Cellulite is hard to beat. Despite focused diets, targeted exercises, and the best weight loss efforts, cellulite still manages to cling to the hips, buttocks, and thighs. But that isn’t true for all women. So why do some women get cellulite, while other women (and most men) don’t?
What Causes Cellulite?
What really causes cellulite? The answer isn’t entirely straightforward, but a lot of it it has to do with a combination of factors that, unfortunately, make women’s bodies much more susceptible to cellulite. The first factor has to do with the collagen structure in most women’s thighs compared to most men. The variation largely comes down to differential hormonal levels—because men generally have significantly more testosterone than women, male collagen structure tends to be thicker and closer-knit, while the overall collagen structure in a female’s body looks more like a picket fence, with wider openings. The tighter collagen structure of male skin helps to maintain smoothness on the skin’s surface. Secondly, due to women’s generally higher levels of estrogen, female bodies tend to store more fat. Lastly, women have more alpha receptors, which use fat cells to create more fat. In combination, these factors make for the perfect cellulite-friendly trio, as more fat cells press against weaker collagen structures, causing dimpling on the skin’s surface.
But why do some women get cellulite while others don’t? For one, everyone’s body is unique. That means that different women have different hormone levels, and thus their collagen structure may be more or less inclined to show cellulite. Diet may also play a factor, as some processed and packaged foods can contain estrogen-mimicking ingredients that tend to promote the creation and storage of more fat in the body. Another factor may have to do with sedentary career and lifestyle choices. Desk jobs and television binges cause a decline in circulation in the legs, leading to decreased collagen production. This causes collagen structures to weaken, making way for cellulite. Finally, restrictive clothing choices may also come into play. The tighter the pants (or underwear) the greater the decline in circulation and collagen production, thereby boosting the risk of developing cellulite.
While genetics can also play a role, preventative measures like a healthy diet (including one without ingredients that might interfere with hormone levels), lots of exercise to improve circulation, and avoiding restrictive clothing can make a big difference.
Grades of Cellulite Also Play a Role
Though some women appear to have cellulite and others do not, it’s important to remember that the latter may not be entirely true: cellulite comes in four grades, from zero to three, suggesting that even those women who don’t seem to have any cellulite may still have it — it’s just less visible.
The first grade of cellulite (beyond grade zero) is the least visible, with minor dimples looking a little bit like an orange peel. The second grade is what is often likened to cottage cheese in appearance and the skin is a little looser. The third grade may be described as appearing more like a mattress, with deeper dimples and lax skin.
How to Treat Cellulite
For those seeking treatment for unwanted lumps and bumps, know that any successful treatment for cellulite must have a three-pronged approach to be effective:
- It must assist collagen production
- It must target fat cells below the skin’s surface
- It must boost circulation
Creams and liposuction treatments target the fat below the surface, but these treatments often neglect to boost collagen levels or circulation, meaning the remaining fat will cause cellulite to re-appear. To cover all the cellulite-fighting bases, consider a radio frequency-based treatment plan to effectively reduce its appearance. Using energy delivered below the skin’s surface via cutting-edge technology that combines radio frequency and electro magnetic fields, these treatments generate heat to melt away fat cells, while boosting skin’s natural collagen production levels and improving circulation.
To discover if cellulite reduction treatments are right for you, locate a certified treatment provider using the search field below.
