Cellulite Myths and Truth

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is the name for collections of fat formed under a person's skin, causing the surface to look lumpy. Recent studies have found that different oestrogen and progesterone levels can aggravate cellulite. It can also be affected by increased water retention, tight connective tissue that pulls down on the skin, enlarged fat lobes and poor circulation.

Most women are extremely self-conscious about their cellulite (including me), but the truth is that 90 percent of women have it (which is still a little re-assuring).  

Cellulite and more importantly, "how to get rid of cellulite" has become a very popular and controversial subject in the world of health and fitness and many myths surround the topic of cellulite.

• MYTH #1 Drinking more water will reduce cellulite.

FALSE. 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. (but of course drinking water is still important for a healthy body).

• MYTH #2 Exercise will eliminate cellulite.

FALSE. Even the fittest female athlete can develop cellulite. Still, the less fat you have, the less likely it is to spill over that web of fibrous bands, so by all means, exercise away to burn fat and increase muscle (Why not try Zumba Fitness, boxing, rope jumping or simply brisk walking? It will help you feel more confident for sure!)

• MYTH #3 Liposuction removes cellulite.

FALSE. While we think of liposuction as a quick fix for extra fat, it can actually make cellulite worse. Doctors cannot remove cellulite itself, just the fat that sits below it. This removes the "cushion" that the cellulite rests on, leaving nothing but cellulite to cover your thighs and butt. The risk of liposuction backfiring and increasing the appearance of cellulite grows with age because your skin loses elasticity as you get older, so it is less resilient and looser all around.

• MYTH #4 Creams and gels are easy solutions to cellulite problems. 

FALSE. In fact, creams and gels don't eliminate cellulite, but they can have other effects on your body that help hide cellulite or change the texture. For example, vitamin A-based products can help thicken your skin, so cellulite may not be as visible. 

• MYTH #5 Cellulite only occurs in women.

FALSE. Some men do get cellulite. Recent research suggests that cellulitic males may have lower levels of the hormone androgen. Besides hormone differences, male fat cells are shaped differently from women's and they don't stretch as easily (as women's do in order to accommodate pregnancy), so cellulite is not as apparent. When men do have cellulite, it usually appears on their neck (yuk) or stomach, as opposed to women, who experience it most on their legs, thighs and bottom.

• MYTH #6 Only people who are overweight get cellulite.

FALSE. Cellulite does not discriminate against size. Even if you are a petite lady, cellulite can (and likely will) find you! (it found me!) Cellulite occurs when the fatty tissue immediately underneath your skin is damaged, which has nothing to do with other layers of fat or muscle.

Many experts agree that cellulite can be genetic as well, because it is heavily affected by hormones. Women from the same family often have similar degrees of cellulite – so no matter your size, it is important to keep an eye out for early signs of cellulite and be proactive about keeping your skin and body healthy.  

• MYTH #7 Massage can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

FALSE. The concept behind this is true – the appearance of cellulite can be improved through massage. But it has to go deeper than the outer layer of skin that a self-massage can reach.

• MYTH #8 Coffee can help minimize the appearance of cellulite.

FALSE. Your morning coffee addiction can't be justified so easily. Caffeine is used to draw water out of the fat lobes, but this is not the most effective method to hide cellulite.

However, studies show that applying liquid caffeine to the skin can help boost metabolism and burn fat, but its efficacy of ridding cellulite is unknown.

• Mademoiselle Slimalicious's advice

While a cellulite gel and a few strong massage won't hurt, a healthy diet and exercising several times a week will definitely help reduce the damage! Good luck!