With summer approaching, there is an increased interest in body beauty and the search for ways to eliminate cellulite. Treating cellulite is not just a cosmetic challenge but also a step towards restoring internal balance and self-confidence.
In today’s article, you’ll find everything you want to know about body cellulite, from its causes to its treatments and prevention methods. Additionally, we'll discuss the factors that increase the risk of developing cellulite and how to get rid of it to enjoy a confident and well-proportioned body this summer.
What is Body Cellulite?
Body cellulite is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of lumps and wrinkles on the skin, also known as orange peel skin. Cellulite can spread across various areas of the body but is most common on the hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. In some cases, it can also appear on the breasts and upper arms.
Cellulite is very common and can affect both men and women, although it occurs more frequently in women. Medical research indicates that between 80% to 90% of women will experience cellulite at some point in their lives.
Despite being a harmless skin condition, there are many treatment options available, varying in success and effectiveness from one case to another.
Causes of Body Cellulite
The exact cause of cellulite has not yet been determined. However, doctors have observed that cellulite results from the interaction between connective tissues and the fat layer under the skin.
It is believed that fat cells accumulate and press against the skin, causing the fibrous connective tissues to pull downward. This leads to the formation of lumps and wrinkles on the skin. Because the thigh area contains a lot of fatty tissue, it is the most common area for cellulite to appear.
This explanation helps to understand why women are more prone to cellulite. The structure of the skin in women differs from men. In women, fat cells and connective tissues are arranged vertically, while in men, they are arranged in a crisscross pattern.
Medical research has also identified several factors associated with the development of cellulite, including:
- Hormones: Hormones such as estrogen, insulin, norepinephrine, and prolactin actively contribute to the formation of cellulite by enlarging fat cells and making them more noticeable.
- Aging: Aging causes the skin to thin and lose elasticity, making it more prone to sagging and contributing to the formation of visible cellulite.
- Genetic Factors: Genetics determine fat distribution under the skin, skin texture, structure, and body type, all of which influence the development of cellulite.
Stages of Body Cellulite Development
Here are the main grades of cellulite with a simplified explanation for each:
- Grade 1 Cellulite: Characterized by slight irregularities in the skin. The skin may appear slightly wrinkled or have small dimples visible only when pressing the area.
- Grade 2 Cellulite: At this stage, cellulite becomes more noticeable and is diagnosed as fibrous cellulite. It consists of more visible fat deposits under the skin and shows wrinkles resembling orange peel when pressing the skin.
- Grade 3 Cellulite: The connective tissues become firmer than in the fibrous state, leading to more apparent cellulite.
- Grade 4 Cellulite: This is the most severe stage of cellulite. It is characterized by larger and more prominent fat deposits. The wrinkles resemble orange peel clearly even when at rest and can sometimes cause pain and discomfort.
