15 Myths And Facts About Cellulite
Cellulite is that annoying thing that is always there doesn’t want to leave even after hard work put in and probably never will. Besides the yet undiscovered cure for it, there is some myths and facts you should know before attacking the inconvenience that is cellulite.
We will get right to it with the myths and facts, but first, we need to understand what cellulite really is. A Catherine Hannan, MD reviewed article on Medical News Today defines it as: “Cellulite is a condition in which the skin has a dimpled, lumpy appearance. It usually affects the buttocks and thighs but can also occur in other areas. Cellulite occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin”, presenting a clear definition that some myths try to argue.
1. MYTH – Toxins Cause Cellulite
As we established right in the beginning, cellulite is caused by fat deposits pushing through the connective tissue. According to a dermatologist Cheryl Karcher, MD hormones, lack of exercise, muscle tone, excess fat, and poor circulation can weaken this connective tissue.
There is no mention of toxins in the cellulite conversation. It is simply a myth.
2. FACT – Women Are More Likely To Have Cellulite, But Men Can Have It Too
Men tend to gloat when assuming that only women have, get and develop cellulite. Not to kill their parade, but men can have it too. The only difference is that women are more likely to get it due to their less supportive connective tissue that keeps it all intact.
Women also usually store more fat around the common cellulite problem areas like buttocks, hips and thighs whereas men store more fat around their waist and are more likely to develop muffin tops.
3. FACT – Ageing Does Make It Worse
Like everything, cellulite is no different. The older we get, the worse it gets. The science behind this has everything to do with hormones, more specifically with oestrogen. Oestrogen is a hormone that helps with a smooth blood vessel flow.
What this means for cellulite is that less oestrogen can lead to worse circulation what can lead to a decrease in collagen production. Less collagen will break down the so-needed connective tissue.
4. FACT – You Can Thank Or Blame Your Genetics
Genetics always play a role in our appearance, body shape, and even cellulite. If your mother and grandmother have bad cellulite, you are more inclined to develop the same. The same goes for if your family has never got a bad case of cellulite, you might be clear when it comes to genetics. However, a bad unhealthy diet and lack of exercise can lead to you developing cellulite even if genetics is on your side.
5. MYTH – Only Overweight People Have Cellulite
One of the most common misconceptions right here – only out-of-shape people have cellulite. It is true that the extent of your cellulite does collerate with the amount of fat stored underneath your skin. The excess fat does weaken your connective tissue and makes the cellulite more visible. However, even supermodels that work out regularly and have a healthy clean diet, they still do have cellulite.
6. FACT – Working Out Helps Reduce Cellulite
When reading and hearing about all the tips that could help reduce cellulite, it is important to remember that these hacks will NOT cure cellulite. Regular exercise is one of them. It is advised and suggested to work out if you want to reduce cellulite regularly.
To prevent the weakening of your connective tissue, working out does strengthen the elasticity thus tighten the skin. For the best results, try yoga and strength training.
7. MYTH – Skin Creams And Scrubs Are The Cure
When feeling low about your cellulite, a good marketing strategy is just what you need to buy ‘a magic cream’ that will miraculously cure your cellulite. That is not the case though.
Only products that contain retinoid may have some effects but by only thickening your skin that will then camouflage the cellulite bumps. No matter what the label says no product, cream or a scrub has been proven to cure cellulite.
8. FACT – Skin Filter Can Help, But Not Cure
You can come across short term solutions like injectable dermal fillers Restylane and Radiesse. These filters are used to get rid of wrinkles or plump up sagging parts of the face. The dermal fillers can also even out dimply skin on cellulite-prone areas.
This technique is temporary and will cost you from hundreds to thousands per leg. Do consult with a professional your options.
9. FACT – Other Non-Surgical Techniques Can Help
Again, the results of these procedures are not permanent. Dr. Karcher herself states that laser, radio-frequency and massage techniques do have short-term effects and do reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, money and time are factors in this equation, as for the procedures to work it requires 10-15 sessions and monthly maintenance.
10. MYTH – Your Cellulite Will Look Better With Liposuction
Next frequent misconception is the benefits of liposuction. If you are getting liposuction to reduce or get rid of your cellulite, it will make everything worse by potential uneven fat distribution.
Another suction-device procedure called Endermologie that pulls and squeezes problem areas can have short-term benefits after regular sessions.
Disclaimer: I recently talked to a friend that warned me against Endermoogie. She never suffered from horrible cellulite; she simply wanted to prevent the formidable. After her treatment, her cellulite started to appear from nothing. Do discuss everything with a professional, as these procedures will cost you.
11. FACT – Plant-Heavy Diet Can Reduce Cellulite
What you eat and don’t eat will not guarantee you will not get cellulite. Although, sticking to a plant-heavy diet may have a positive effect on the inflammation in your body. Including foods with high water content such as cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes and bell peppers will keep your connective tissue strong and intact. Staying hydrated throughout the day also benefits the connective tissue.
12. MYTH – You Need A Dermatologist for Cellulite Treatments
It is always smart to discuss everything regarding your skin such as cellulite with a dermatologist. However, as cellulite is not a medical condition, so you do not need a dermatologist or a doctor to perform cellulite treatments.
13. MYTH – Certain Clothing Can Reduce Your Cellulite
Once again, a clever marketing strategy has the power to play with your mind enough for you to buy compression-style legging with the hope of reducing your cellulite. Everyone wishes it would be that easy, but it is very far from the truth. There is no real effect clothing would have on your cellulite.
14. FACT – Smoking Harms Your Cellulite
Smoking cigarettes will negatively affect the appearance of your cellulite. It reduces the blood vessel flow and weakens the production of collagen what then leads to stretching and damage of the connective tissue. This will allow the fat to show through easier.
15. FACT – There’s No Permanent Cure For Cellulite
After listing all the different myths and facts, it is clear that nothing was discovered just yet that would cure cellulite for good. In the meantime, do not dwell over it; it is something 90% of women deal with. We are human, and we are beautiful, with or without cellulite.
