Cellulite – What It Is And Why You Shouldn’t Be Ashamed Of It

Almost every woman you know is worried about cellulite – the tiny bumps and dimples on the body, especially the thighs and their backside. We all try our best to hide our cellulite, and this affects our choice of clothes. We avoid swimsuits and shorts. We even avoid leggings that are of a light shade. In addition, we even become conscious in front of our partners. But, the reality is, there’s no particular reason to overthink about a simple skin condition. Let’s find out more.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite, also known as the Orange Peel skin because of the textured appearance on the skin, is a localised skin condition. To put it in simple words, it is caused by the expansion of fat cells gathering under the skin and the bands of connective tissue running perpendicular to the skin surface. Studies say that 80-90% of women are affected by it.

Types of Cellulite

The cellulite can be divided into three categories, based on their appearance and location. These are referred to as Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 cellulite. Grade 1 cellulite is hardly visible, whether you’re standing or lying down, and your skin retains its smoothness. In the case of Grade 2 cellulite, your skin looks dimply when you stand up, but looks smooth when you’re lying down. Grade 3 is the most serious among these because the cellulite will be visible whatever position you’re in.

Causes

Cellulite is caused by the expansion of fat cells in the small pockets under the skin, creating bulges and leading to small bumps on the skin surface. The bands of connective tissue that run deep beneath the surface cause the dented appearance.

But what can cause cellulite? There are many theories. The causes of cellulite can range from hormonal changes to genetics. It can be caused by weight gain or loss, especially if it is drastic. Poor diet, smoking and drinking, sedentary lifestyle, etc. can also be the reason behind it. Many have claimed that wearing tight clothes or sitting for long hours can also cause cellulite. Also age may be a major contributing factor, though young, fit, active, and lean women also get cellulite. It is particularly visible in light-skinned women.

Prevention and Cure

It is to be remembered that cellulite is normal, and it can appear with age, even if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and have a wholesome diet. Exercising regularly can make cellulite less noticeable. Exercises that tone the muscles of thighs and abdomen can shape the areas and reduce the appearance of cellulite. A healthy body weight can also lower its severity. In the case of overweight people, working on weight loss might help. However, this may not work all the time. In fact, weight loss can lead to loose skin and make cellulite even more noticeable. In fact, it is to be remembered that there is no sure shot way to prevent or cure cellulite completely. You can just control its appearance.

Don’t Be Ashamed

You must remember that cellulite appears naturally, with no specific cause, preventive measure, or cure. In fact, it is much like an optical illusion, as the dents and bumps seem to almost disappear when there’s light. So if you are planning to spend a fortune on products or treatments that claim to smoothen out your cellulite, it is probably not worth it. Regular exercise, massage by an experienced masseur and keeping the weight under control, do help a lot though. But remember it’s a pretty common phenomenon and you need not be ashamed of yourself for this.

So, enjoy the body you have and do not suffer from low self esteem just because media has brainwashed people into believing in certain beauty standards.

Start loving yourself, and don’t let cellulite dictate your choice of clothes or how much skin you want to show off on a hot summer day – or while chilling in your own house!