Who Does It Affect? Why Does It Happen? What’s Microdermabrasion? Find Out!
The key to picking the right cellulite treatment for you is in understanding cellulite itself—and unfortunately, there are just as many myths (if not more) as there are facts out there. To make an informed decision, it’s important to know the truth behind the myths, and arm yourself with knowledge. From miracle creams to microdermabrasion, here’s the skinny on cellulite:
It’s Just Excess Fat
The dimpled appearance on your skin is not directly caused by fat at all, though fat tissue does factor in to how it happens. In fact, it is actually caused by herniated fat in the connective collagen tissue that holds skin and muscle together. Because the real culprit is the layer between subcutaneous fat and skin, it doesn’t only happen to overweight people (as some believe). Which leads us to the next myth:
Losing Weight is a Cellulite Treatment
Because a person’s weight and body fat percentage aren’t direct contributors to the appearance of cellulite, losing weight alone will do very little to reduce it. However, strength training can have a positive, if limited, effect. By strengthening the muscle and connective tissue under the skin, the dimples won’t be eliminated—but they will be less visible as the skin regains elasticity.
It’s a Rare Condition
Along with those who believe it only affects people who suffer from obesity, there are also those who think that cellulite only effects the elderly, or a tiny percentage of people. The truth is, an estimated 85 to 98 per cent of post-pubescent women will experience it at some point in their lives—and even a small percentage of men, too. Quite apart from some rare condition or disease, it’s a very common occurrence as skin and collagen begin to lose their elasticity over time. As such, the decision to treat or otherwise reduce its appearance is a personal one.
Snake Oils and Miracle Ointments
Several over-the-counter creams and topical solutions purport to fight cellulite—but there is little evidence to support the efficacy of these. It’s best to trust a skincare professional, dermatologist, or cosmetic specialist over a commercial product for home use.
There’s No Solution
This myth has a grain of truth—there’s no permanent solution as of yet, but it may be right around the corner. In the meantime, cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion are an effective cellulite treatment that can lessen the appearance of dimples and other imperfections in the skin. This procedure exfoliates the skin to scrub away dead or damaged epidermis and promote the growth of fresh, healthy skin and renewed collagen. Microdermabrasion improves the elasticity of skin and treats wrinkles, fine lines, stretch marks, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and of course, cellulite.
With microdermabrasion, an effective and relatively comfortable cellulite treatment is possible for you!