Cellulite is mainly just a cosmetic problem, not an illness or medical condition. It may look like faint dimples or an “orange peel” texture, and may only be seen when the skin is pressed. But for some people cellulite can be very apparent, forming areas of bumpy skin, deep dimples, and creases.

Cellulite, what is it.

Cellulite is nothing more than fat deposits sitting side-by-side with tough collagen fibers that are anchored to the muscle beneath the skin. When the fibers are pulled tight, or the fatty areas grow larger, the fat deposits may bulge out.This cosmetic problem is much more common in women than in men.

Risks of developing this cosmetic problem

Although you can’t completely prevent cellulite, your lifestyle choices may affect its appearance. Factors that make this condition worse are :

• Poor diet or yo-yo dieting
• Excessively high-carbohydrate diet
• Fluid retention or being dehydrated
• Slow metabolism
• Lack of physical activity
• Hormone changes
• Total body fat
• Thickness and color of skin

Diet and exercise won’t get rid of cellulite, but they can improve your skin and muscle tone. A combination of strength training and aerobic exercise, such as jogging or walking, can build muscle and burn fat. Staying hydrated and avoiding a high-carbohydrate diet also may help.

Treatment

There are many products and treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite. But there is little evidence that shows that many of them work well for long. Here are some of the options :

• Cellulite creams
• Liposuction
• Mesotherapy
• Massage and spa treatments
• Laser treatment

One study found that applying a 0.3% retinol cream to the area for six months improved the appearance of cellulite. The theory is that retinol stimulates skin tissues to create thicker skin that better covers the bumps of cellulite. Other studies have not shown differences in average skin thickness after retinol use. Another study suggest improvement in cellulite with the use of creams containing methylxanthines, including caffeine, aminophylline and theophylline, but the amount of improvement is debatable. Other studies show no improvement, these creams are thought to act by breaking down fat, but it’s not clear whether enough of the substance penetrates the skin.

For further reading,  please review an interesting article concerning the Anti-Cellulite Diet,  by Helen Sanders at HealthAmbition.com.