Cellulite: What Causes it and How Can You Treat it?

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is that dimpled-looking, lumpy skin commonly found on the back of your thighs and buttocks.  It appears when fat cells push up against the fibrous connective tissue found beneath the surface of your skin.

Although both men and women can be affected by cellulite, it is more prevalent among women.  That’s mainly due to the difference in how their connective tissue is structured and how their fat is distributed as compared to men.  Women’s connective tissue is arranged vertically, allowing fat cells to easily push through and bulge out.  Men’s connective tissue forms a criss-cross pattern, making it more difficult for fat to penetrate and protrude.

What Causes Cellulite?

Genetics

Genetics may play a part in the development of cellulite in some people.  Factors such as ethnicity, fat distribution, and metabolism can all increase the chances of inheriting cellulite.

Age

Connective tissue is the ‘framework’ of your skin, and consists of mostly collagen.  As you age, collagen production decreases, thus weakening that connective tissue, making your skin more prone to cellulite.

Hormones

Speaking of age, as women get older, hormone levels, namely estrogen decrease.  Fluctuating hormones can affect blood flow, collagen production, and body fat composition which can all play a role in cellulite development.

Diet

Eating a healthful diet is necessary to keep collagen production optimal.  Collagen is the main protein found in your skin’s connective tissue so adequate levels need to be produced and maintained within your body.  Sugar should also be avoided as it can accelerate collagen breakdown. 

Lifestyle

Although cellulite is more noticeable on an overweight person, slim people can also develop cellulite.  Maintaining a healthy body mass and leading an active lifestyle will help lessen the risk of developing cellulite.

How to Treat Cellulite

While you cannot get rid of cellulite entirely, you can certainly ameliorate its appearance.

Here are a few ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite:

Massage – increases blood flow to increase collagen production

Lose excess body fat – reduces fat pushing through connective tissue

Get laser treatments – increases blood flow, promotes collagen production

Improve your diet – promotes collagen production, improves blood circulation, balances hormones

15 Cellulite-Busting Foods! The Anti-Cellulite Diet

The easiest way to start improving your skin’s texture is by eating a healthful diet.

Here’s a list of the top 15 foods you should incorporate into your anti-cellulite diet:

1. Turmeric
   Turmeric reduces inflammation and improves your blood circulation and helps eliminate toxins in your body.
2. Bone Broth
   Bone broth is a rich source of collagen, a protein that is necessary to keep cellulite at bay!
3. Eggs
   Eggs are a great source of protein. Your skin needs protein to generate collagen and to repair and renew skin tissue.
4. Green Tea
   Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants, specifically catechins, that prevent the breakdown of collagen in your body.
5. Garlic 
   Garlic is well-known for its natural antibiotic properties. Not only does it boost your immune system, it also improves blood circulation and eliminates toxins in your body.
6. Fish 
   Fish such as salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for metabolizing fats in your body. There’s also evidence that cellulite-affected tissue may be somewhat inflamed and can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of fish oils.
7. Beets
   What’s not to love about beets?! This vibrant root vegetable contains powerful nutrients such as lycopene, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and potassium! Beets aid with blood circulation and boost collagen production.
8. Tomatoes
   Tomatoes contain an antioxidant called lycopene that stimulates blood circulation. They are also high in Vitamin C which helps increase collagen production in your body.
9. Red Pepper
   One red pepper contains about 1.5 times your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. Its high Vitamin C content promotes collagen production in your body and helps your skin maintain its elasticity.
10. Cayenne
    Cayenne pepper boosts circulation and helps your body eliminate toxins that are stored in your fat cells.
11. Broccoli
    Broccoli is jam-packed with collagen-boosting Vitamin C! It also contains hormone balancing nutrients which can reduce cellulite that is sometimes caused by hormone fluctuations.
12. Lemon
    Lemons help your body restore their pH balance. If your pH is out of balance, your body is unable to remove toxins efficiently.
13. Pink Grapefruit
    Pink grapefruit contains bioflavonoids, a powerful antioxidant capable of repairing cell imbalances. They also contain lycopene (that’s where they get their rosy color from) which promotes good blood circulation in your body.
14. Ginger Root
    Ginger is known for its immune-boosting powers, but it also aids with digestion and improves blood circulation in your body.
15. Kale
    Kale is a super food rich in Vitamin C which aids in the production of collagen. Collagen helps plump your skin and can reduce the appearance of cellulite.