According to Scientific American, cellulite affects 90% of women and 10% of men, mostly in industrial nations. The report also says that women between 25 and 35 are the most affected.
And, yes, women hate them most – and we’ll talk about how to hide cellulite shortly.
Since most women consider smooth skin the true definition of beauty, the bumped, dimpled, cellulite-affected areas can be a significant irritant. You’ll hear many women call it “orange peel skin,” “cottage cheese thighs,” and “hail damage” to show their disgust.
So, what exactly is cellulite? Also, what causes it, and is the condition preventable or treatable?
Read on to find out.
A Definition
Cellulite refers to fat deposits beneath the skin that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and around the stomach.
The leading cause is fibrous tethers that run through your fat and pull on the fascia the lies underneath the skin to create a dimpled appearance. This definition shows that cellulite isn’t exclusively a fat accumulation problem. It’s not entirely about your weight. Instead, it’s more about the structure of the fat.
According to Margarita Lolis, M.D., a dermatologist, and cosmetician based in New Jersey, women, primarily ages 25 to 35, are more at risk for two reasons – estrogen and their connective tissue structure.
As women approach this age, estrogen levels decrease. Estrogen has a massive impact on blood vessels. When Estrogen levels decrease, the number of receptors in blood vessels declines, resulting in decreased blood and nutrient circulation. Decreased circulation naturally results in more collagen production. Remember that collagen is the protein that gives the body structure. When fat cells start becoming larger, and collagen levels increase, bumpy protrusions of fat, i.e., cellulite, are inevitable.
Women typically have three layers of fat in the buttocks, saddlebags, around the knees, and in the stomach and triceps, which worsens the problem.
How To Hide Cellulite – 8 Tips
You’ll come across creams, gadgets, and severally supposedly designed to hide cellulite. But, unfortunately, none of them works 100%.
So, what can you do if your cellulite really bothers you? The only option is to minimize the severity of the problem and perhaps learn how to hide cellulite altogether. The following are several tips to consider;
1. Book a massage
As we’ve mentioned, poor circulation is a primary contributor to cellulite. Massage can help remedy this problem, even if only temporarily. For example, if you have a major event coming up and would want to appear at your best, a cupping massage a day or two before the event can diminish the appearance of cellulite, leaving your skin fairer and smoother.
2. Apply self-tanner
Self-tanner is another good solution when you want to hide cellulite temporarily, perhaps as you look forward to an important event. Self-tanning experts recommend exfoliating your skin two days before the day you want to tan and wax and shave one day in advance. As always, all-natural, non-toxic tanners work best.
3. Consider a firming cream
Firming creams also have a temporary effect on cellulite. They won’t make the cellulite go away forever. However, they include silicon which helps fill in the dimples on your skin, effectively diminishing the cellulite and leaving the skin looking smoother. The smoothening effect can last a few days.
4. Dry brush your skin
Dry brushing removes stagnant lymph along its one-way circuit and can make the skin look softer and smoother. It also exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances blood circulation, both of which can help against cellulite. Use a dry bath brush or loofah to gently brush your skin in one direction, towards the heart.
5. Drink plenty of water
Other than the temporary measures that diminish cellulite for a few days, you can also boost your skin health and attempt to reduce cellulite long-term by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated keeps your connective tissue strong and supple. You can drink more water or eat foods with more water.
6. Drink bone broth
The reason bone broth works is it contains plenty of collagen. Take leftover bones from meat dishes or get beef bones from the supermarket meat department and simmer for 10 to 24 hours. Adding apple cider vinegar is advised as it helps the broth release as much collagen as possible.
7. Do a few exercises
The truth is that exercise alone may not necessarily diminish cellulite or even cure them in the long run. However, exercising boosts blood circulation, which is effective in reducing the formation of cellulite. Aerobic exercises are particularly desirable. Additionally, squats, lunges, and other strength training exercises help tone the muscles and tighten the skin, making cellulite less noticeable.
8. Shed a few pounds
Although cellulite affects all people, regardless of size, it’s more common and even more pronounced in heavier people. Losing a few pounds may make the bumps less noticeable. However, avoid drastic measures. If you choose to lose weight, do it slowly without adversely affecting your health.
Accept It, and Everything Becomes Better
We hope you’ll try one of the tips mentioned on how to hide cellulite. The most important remedy for cellulite is to accept that it happens and be prepared to live and deal with it. This is especially true for women. Sometimes the cellulite may not go away regardless of the effort. So, be prepared to live with it.
