Can You Prevent Cellulite?
One of the common concerns affecting up to 90% of women and men at some point in their lives is cellulite. Often described as a dimpled or lumpy appearance on the skin, cellulite is usually found on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. Although it is harmless and entirely natural, it is often stigmatized. This leads many to explore options like exercise, diet, skin care routines, and even cosmetic dermatology to address its appearance. This brings up the important question: Can you prevent cellulite?
Can You Prevent Cellulite?
Although the short answer may be that it may not be entirely preventable, there are things you can do to reduce its appearance and potentially delay its onset. An exploration of what it is, why it forms, and the factors that influence its development will help you to better understand how to manage it.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a term for the collection of fats that push against the connective tissue beneath the skin. It is a common condition that makes the surface of your skin look dimpled or bumpy. Some people may describe it as something that is akin to the texture of cottage cheese or orange peel. Mild cellulite is only noticeable when you pinch your skin in the area where you have cellulite, while more severe cellulite will make your skin appear rumpled and bumpy. Although it is more common around the thighs and buttocks, you may also notice it on your breasts, upper arms, and lower abdomen.
What Causes Cellulite?
Genetics
Your genes play an important role in determining your skin structure, body type, and fat distribution. All these can affect the probability that you will develop cellulite.
Hormonal Changes
Estrogen, insulin, and prolactin are hormones that can influence the development of cellulite by affecting your blood flow, fat storage, and the strength of your connective tissues.
Lifestyle Factors
The way you live your life can also influence your likelihood of developing cellulite. Do you usually spend your days sitting down? Do you seldom drink water in a day? Are you fond of eating fried and processed foods? Do you smoke? If you answered yes to most of the questions, you are a good candidate for cellulite formation. These habits reduce skin elasticity and promote fat accumulation.
Good Habits to Help Minimize the Appearance of Cellulite
Although preventing cellulite may be impossible given the strong role that genetics and hormones play, there are certain good habits that can help you minimize the appearance of cellulite.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
What you eat plays a crucial role in your skin’s appearance and overall health.
Eat More Fiber
A balanced diet can reduce the accumulation of fat and improve your blood circulation. This will make cellulite less noticeable. Ensure that you incorporate a lot of fiber in your diet. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promote better digestion and reduce fat storage.
Limit Processed Foods
Foods that are high in sugar and high in salt can lead to water retention, weight gain, and the formation of cellulite.
Stay Hydrated
Drink no less than the required minimum number of glasses of water daily. Water does not only help your organs to function well, it also keeps your skin plump and elastic, reducing the dimpled effect of cellulite on your skin.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity helps reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving muscle tone and circulation.
Strength Training
This builds muscle in areas prone to cellulite, like your thighs and buttocks. Muscle in this area can help create a smoother appearance.
Cardiovascular Exercise
Burn fat and boost blood flow by cardiovascular exercises like swimming, running, or cycling.
Stretching
Stretching exercises promote flexibility and reduce tension in connective tissues as well. This will support smoother-looking skin.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Cellulite affects people of all body types, but a healthy weight can help minimize fat deposits. In addition, sudden weight gain or rapid weight loss can potentially worsen cellulite.
Consider Professional Treatments
Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough. If this is your case, there are cellulite treatments you can choose from.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy such as Cellulaze will shrink fat cells, cut the bands that cause the bumps, and thicken your skin. Results usually last a year or sometimes more. If your cellulite is severe, it may not work well for you. Make sure to go to a board-certified surgeon if you are thinking of having this procedure.
Endermologie
This treatment uses a device that gives a deep massage while lifting up the patient’s skin. According to the FDA, the device used has little potential to cause harm. However, the temporary results of this treatment vary from woman to woman.
Radiofrequency Therapy
These treatments will tighten your skin and break down fat cells with the use of heat.
Cellfina
This is a minimally invasive FDA-approved treatment designed to reduce cellulite in a single session. The changes can last for up to two years. However, this is not for everyone. Diabetes patients, women with varicose veins, or those being treated for active skin infection should not undergo this treatment.
These treatments often require multiple sessions and can be costly. In addition, the results may vary between individuals. It is important to consult a licensed and experienced professional who can explain the process to you and help you manage your expectations.
Keep Your Hormones Healthy
Since hormones play an essential role in cellulite formation, it may be advantageous to keep your hormones healthy. You can do this by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, getting enough sleep, limiting your alcohol consumption, and avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals. If you think your hormones may be responsible for your cellulite problem, consult a healthcare provider.
Minimize the Appearance of Your Cellulite
Although you cannot prevent the appearance of cellulite, having a healthy lifestyle can definitely help you reduce its appearance and help you look your best. If you think your cellulite needs to be addressed by a professional, go to your trusted dermatologist, who can recommend the best course of treatment for you.
If you are concerned about pain or the method used in the treatments, consider Dr. Simon Ourian. He has a noninvasive, nonsurgical approach when it comes to cellulite treatment or removal. The results from his methods usually last for months to years, with the patients going back to their normal activities right after the treatment. Consult with Dr. Ourian today.