The Fight Against Cellulite

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(ARA) - Orange-peel skin. Cottage cheese. Whatever you call it, cellulite is an unattractive and unhealthy problem for many women. Cellulite occurs when body fat gets sandwiched into tiny pockets separated by strong, hair-thin threads called septa, which anchor skin to muscle. In areas such as the hips, thighs and buttocks, where women are most likely to store fat, this "tufting" becomes so pronounced that it dimples.

Men are not usually affected by cellulite because their septa attach in a crisscross formation rather than the vertical strands found in women's skin. And while most of us would assume that only heavy women are prone to cellulite, the truth is that anyone, including average and underweight women, can have problem areas. Even supermodels complain about cellulite. This storage of fat is not only unappealing from a cosmetic point of view, but it can also lead to health problems such as accumulation of fluid in the layers of skin, impeded blood flow, toxin buildup, nutrient depletion, and deterioration of the connective tissue as it loses elasticity and undergoes fibrosis.

Fortunately, there are ways women can address the problem of cellulite:

Diet:   Reducing overall fat intake, though fat is not the sole cause, can help lessen the proliferation of cellulite.

Exercise:   While no "cure" exists, exercise helps build muscle tone, which in turn can make the contours of your body, including cellulite, look better. Keep at it.

Tone and moisturize:   A body firming and moisturizing gel can help smooth out sponginess and increase circulation to problem areas.  Beware of magical creams claiming to be able to remove cellulite.  The truth is, there is no magical cure all.