7 Myths About Cellulite

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We’ve all heard the saying “smooth as a baby’s bottom” – and it has meaning because infancy was probably the last time most of us completely lacked cellulite. Why? Because it’s everywhere. Its omnipotence has led to several myths and mysteries surrounded its existence. And we are here to dispel them.

Cellulite is really unusual. Wrong! Think of it this way – cellulite is the norm for people who breathe air and have DNA. Though carrying excessive weight can certainly exacerbate its appearance, cellulite is found in people of all sizes. It is caused by fat tissues which distort the connective tissues beneath skin, making the appearance of the skin look dimpled. It is much more common in women than men, as women have thinner skin. And according to one study, 70 percent of women have it.

Anti-cellulite creams will save you. Cellulite creams often claim to break down fat stores in the skin. However, no cream can deliver enough chemicals into your skin to accomplish this. Studies show that some creams might make skin look temporarily tighter, but there is no know lasting effect.

Diet and dietary supplements do the trick. As one resource explains, “ginkgo biloba, sweet clover, grape-seed bioflavinoids, bladder wrack extract, oil of evening primrose, fish oil, and soy lecithin” all claim to sooth cellulite. However, studies show that they have no effect on the appearance of cellulite. Further, as dietary supplements are out of the jurisdiction of the FDA, there is no one forcing companies to back up their claims.

You get it from being fat. Yes, eating a healthy diet and exercising to stay toned might reduce the appearance of cellulite in some people. But cellulite can be caused by gender, hereditary, and the way your body carries fat. Oh, and your age.

Caffeine is the cure all. Many cellulite creams contain caffeine, as it is supposed to permanently smooth fat. It simply does not work in any permanent capacity. Further, consuming large amounts of caffeine is just going to leave you jittery.

Massage treatment will make it go away forever. Massage treatment can roll your skin, muscle and fat around. Endermologie is a spa treatment in France that has been used since the 1990s to “treat” cellulite. Studies have shown that it might reduce the look temporarily. But in the end, your skin will redistribute to its natural state.

You get cellulite from lack of exercise. Again, if you carry extra weight, your cellulite might be enhanced. A good cardio exercise routine combined with strength training may reduce the appearance of cellulite, but it is not going to rid your body of it. Is it discouraging to realize that you’re still going to have it to some extent? Perhaps – but at least you’ll be and feel healthier as you embrace the dimples.

Image: diongillard

Katherine Butler

Katherine Butler is the Beauty Editor of EcoSalon and currently resides in Los Angeles, California.