Many young women have the benefit of smooth skin, free of the dimples and other marks often caused by cellulite. But, as we get older, we start to see the lumpy appearance in our thighs and other areas. While this is a natural part of aging for many women, it’s often an unwelcome change. Keep reading to learn more about what exactly cellulite is and how you minimize its effect.
Most often appearing in the buttocks and thigh area, cellulite is the result of fat deposits pushing their way through the connective tissue of your skin. The fat is naturally stored beneath your skin, and with things like time and weight gain, it can expand. The collagen that binds your fat and your skin begins to stretch and tear, creating dimples in the skin's appearance.
We know ladies, we know. It can be a hard pill to swallow, but a certain amount of cellulite is natural. Hormones can play a large role and there are some signs of cellulite being hereditary as well. While the exact cause of cellulite is undefined, specialists have determined various contributing factors to its development. One of the major reasons cellulite occurs more often in women than in men is because of the connective tissue structure. A woman’s fat cells and connective tissue are arranged vertically, whereas a man’s cells and tissues have a criss-cross structure, making cellulite less likely. Just one of those happy little genetic quirks.
However, we can’t blame it all on our genes. There are several external factors that could possibly contribute to cellulite’s appearance. Smoking and lack of exercise, as well as an excess of fatty foods in one's diet, are all thought to contribute to cellulite. Whether cellulite is passed down through genes or brought on by a person’s lifestyle is still unclear. Regardless, it’s important to remember that approximately 95% of women have at least some cellulite, so it is not necessarily a sign that you are unhealthy or have “bad genes.”
There is no “cure” or way to completely eradicate cellulite. However, there are several ways to minimize its appearance. At Sewickley Spa, our personal favorite is the Cellulite Reduction Wrap. Our wrap uses ancient Egyptian techniques combined with a head and face massage to help kick start your metabolism. This releases water, excess fluids and toxins from your body to give you smoother looking, tighter and less dimpled skin.
It’s also highly recommended to increase your physical activity while decreasing salty and fatty foods in your diet. In other terms, a good way to reduce cellulite and the fat that causes it is diet and exercise when you're able. Of course, these are good suggestions for your overall health, too!
We know looking your best can help you feel your best. For more information on the Sewickley Spa cellulite reduction wrap, explore our
Body Therapies
and call and make an appointment today!