What is cellulite?

Oh, that dreaded cottage cheese skin! It makes shopping for a bathing suit torture and keeps your shorts in the back of the bottom drawer all summer. But what, exactly, is this phenomena lurking beneath our skin? What causes it, and is there any hope for those that suffer from it?
First of all, let’s establish that as embarrassing as it is, you’re not alone. Scientists estimate that up to 90% of women suffer from cellulite at some point in their lives. And women aren’t the only ones to suffer. Cellulite can be found in men, too, although it’s more common in women, since they have certain types of fat and connective tissue that make them prone to it.
So...what is cellulite?
It’s a layer of subcutaneous fat, or fat that’s right beneath the epidermis, or your outermost layer of skin. The dermis, which is just below the epidermis, consists of a network of connective tissue that looks kind of like honeycomb. As your fat cells increase in size, the connective tissue weakens, and fat bulges through wherever it can, causing the mattress-like appearance.
Although there’s no clear reason why cellulite forms, there is one myth we can debunk, here and now. Cellulite does not just happen to overweight or older people. It can happen to a perfectly healthy teenager or a 20-year-old athlete. But there are a few factors that could contribute to that orange peel texture on your legs.
Hormones
This is the number one theory about what causes cellulite. Estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, prolactin, and your thyroid could be contributing to your production of cellulite.
Genes
Sometimes, you can just blame your parents! Your genetic makeup may predispose you to developing cellulite. Factors include a slow metabolism, the way your body distributes fat underneath your skin, or poor circulation.
Food
Aaaand sometimes, you can blame yourself. If you eat a diet that’s too high in carbs, salt, and fat, and too low in fiber, you might be prone to cellulite development.
Lifestyle
If you sit or stand for long periods of time in one position, if you don’t exercise, or if you’re a smoker, you might see your skin start to pucker.
Clothes
Limited blood flow may increase your chances of developing cellulite, so next time you’re tempted to buy Spanx or wear pantyhose, think twice.
Right now, there’s no known solution for cellulite, other than changing your diet and exercising more. There is an injection in clinical trials right now that could potentially break down subcutaneous fat, but for now, most of what you hear or read has no scientific proof.
So forget the body wraps, the creams, and the brushes. Stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise, and if you still don’t see results, well, you can blame your parents, then skimp on their birthday presents this year in revenge.
~J. Rebecca Sanders