BN Beauty: 6 Things to Know About Cellulite!

Cellulite sucks! It makes you second guess your outfits, hide underneath a make-shift tent at the pool side, limits you from wearing tights and literally renders the ‘short’ section of your wardrobe a “no go area”.

One of the crazy myths about cellulite is most people think only women who live on the plus size street have them. Wrong! Cellulite does not occur as a result of being overweight. Anyone can have it…just ask Tyra Banks, who even as a model, openly admitted to having cellulite.

First off, let’s get a good definition of what cellulite is. According to YOU Health Editor, Sarah Stacey for Daily Mail UK, Cellulite is when…

“Fat in the subcutaneous layer of the skin is packed into chambers, with walls made of connective tissue (stretchy collagen and elastin). Cellulite occurs when the capillaries break down and allow water to leak into the tissue. The fluid accumulates, causing the collagen and elastin fibres to lose their elasticity. At the same time, clumps of fat begin to migrate upwards so they can be seen through the skin. As the fibres become taut, they pull down on their anchor points in the top layer of skin, creating the dimpling.”

Apart from knowing about cellulite, there are many other facts that need attention. Also, there are numerous myths that need busting to give you the upper hand on cellulite. Find out more:

1. Cellulite isn’t caused by fat
The most important thing to note when it comes to cellulite is that it has all to do with the structure of the skin and not the fact that you are plus-sized.

2. Men don’t get cellulite
Yes, we were sad to hear the news too, but it’s a fact.

Women have vertical bands holding their skin and muscles together, men have cris-crossed bands, which is what makes their skin tough. It’s the same in exercise; it would take a woman a longer period of time to develop muscle, than it would a man.

Coupled with the woman’s naturally thin layer of skin, estrogen production level and other factors, our bodies have a higher tendency to have cellulite and show it.

3. Cellulite is often genetic
Some women are more prone to cellulite because it has to do with skin structure and genetics. So if your mother has it, then there is a high probability that you would too.

4. When you are dehydrated, Cellulite appears worse
Water is a natural way to fight the formation of cellulite. Being bloated and being unable to retain water can make your cellulite appear worse and water is the solution to this. If you take coffee and tea regularly, it is advised that you either reduce the intake, stop or increase your intake of water to compensate.

Drinking water also strengthens the collagen in the skin, flushes toxins and increases the skin’s elasticity and smoothness.

5. Exercise is very important
Doing exercises that target your thighs, butt and other cellulite prone areas are very important to help smooth and tone your body. This reduces the visibility of cellulite and burn excess fat.

6. Products with Caffeine Work
Products like a caffeine-filled body scrub can help. Used as a topical product, it helps break up fatty deposits under the skin and the caffeine in turn tightens the skin.

Have any tips, tricks or info about cellulite you would like to share? We would love to hear them!

Photo Credit: Victor Zastol’skiy/Dreamstime