Dimples on cheeks, they say, are kisses from angels. If only they looked as good on other parts of our bodies! Studies say that more than 80% of women over 20 years of age suffer from cellulite, including skinny people and super models too (Tyra Banks has admitted to having cellulite). Not that there is anything wrong with having cellulite, but that lumpy effect, especially around the hips, thighs and stomach, isn’t really the most desired ‘look’. Oddly enough, nobody seems to know for sure just what causes it.
Among the chief contenders to take the blame for cellulite are hormonal changes that slow blood circulation under the skin; which in turn swells fat cells. The elastic collagen bands that usually hold down the fat then overstretch or weaken due to extra stress, allowing fat to pop up in between the bands and push on the underside of the skin, leading to that ‘cottage cheese’ effect that nobody likes.
So, What’s the Best Remedy?
In the battle against cellulite, there is unfortunately nothing that works permanently. The best remedy to curb cellulite seems to be a proper diet and plenty of exercise. Cellulite is, after all, basically just fat buildup. However, cellulite can be some of the hardest fat to get rid off, and that is where these remedies come into play - to help 'focus' your body's fat burning and removal efforts where you want them.
Going Under the Knife
Surgical procedures involving Liposuction and Thermage work for people with serious weight problems. Many doctors warn that Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite because it is designed to remove deep fat, not cellulite. A classic cellulite remedy is supposedly deep heating treatment, which might work to restore collagen connective tissues, causing the skin’s surface to appear smoother.
Supplement Aid
Silicon supplements in form of tablets, gel or powder are also believed to increase the toning of the tissue and the elasticity of the skin; but they are not scientifically proven to fight cellulite. Ointments containing certain hormones cause a cross-networking of the skin tissue, but show positive effects only so long as patients continue the therapy (downside – they can cause abnormal hair growth). These therapies and treatments can have undesirable side effects. You must consult a doctor who specializes in hormone, cosmetic or aesthetic endocrinology before deciding to undergo any cellulite-reduction therapy.
Exercise Rules!
All these treatments work well only if you complement them with regular exercise. Especially for the overweight and inactive among us, these treatments can only offer very subtle effects. Thus, focusing on achieving a healthy weight might be more beneficial. And we all know there are few short cuts for this – fewer calories, aerobic exercise and strength training are the way to go.
A balanced diet can certainly improve the appearance of cellulite. Steer clear of junk food, artificial sweeteners and cut down on caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. There’s a lot of reading material available on the Web (and on this site – be sure to check out our articles on eating right, exercising and more!) that offer sensible and meaningful approaches to improving diet and incorporating simple exercises in our daily routines. Staying fit and maintaining healthy weight keeps our connective tissues from stretching, thus avoiding cellulite woes. So there’s your arsenal against cellulite: minor lifestyle changes, proper diet, regular exercise – now that doesn’t sound too hard, does it?
