the truth about cellulite {what is it exactly and how to get rid of it}
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Have you ever wondered what the cause is or how to get rid of “cottage cheese thighs”?
With much misinformation and not a lot of scientific research about cellulite, it is important to educate yourself on the details about what is known about the cause, treatment and prevention before making any decisions to treat or attempt to get rid of it.
What do we know about cellulite?
Some say that cellulite is due to poor circulation, however, newest studies show that cellulite is a likely caused due to a structural problem in the dermis – a layer of skin that is located below the epidermis, which is the layer of skin that we can see. Underneath the dermis is a layer of fat that is held in place by the subcutaneous dermal junction, as well as a connective tissue called the septae that wrap around the fat cells. Cellulite affects 80-90% of women and only 10% of men.
The reason for this is because septae that surrounds the layer of fat is structurally different in men than it is in women. Men have stronger septae that are formed in sort of a crisscross formation that help hold the fat down. Where as we women have weaker septae that are more vertically formed and wrap around the fat cells allowing them to easily transfer up into the dermis, creating the lumps we see from the surface, also known as cellulite.
Women of all sizes can have cellulite. Yes, even super models have it (photo shop, duh!). Since genes help determine how fat is stored in your body, your mom may be to blame for your butt dimples (thanks mom!). Along with genetics, hormones also play a role in the cause of cellulite, but as to what exactly is not very clear. In women, cellulite generally begins to appear at puberty and gets worse as we age,
Doctor’s believe that estrogen may play a part in this, but this has not yet been proven. One of the reasons that cellulite can get worse as we age may be due to the decreased collagen production that happens in our bodies. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, found in our hair, skin, nails and connective tissue.
There are several treatments on the market; including expensive topical creams, liposuction and laser treatments. But again, these have not yet been scientifically proven as a permanent solution. Some laser treatments have shown to cause temporary cellulite reduction up to a year, but nonetheless cost an insane amount, $5,000-$7,000 on average!
What seems like what would be an obvious solution to cellulite is weight loss, right? Well, weight loss won’t necessarily make cellulite go away.Losing weight can definitely help reduce cellulite, but ironically, could potentially make it worse. Significant weight loss, without toning can cause saggy skin, which can make cellulite more prominent.
Some possible NATURAL treatments:
1, Resistance training or strength training will definitely tone and tighten your body as a whole, and as your muscles develop and become more defined, naturally your fat layer will decrease, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
2. Consuming a collagen supplement. Collagen has become quite popular in the past few years and studies have shown that as we age, our bodies begin to produce less collagen, causing a structural breakdown and reduced elasticity in our bodies connective tissue.
3. Consuming a healthy diet and proper hydration has benefits for well… like everything, but may help keep your connective tissue supple and strong as well as assist in weight loss.
4. Fascia blasting is a newer trend that I am not super familiar with but know several people who have seen benefits to it. Fascia is simply connective tissue like we talked about earlier, and fascia blasting is said to help restore the overall health of fascia which may help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Cellulite is a non-serious cosmetic condition that nearly 90% of women experience at some point in their lifetime.
Since there is no scientifically proven way to cure or get rid of cellulite completely, only short-term band aids or cover ups, working towards a lifestyle change seems like the best option to me. A lifestyle change starts with the mind. Remember earlier when I said that fact is that 80-90% of women have cellulite? So next time you are standing naked in front of the mirror staring at every dimple in your butt and thighs, remember that most all women have cellulite to some degree, just use it as motivation to work on being the healthiest version of yourself and know that fitness comes in all shapes and sizes.
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Hi, I’m Bethany!
I’m a mom of four who thrives on coffee and exercise. I am saved by Grace and happily married to my best friend, Jon. Here I hope you find community and inspiration for fitness and…life. I am happy you are here!
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