What is Cellulite?

 

Cellulite refers to the dimples or orange peel appearance on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and knees.  Cellulite is more sensitive than normal skin and can feel cold to the touch.  It may also appear whiter than the rest of the skin.  Hard cellulite is found in active women, such as dancers or athletes, is the hardest to reduce because it attaches to the muscle.  Soft cellulite on the other hand is more noticeable but easier to temporarily reduce.

 

 

How do you develop cellulite?

 

The skin sends down anchoring connective tissue to the muscle.  In between this connective tissue and muscle are fat deposits.  When the fat deposits become hard and large they push against the connective tissue and stretch it, which therefor creates the outward appearance of lumps and bump.  This can be caused by a number of things including: poor circulation, lack of exercise, poor lymph system drainage, food allergies, pregnancy, aging, smoking and lack of water.

 

There are four distinct stages that define cellulite conditions.

 

Stage 1 (minor)

 

• Excess fluids

• Jiggly loose appearance

• Dimples visible only when pinches, pressed or when standing

 

Stage 2 (concern)

 

• Large areas of excess fluids

• Orange peel” appearance

• Visible dimpling

• Minor pitting

 

Stage 3 (problem)

 

• Cottage cheese appearance

• Multiple, visible lumps and pitting

• Moderate to severe dimpling

 

Stage 4 (severe)

 

• Large, multiple, hardened lumps that may be painful when touched

• Major pitting