Common myths about cellulite

Cellulite occurs in around 90 per cent of women and yet few of us know exactly what it is or how it is caused. The condition is normally associated with women, but it can also affect men, although this is quite unusual. To help you understand more about this harmless, but unsightly condition, we have compiled a list of the most common myths about cellulite to help uncover the truth about this widespread condition.

1. Cellulite only affects women

Wrong. Cellulite affects both men and women although it is far more prevalent in women than in men.

2. Cellulite only affects overweight people

This is a common myth which is again completely untrue. Cellulite can form on bodies of any size or shape.

3. Exercise and diet will eliminate it

Unfortunately, no amount of aerobics, jogging or swimming will completely eliminate the condition. However, a healthy diet and regular exercise of any variety can certainly reduce the visible effects of cellulite.

4. Cellulite only affects older women

Sorry, no. Cellulite can hit at any age, any time and to anyone.

5. Liposuction can eliminate it

Unfortunately it can’t, despite plastic surgeons protestations to the contrary. Liposuction can be effective in getting rid of fat deposits on your tummy, arms and thighs but cannot help in the battle against cellulite because this procedure cannot penetrate inside the connective tissues where cellulite is deposited.

6. Cellulite is fat

Cellulite is a form of fat, however, there are important differences: cellulite is malformed, trapped fat located in the first subcutaneous (directly under the skin) layer. Unlike regular fat, cellulite is highly resistant to exercise and diets. This is because cellulite fat is trapped in a mesh-like fibrous connective tissue.

7. Cellulite only affects the thighs and buttocks

Alas, if only this were true! Cellulite can occur literally anywhere there is trapped fat in the subcutaneous layer. Many people experience the condition in a variety of places from the back of the neck and upper arms to the stomach area.

8. Drinking more water will eliminate cellulite

No amount of water will ever remove cellulite entirely from your body. In fact, the idea that drinking more water will help any skin condition is erroneous unless you’re truly medically dehydrated. Nor does drinking more water eliminate any cellulite-causing toxins. Over-hydration can actually increase the appearance of cellulite.

9. Cellulite results from a build-up of toxins in disordered fat tissue

This is a myth pedalled by companies that offer cellulite cures based on “detoxification” or release of water stores in the cellulite fat. However, scientific studies have shown that while the structure of tissue surrounding fat in cellulose skin areas is abnormal, the physiological and chemical nature of cellulite cells appears to be no different from that in other parts of the body.

10. Cellulite creams and lotions are effective

Once again we hate to disillusion you but no matter how fancy the packaging or however convincing the marketing spiel there is no body cream on the planet that can entirely eliminate the effects of cellulite.

 

So what can we do to combat cellulite? Well although you can’t ever completely eradicate the condition, maintaining a healthy diet and taking plenty of exercise has certainly been shown to reduce the tell-tale dimples. Failing this we suggest you learn to love your body for what it is – imperfections and all!

magazine

Motoring . Fashion . Travel . Finance . Gardening . Beauty . Health . Pets . Hobbies . Property

Telephone: 01268 566743

You are viewing the text version of this site.

To view the full version please install the Adobe Flash Player and ensure your web browser has JavaScript enabled.

Need help? check the requirements page.

Get Flash Player