Nature Of Cellulite
Our skin's surface is
covered with a layer of fat over most of the body. Fat is a form of
loose connective tissue that is found beneath the skin, also surrounding
muscles, organs and joints in our body. The main role of this fat layer
is to make sure of cushioning, thermoregulation, filling of body space.
Besides, it also acts as a source of energy.
Energy is drawn from
lipids accumulated in the fat cells. When energy is needed,
triglyceride molecules break down into glycerol and fatty acids which
are metabolized as energy source. Hence, the fat cell act as an energy
reservoir for the body.
Scientific study has found that in the
female body, the uppermost layer of skin comprises of fat cells. These
are in the shape of chambers. The top of these fat chambers is weak and
collapses under external pressure. These larger chambers along with
compartments of fat cells form groups or clusters under the skin. These
fat cell chambers and clusters of fat cells change the appearance of the
skin's surface, known as cellulite.
In addition, in cellulite
tissue, there is a concomitant reduction in structural proteins like
elastin and collagen fibers. Biological ageing causes these proteins to
stiffen and become in-flexible. Bloating fat cells, pooling fluids,
toxins and poor blood circulation aggravates drop in firmness. As a
result cellulite is the cumulative after effect of all factors
converging on a cluster of fat cells.
Another major precipitating
cause of cellulite is breakdown of connective fibers, resulting from a
drop in efficiency of the circulatory system. Inadequate circulation
contributes significantly to cellulite formation. Therefore, once
cellulite builds up it impedes circulation in an area even more.
Fallacies About Cellulite
Some common fallacies about cellulite are worth studying.
Fallacy. Cellulite Can Never Be Cured
Fact.
Many women, and men do not treat their cellulite problems because of
widespread misinformation. They think that there is absolutely nothing
that they can do to remedy their cellulite problem. If dieting,
liposuction, and exercising can not get rid of cellulite, then there
might be no cure for cellulite after all. But we know from experience
this is untrue. Cellulite is actually reversible and curable.
Fallacy. Only Overweight People Can Have Cellulite
Fact.
No doubt, being overweight can really exacerbate cellulite. That's
because fat cells push subcutaneous fat closer to the skin, making
cellulite more pronounced. Yet lean and thin people can also build
cellulite, as proved by examples of thin and lean celebrities who have
cellulite problems in abundance.
Fallacy. Liposuction Is The Ultimate Cure
Fact.
Liposuction is not the most suitable method of reducing cellulite. It
is known in many cases that liposuction has caused deeper creases on the
skin when employed to cut cellulite.
Fallacy. Cellulite Attacks Thighs Mainly
Fact.
Most people have cellulite on their thighs and buttocks. Yet there are
instances when cellulite commonly affects the upper arms, neck, and even
the belly.
Fallacy. Older Women Are Most Vulnerable To Cellulite
Fact.
Cellulite in older women shows up as ugly "dents", lumps and bumps. Yet
it is not uncommon to see cellulite hitting women at an early age.
Although women are more likely to have cellulite than men, the male
gender is not spared from this ugly aesthetic issue. About 5% of people
with cellulite are actually male.
