Americans spend copious amounts of money trying to prevent and cure one common bodily enemy. That enemy is the lumpy, bumpy sight known as cellulite.
According to the Mayo Clinic, cellulite is the uneven bumps that we see on the thighs, behind, hips and stomach, and it’s most common in women, especially as they age.
Though cellulite itself isn’t a cause for concern, we often don’t like the way it looks. As a result, many of us avoid poolside afternoons in the summer and shorts on a hike.
Here’s the thing: Contrary to popular belief, cellulite isn’t fat. In fact, Dr. Matthew Schulman, a board-certified plastic surgeon, tells Women’s Health that these lumps and bumps are actually caused when fat is divided into tiny pockets in the skin.
Women get cellulite more than men because the natural skin collagen is laid out a bit differently. The collagen found in men is said to form an X-like pattern. But the collagen found in women is arranged in rows, which can cause fat to divide into these small pockets in a more visible way, according to Schulman.
To combat this effect, women spend thousands of dollars looking for quick fixes. However, the first line of defense against cellulite doesn’t cost a dime.
That first line of defense involves maintaining a healthy weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, weight gain is a no-no when it comes to cellulite because it can make it more visible. That said, skinny people can have cellulite, too.
Family history and genetics play a role in cellulite. So if your parents have it, you may, too.
It’s important to remain active to keep cellulite at bay. Being sedentary can contribute to cellulite issues. And as horrible as it sounds, pregnancy can contribute to cellulite formation.
So just what can you do if you already have visible cellulite?
Anyone who shops knows that there are more products available for cellulite than even a large team of researchers could handle. But it appears that one of the most effective treatments doesn’t involve spending money or even applying lotions or creams.
That method of treatment is weight loss. Many experts say that simple weight loss is a real-life cellulite buster. So dropping pounds is a great way to kickstart the battle of the bumps. Working out to tone muscles can firm up cellulite. Consider mixing cardio with strength training to create the perfect balance of aerobic exercise and muscle-toning moves.
That said, weight loss and exercise won’t make cellulite completely disappear. (Bummer, we know.) These factors will only help to make cellulite a little better. This is where medical intervention comes into play.
For the most severe (and sometimes not so severe) cases of cellulite, many women take the medical route. That’s because there are safe, modern ways to battle this issue. Laser treatments offer the newest and most effective treatments on the market.
According to the Washingtonian, these types of options actually involve incisions in the areas where cellulite is present. Next, a probe is inserted through the incisions. This probe sends out laser light, which is said to both melt bulges and cut through the fibrous bands that pull on skin and cause dimpling.
The Washingtonian says that two well-known options are FDA-approved: Cellulaze and CelluSmooth. With these options, it may take just one session to see results. Plus, the procedures are minimally invasive.
If you don’t mind downtime, there is another option that has been around for years -- liposuction. According to the Mayo Clinic, this method involves actually sucking out fat cells. The good thing about this procedure is that it can shape the body. Here’s the thing: it doesn’t actually get rid of cellulite. It can even make it worse. So don’t consider liposuction the be-all, end-all of cellulite treatments.
If you aren’t looking for an actual medical intervention, there are numerous at-home treatments. These are simple lotions and creams that can be purchased either online or at your favorite drugstore.
When it comes to lotions and creams, look for certain ingredients. Real Simple suggests purchasing lotions or creams that contain both caffeine and/or a vitamin A derivative. This is because caffeine can tighten skin in the short term, which may lessen visible cellulite. A vitamin A derivative can thicken the skin. This, in turn, lessens the ability to see cellulite. Gingko and vitamin C also may play a part in cellulite improvement.
That said, when it comes to lotions and creams, it’s hard to know the “real deals” from the imposters. Real Simple suggests two brands to take into consideration in this process. The first is caffeine-rich Vichy CelluDestock. This choice costs $40 and is available both at stores and online. The second recommendation is Murad Firm and Tone Serum with retinyl palmitate. This cream is said to plump the skin, which helps to create an smoother overall appearance. Unfortunately, experts say results are temporary and will wash off in the shower.
Another option is the granddaddy of hiding skin imperfections -- self-tanner. Experts say that self-tanner can cover up the appearance of cellulite in general. Just be sure to test the brand you choose on a small patch of skin before using it all over. This will help you to get a feel for the actual color it will create. After all, no one wants the '90s look of tacky, orange self-tanners.
For a more relaxing option, you can try a simple spa treatment. Some people say that massage can be a holistic treatment for cellulite. According to the Mayo Clinic, the belief is that vigorous massage and improved blood flow are a team. Massage can help to rid the body of toxins and reduce fluid found in areas where cellulite resides. One particular treatment, which is called Lipomassage, kneads the skin between rollers to bust cellulite.
Finally, engage in positive self-talk. Cellulite isn’t the end of the world. It’s just part of being human. Remind yourself that you are beautiful both inside and out. Focus on the positives of both your body and your life. Sometimes all it takes is simple refocusing to remind ourselves just how amazing we really are. After all, beauty doesn’t begin and end with silly cellulite.