One of the most common beauty concerns for women is the development of cellulite. Cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin on the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Until the 1980s, excess weight was the focus of ads for weight loss and diet products. Increasingly afterward, it has become common to see ads referring to flab, bulges, or excess fat. Liposuction and the removal of cellulite are a result of this trend. Cellulite is more common in women because of the way fat is stored and distributed in women’s bodies. It is not harmful to the health of the afflicted individual, but treatment for cellulite is in high demand due to its effect on one’s overall appearance. The treatment for cellulite is costly, generally ineffective, and in some cases can be detrimental to the consumer’s overall health.
Cellulite occurs in people of all races and, though it is more common in women, it can also occur in men. Genetics, gender, skin thickness, age, and the percentage of body fat can all influence the appearance and severity of cellulite. The dimpled appearance is caused by fat deposits beneath the skin. Many treatments for cellulite have been written about and promoted due to the desire to have smooth skin. Methylxanthines are chemicals that are present in caffeine and are often used in cellulite creams. These are known for their ability to break down fat stores, but such creams do not provide the high concentrations of the chemicals that would be necessary for any significant fat removal. Massage treatments can also be used to treat cellulite. These treatments provide a temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite by redistributing fat. Massage treatments are often very expensive and require multiple treatments to maintain results. Therapies using lasers and lights have also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some in combination with massage therapy. These treatments are even more costly than massage. Mesotherapy, for example, involves injecting drugs directly into the skin, but this is controversial and is not widely available. Natural treatments such as special cellulite diets claim to reduce inflammation and improve circulation in order to change the appearance of the skin. Eating a healthy diet can also decrease fluid retention, which can in turn decrease inflammation.
Taking a combination of dietary supplements can also boost metabolism, improve overall circulation, and break down fat stores. Some salons also offer herbal body wraps as a treatment for cellulite that works by detoxifying the body.
None of these treatments has been proven effective at eliminating cellulite. It is possible to improve the appearance, but these effects are temporary. Liposuction can actually make cellulite worse and is not a recommended treatment. Eating a healthy diet and participating in regular exercise is promoted as the best way to prevent and decrease the appearance of cellulite.
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