Despite the fact that 80-90% of women are affected by cellulite during their lives, along with a smaller percentage of men, the condition often results in confidence and self-image issues. It’s not actually harmful, but it’s a hang-up that most people could do without. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available for cellulite treatment. This article takes a look at what causes the condition and some of the most effective solutions.
What Causes Cellulite?
On the surface, we see cellulite as bumps, ripples, and dimples on the skin, but what causes this effect is a mystery to most people. However, science has actually determined the answer. It results from fat cells pushing against the bands that tether your skin to your muscles. This is why it’s common in overweight people, but genetics plays a major role too. It’s also more common in women because estrogen can increase fat storage.
What Are Some Effective Cellulite Treatments?
Numerous treatments have been developed for cellulite, with varied results. Below are some of the most popular. However, before jumping straight to treatments that might help, it is worth noting that lifestyle can have a large impact. Healthier habits result in less fat, healthier skin, and a firmer body. While a healthier lifestyle can’t eradicate cellulite entirely, it can reduce it significantly and enhance the treatments discussed below.
Topical Creams and Skincare
There are lots of creams and lotions out there that claim to be an effective cellulite treatment. In reality, few are. The results from these products tend to be temporary, in some cases lasting just a few hours. That’s the case with caffeine-based creams, which can create a smoother appearance for a short time by dehydrating fat cells and tightening skin. Retinol, which stimulates collagen and firmer skin, can also help when applied consistently.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Other Non-Invasive Treatments
There are numerous non-invasive cellulite treatments available. Some are more traditional, like lymphatic drainage massage, which aims to remove excess fluid from the body and improve circulation. This isn’t a permanent fix, but several sessions can make a difference. Science-based non-invasive treatments include radiofrequency and laser therapies. Several sessions of these performed by a qualified professional can be very effective, and the results can last months to years.
Liposuction and Surgical Approaches
Because cellulite is more common in people with high body fat, liposuction is sometimes believed to be an effective treatment for it. However, this isn’t always the case. Removing fat, and therefore changing the distribution of fat under the skin, can sometimes make cellulite even worse. More effective surgical approaches often involve cutting the connective bands beneath the skin to release the tension the fat cells are putting on them.
Conclusion
The best results often come from combining more than one cellulite treatment. Getting more exercise, eating a healthy diet, applying a topical cream and undergoing non-invasive treatment is enough for most people. Surgical treatments can be costly and require more downtime, so they tend to be best left for cases of stubborn cellulite that haven’t responded to anything else.