COLUMN: Cellulite: what it is and how to prevent it
Cellulite needs no introduction. Everyone knows about the orange-skin thighs and the cottage cheese buttocks. For some, it seems to be the one annoying thing people see when they look at themselves in the mirror. Many people recognize what cellulite is, but they don’t know the underlying facts about it.
What is it?
Cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people have on their hips, thighs and buttocks. Dr. Arthur Perry, author of “Straight Talk about Cosmetic Surgery,” says in his book that “human skin is tethered to the underlying muscle by collagen connective-tissue strands.”
These collagen connections prevent excessive motion of the skin. Animals such as cats and dogs do not have this connection, and this is why their skin can be pulled many centimeters.
But because of our unique human anatomy, when human skin is stretched, such as with weight gain or pregnancy, slight sagging will occur. The collagen connections hold up the skin, creating the typical appearance of cellulite.
“Cellulite is an anatomic entity. If you slice up the skin and look at it under a microscope, you will actually see cellulite,” Perry said.
Scientists at Rockefeller University in New York did just that, and they found that cellulite was simply fat that extruded into the skin’s dermal layer.
Cellulite is classified using three grades. Grade-one classification sees no clinical symptoms, but a microscopic examination of the cells from the area shows underlying anatomical changes.
Grade-two cellulite has some decreased elasticity in addition to anatomical changes noted by microscopic examinations.
Grade-three cellulite has visible roughness of the skin – like an orange peel – along with grade-two signs.
What causes cellulite?
Everyone has cellulite. It is what helps hold our skin to our underlying muscles. The only differences are in the three different grades of cellulite. There are some factors that can increase our chances of having that visible cottage cheese texture, or grade-three cellulite.
Why some have grade-three cellulite is not well understood, but there are several theories that have been put forth as explanations. Some state that hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development.
Although there has been no reliable clinical evidence to support such a claim, common theories hold that estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process. This suggests that too much or too little of a certain hormone may cause excess cellulite production.
Certain genes are required for cellulite development. Genes may predispose an individual to particular characteristics associated with cellulite, such as gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat just underneath the skin, and circulatory insufficiency.
In his book “The Cellulite Solution,” Howard Murad says people who eat too much fat, carbohydrates or salt and too little fiber are likely to have greater amounts of cellulite.
Lifestyle factors also can determine whether cellulite might be more prevalent in some rather than others. Smokers seem to have cellulite that is more visible than others.
This is because smoking affects collagen and damages skin. Other lifestyle factors include lack of exercise and sitting and standing for long periods of time.
Another factor that can be the cause of cellulite is tight-fitting clothing or undergarments with tight elastic waist bands. When wearing tight clothes, the skin compacts around your muscles and stresses the natural collagen connective-tissue strands so then when you take off the tight-fitting clothes, it relaxes the skin and causes more visible cellulite.
How can cellulite be prevented and reduced?
Eating healthy, low-fat foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fiber can help one to avoid cellulite. Howard Murad says in his book, that a person can reduce cellulite by eating from a healthy food list. Among these foods are lecithin, glucosamine, and amino acids.
A good cellulite exercise routine can help result in slimmer thighs and give the surface of the skin a more even appearance, according to “Prevention Magazine.”
Regular exercise will help keep hormone levels stable and improve circulation to the thighs. This is important since high levels of estrogen and poor circulation are associated with the formation of cellulite.
– Laurel is a nursing major at USU and can be reached at laurel.humble@aggiemail.usu.edu