Why do we get cellulite?

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is linked to an accumulation of fat, water and toxins as well as a change in the adipose tissue. It gives the skin a dimpled, uneven appearance, commonly called “orange peel.” Cellulite appears mainly on the thighs, hips, arms and buttocks. It affects women almost exclusively, namely nine women out of ten, and one man in fifty. Contrary to what one might think, it affects people of all ages and body types. It is an aesthetic concern considered normal, but often a source of self-consciousness. Because a woman's body is designed to be capable of carrying life, it has a higher percentage of fat mass in case energy is needed.

There are different stages of cellulite. It can range from very mild and visible only when the skin is pinched to deeply embedded and difficult to eliminate. It is not considered a health hazard, but in some rare and advanced cases, it can cause tenderness and localized pain.

What causes cellulite?

Cellulite is a combination of several factors. First among them are hormonal fluctuations in women. Estrogen plays an important role in how fat is distributed in the lower parts of the body. Progesterone, for its part, disrupts venous and lymphatic circulation. It pushes the body to store water and sodium, which is where water retention occurs. Any hormonal imbalance in a woman's life is likely to cause cellulite (puberty, taking oral contraceptives, pregnancy/breastfeeding, premenopause/menopause, etc.) This phenomenon very rarely occurs in men, for an anatomical reason. Their fat tends to be stored in the upper part of the body. In their case, cellulite is mainly linked to an unhealthy lifestyle.

Aging is also on the list of factors causing cellulite. With age, collagen production slows down. The skin thins and loosens, accentuating the appearance of cellulite.

Added to this list are diet, heredity, excess weight, lack of physical activity, blood circulation problems and more.

How can you improve the appearance of cellulite?

First of all, prioritize good lifestyle habits. Now is the time to start moving or doing more physical activity. Choose a healthy diet, considerably reduce your salt intake and make sure you are sufficiently hydrated! Avoid tight clothing that could compress your blood vessels and turn instead to loose, comfortable clothes.

Combine these new lifestyle habits with an at-home care routine. Start by ridding your skin of dead cells with a scrub or an exfoliating glove. Besides being beneficial, this will maximize the benefits of the treatments that follow. Next, combine the toning action of an anti-cellulite oil with a deep massage. It can be done with your hands or with a brush specially designed for this purpose. The massage consists of making circular movements with a firm hand. Remember to always massage toward the heart. The aim of this technique is to stimulate blood circulation, eliminate toxins and help dislodge fat. You can also turn to lymphatic massage given by a professional. Keep in mind that the key to getting results is consistency.