Cellulite can show up almost anywhere.
If you have cellulite, you're in good company. According to ABC News, 90 percent of all women have it. If you'll pay anything to get rid of it, save your money and check out the facts. Lifestyle changes, rather than miracle cures, are what really work. Discover the methods doctors recommend, and those they do not.
What Causes Cellulite
Connective cords attaching skin to muscle overlie the fat deposits under the skin. Fat bulging between the cords gives the skin that bumpy, orange-peel look. Cellulite runs in families and is made more apparent by increased weight, lack of exercise, dehydration and hormonal contraceptives.
Weight Loss
Exercise decreases the look of cellulite.
Lose weight through diet and exercise. Although thin people have cellulite, weight gain makes it more apparent, and losing weight can make it less so. Diet changes should include increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat and water you consume because hydrating your body will decrease cellulite. Increased muscle mass from exercise will also diminish the look of cellulite.
Creams and Lotions
Darker skin hides cellulite.
Applying a 0.3 percent retinol cream twice a day for six months can decrease the appearance of cellulite in some people. Stop using it if you develop a sensitivity. Cellulite is less visible in dark skin, so using a self-tanner will make your legs look smoother.
Deep Massage
Massage relaxes your muscles.
Massaging the area will not break down cellulite. It does relax the muscles and increase circulation, which might give you a short-term "glow."
What Doesn't Help
Some creams are dangerous.
Instead of decreasing the look of cellulite, liposuction, which removes deep fat, not fat just under the skin, can actually increase dimpling in your skin.
Skin creams with the asthma medication aminophylline can cause an allergic reaction. The medication narrows the blood vessels, which could be dangerous for those with circulation problems.
Mesotherapy, the injection of vitamins, minerals and enzymes under the skin, can cause inflammation and infection. Doctors do not recommend this treatment for cellulite.
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