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What is cellulite?Cellulite, known casually as “cottage cheese” or “orange peel” skin, is fat that has accumulated in small chambers just below the surface of the skin. This accumulation causes visible dimpling on the surface of the skin. While cellulite can occur anywhere on the body, it is most frequently found around the thighs, hips and buttocks.
Why do people have cellulite?All skin tissue contains collagen, a fibrous protein that gives skin its structure and strength. That same collagen forms a series of fat-storing compartments ("fibrous septae") within the skin which, when functioning normally, provide structural support and insulation. However, if those compartments become over-full and rigid, the septae can no longer hold the excess fat. The septae break and bulge out against the surface of the skin, forming the lumps you see on cellulite-affected skin. Fibrous septae also harden and contract as you age, causing contained fat to push out even further.
Will I get it? If you are a female, the answer is most likely "yes." Cellulite tends to be less common for men, largely because their "dermis" may be thicker and more resistant to the "push" of overwhelmed septae or because of hormonal differences. But among females, cellulite is quite common: An estimated 85% of women will be affected by cellulite before their 40th birthday.
What causes the formation of cellulite, why do we get it? While modern science can explain how cellulite develops, it still can't say why. Many scientists point to hormones as a likely factor, citing the predominance of cellulite development in women. Other research suggests that quick weight loss and gain may also add to the condition. Poor hydration may be another issue. And genetics are probably the biggest factor of all, predetermining when dimpling begins and how extensive it becomes.
What can I do to prevent cellulite?There is no sure-fire way to prevent the development cellulite.
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Find a Cellulite Treatment Specialist
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New York skin expert Lori Brightman, MD, describes cellulite
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