What Is Cellulite

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What is Dimply Cellulite Tissue, and How to Prevent It?

Cellulite is the bane of existence for many women. Although men say have their fair share of cellulite, the fatty tissue is much more obvious on the female body than the male’s.

Deep in the subcutaneous layer of the skin, cellulite is made up of connective tissue that binds together fat cells using interconnecting fibers that protect the body, carrying nutrients throughout and eliminating waste. When one is the picture of health, the fat cells are smooth and empty of waste and toxins; however, when these by-products of the body start to build up, the result is a dimpled, rippled appearance in the skin. As our bodies age and skin loses its natural elasticity and grows thinner, cellulite becomes more obvious. Women who suffer from cellulite have it mainly on the thighs, rear end region, breasts and abdomen. Men, on the other hand, tend to retain it on their necks and abdomen.

Cellulite and fat are two different things. Fat cells remain smooth under the skin, and the amount of fat in your body depends on your genetics, your weight and your lifestyle. The human body needs fat – as an insulator, for protection, for health. Cellulite, though, is lumpy under the skin and provides no padding or benefits as far as science can determine. Cellulite can affect men and women of any size and stature, so weight is not a huge influence, although heavier people to tend to have larger amounts. Remaining active and eating a healthy, balanced diet shows some results over the long term.

There are two types of cellulite – soft and solid. Soft cellulite occurs in large areas and is not attached to the muscle, causing the skin to sag lightly and appear flabby and untoned. Very easy to spot, this cellulite is very apparent on the thighs and rear end region of the body. However, this type of cellulite is also the easiest to get rid of, as it lifts very easily from the underlying tissue.

Solid cellulite, on the other hand, is more common in women who are active, such as runners and cyclists. Hard cellulite attaches to the muscle, so it is harder to spot, and thus less women worry about it. Solid cellulite is not as easy to remove because it is attached to the muscle fibers underneath.

To test for cellulite, pinch the flesh of your thighs or rear ends gently between your fingers. The cellulite will appear dimpled, not smooth, beneath your skin. Normal fat will appear fairly smooth, but cellulite resembles the skin of an orange. The fat cells that make up cellulite are also more sensitive than the surrounding tissue, and may feel cool to the touch or even appear as paler than the rest of your skin tone.

To help control your body’s production of cellulite, be sure to drink plenty of water to help your body flush toxins. Smoking contributes to cellulite by blocking the arteries and reducing circulation, thus hampering the body’s flushing system. A poor diet – one heavy in preservatives, sugars, saturated fats, alcohol or caffeine – may all contribute to cellulite.

However, cellulite can still plague even the thinnest marathon runner, so there are some options out there for those who can’t seem to win the battle against the dimples. Try a body-lifting cream, or one marketed specifically towards reducing the appearance of cellulite. These offer a temporary solution by plumping the surrounding skin cells, thus helping to camouflage the cellulite.

For a more permanent, and pricier solution, try a salon or day spa that offers a combination massage/therapy for your cellulite woes. These work the skin, encouraging the cells to release their toxins and continue to flush regularly. Some women, on the other hand, swear by a stiff body brush in the shower. Still others visit spas that offer “body wraps,” which supposedly draw the toxins out of the skin using a combination of herbs and steam.