Cellulite is very common and it is highly likely that most people will have experienced it at some point in their lives.
It’s called peau de orange, which literally means orange peel, as cellulite’s appearance does resemble the peel of the citrus fruit.
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| If your skin looks like an orange peel, know that there's something you can do about it. Photo: EPA |
Cellulite makes your skin look lumpy and dimpled, with areas seemingly filled with fat deposits beneath the skin.
Not a turn-on.
A few examples of areas of the body susceptible to cellulite formation include the stomach, thighs and buttocks.
In short, if there is fat in that part of the body, it can be affected by cellulite.
Cellulite isn’t a condition that is harmful to health, nor does it affect your daily life, but some people (or should I say, most people?) may not be pleased with its appearance.
My Aunt Sheela curses under her breath each time she stands in front of her bedroom mirror in her birthday suit and sees her cellulite-afflicted thighs, or so she claims.
In general, while cellulite can affect both men and women, it is more likely to be experienced by women due to the different ways that fat and connective tissue are distributed in the body.
What causes cellulite?
Unfortunately for some, cellulite formation is all down to genetics, which means they will develop cellulite if no steps are taken to combat it.
Your race, gender and metabolic rate are just three potential factors that could determine if cellulite will affect you at some point – approximately 90% of women will be affected at some point, compared to 10% for men.
It is also thought that hormones can affect the formation of cellulite, with oestrogen, thyroid hormones and insulin believed to be a potential cause.
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| Pregnancy can cause cellulite to form. Photo: Reuters |
Pregnant women are especially susceptible to cellulite formation because of the hormonal imbalance during this time.
Your diet also has a profound effect, and if you consume large amounts of salt, fat and carbohydrates, the fat deposits underneath your skin can begin to build up pretty rapidly, causing the formation of cellulite.
To reduce your chances of having cellulite, partake in a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre.
In other words, gulp down more vegetables and fruits.
However, just because you might be safe genetically, does not mean that you are immune to cellulite.
Lifestyle choices can also have a great impact on its potential appearance – for example, individuals who are not active, and tend to sit or stand in the same position for extended periods of time, may start to see cellulite develop.
This is just a by-product of the times we live in – there is so much emphasis on work in the office that confines us to a desk.
For many Malaysians, they have no time (or are unwilling to make the time) or motivation to simply walk around enjoying the outdoors or staying active.
To lower the chances of getting cellulite, you need to maintain a healthy weight.
So start going for regular jogs at your neighbourhood park, take those dusty badminton rackets out of your storeroom, or partake in a session or two of Zumba weekly.
For best results, combine these activities with several sessions of strength training each week.
Any aerobic and strength building exercise is fine as long as you break a sweat, your heart rate is raised adequately, and you do it regularly.
Be sure to enjoy the exercise you do, as you’ll probably not continue for long if you find it as dull as your office meetings.
Bring your friends or family along to join you in your exercise regimen so you’ll be more motivated to make it a long-term habit.
How to treat cellulite?
There are many ways to treat cellulite – either through boosting the level of collagen in your skin or removing the fat deposits that form cellulite.
Collagen is a substance naturally produced by the skin, which helps to repair it by restoring the connective tissue and offering strength and support for your skin.
Essentially, it is a protein that is crucial because it holds your entire body together.
Non-invasive methods include laser treatments that melt fat underneath the skin, breaking up fibrous bands and stimulating collagen production.
Fat-melting mesotherapy injections were originally developed in Europe and can improve the appearance of cellulite, but it carries the risk of irregular contours.
Radiofrequency machine treatments may also help to some extent.
The treatment recommended by your friendly neighbourhood aesthetic doctor all depends on how severe the cellulite is and your specific condition.
This will be determined by him or her during your consultation session.
I’m glad to say that my Aunt Sheela has had remarkable improvements after she had several sessions of cellulite treatment.
She now does not dread standing in front of her bedroom mirror in the buff. Phew!
