talk About Cellulite
Have you got some extra dimples? Not the kind on your cheeks – we're talking cellulite! This is a common skin quirk that up to 90% of us ladies have. Let's see why it's so common and not a big deal.
Oct 31, 2024
•5 min read
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Cellulite is essentially the small dimples or lumps that appear on the skin, primarily on the thighs, buttocks, and occasionally on the tummy. It’s often compared to the look of cottage cheese or orange peel. It happens when fat pushes through the connective tissues under your skin, causing those dimples and lumps.
Before you start blaming yourself for eating too many chocolates, it is important to know that cellulite is not solely associated with obesity and fat. It is just a combination of factors, including your DNA, hormones, and how your body stores fat. Cellulite is a common skin condition that mostly affects women.
Cellulite isn’t a disease or harmful to your health; it’s simply the way skin can appear when fat is stored beneath it. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle — with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration — can support overall skin health, which may help improve the appearance of cellulite.
Dr Rohit Bharagava, MBBS and MD Dermatology, Noida
Why do you get cellulite?
Imagine your skin as a blanket and your fat cells as marshmallows. When marshmallows accumulate under the blanket, they produce lumps on the skin. That is basically what cellulite is. And guess what? Women are more likely to get it than men because of hormones. It appears in up to 90% of women after puberty.
Some factors can worsen the cellulite causes, such as:
- Genetics
Occasionally, it runs in the family. You may acquire it if your parents have it.
- Hormones
Hormones also play a crucial role. For example, an increase in oestrogen levels can cause cellulite.
- Age
As you age, your skin becomes thinner, and cellulite may become visible.
- Lifestyle
Cellulite can be triggered by an unhealthy lifestyle, an improper diet, and inadequate water intake.
What does cellulite look like?
Cellulite looks like dimples or lumps on the skin, typically found on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and sometimes on the stomach. It becomes more visible when the skin is pinched or when you are sitting. You might not like how it looks, but remember, it is completely normal.
Quick Explainer
Although cellulite impacts individuals of all sizes and shapes, its appearance can be influenced by factors such as genetics, hormones, and lifestyle.
Is cellulite bad for your health?
Cellulite is not a health problem; it is purely a cosmetic issue. It does not cause harm or have any impact on your health. It is a natural phenomenon of how your body stores fat and connects skin and muscles.
How to prevent cellulite?
Cellulite can be fixed without using fancy creams or spending a lot of money on treatments. Healthy lifestyle tweaks can lead to a big difference. You can do the following:
- Stay active
Being active and not smoking can improve your skin. Stress management is also important, as high-stress levels can harm your skin. Avoiding smoking and effectively managing stress through various strategies like yoga can make a big difference in how your skin looks.
- Eat a balanced diet
Your skin will stay healthy if you eat a lot of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Stay away from drinks with a lot of sugar and salty snacks.
- Keep your skin hydrated
Drinking a lot of water flushes out toxins and keeps your skin moist. Try to drink eight glasses of water every day.
- Massage affected skin area
Massage and creams can help reduce cellulite by improving blood flow and making skin feel better. Using a brush or roller on affected areas can also be beneficial.
- Maintain a healthy weight
Keep your weight at a healthy level. If you're overweight, losing weight may help reduce the look of cellulite.
Home remedies to treat cellulite
You might have heard of various home remedies that claim to treat cellulite. Some people believe that coffee grounds, coconut oil, or apple cider vinegar may help reduce its appearance. However, these remedies alone are not a solution for removing cellulite. While they can be part of your routine, they should not replace a healthy lifestyle.
Embrace your body
Do not forget that having cellulite is normal and not something to be ashamed of. Here are some ways to feel better about your body:
- Practise self-care
Take care of yourself by doing things that make you feel good, like a warm bath or getting a facial. You can feel better when you take good care of yourself.
- Wear clothes you love
Pick clothes that make you feel good about yourself, like a cute dress or cosy pants.
- Surround yourself with positivity
Spend time with people who motivate you and give you confidence.
Cellu-right: Love your skin
Cellulite is simply a part of everyone's beautiful, natural skin. It is something that most of us will go through, and it has nothing to do with our appearance or health. Instead of worrying over these tiny dimples, let's concentrate on what truly matters: feeling comfortable in our own skin, staying active, and embracing our bodies exactly as they are. Remember, your confidence is the best look you can have, so love your body, take care of it, and don't stress too much about cellulite!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the biggest cause of cellulite?
The biggest causes of cellulite are your genes, gender, age, and the amount of fat stored under your skin.
2. How do you prevent or reduce cellulite?
You should adopt healthy lifestyle changes and do regular exercise to prevent or reduce cellulite.
3. Will cellulite go away if I lose weight?
Losing weight can reduce cellulite, but it won't disappear entirely.
4. At what age does cellulite start appearing?
Cellulite mostly appears after puberty and is most common in women aged 20-30.
5. Are expensive treatments the only way to reduce cellulite?
Expensive treatments may help reduce cellulite, but they are not the only option. You can also reduce cellulite by regularly exercising, maintaining a balanced diet, and following a proper skincare routine.
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