Cellulite is the result of normal fat beneath the skin breaking up. In areas where cellulite often appears, the layer of fat contains fibrous connective cords that hold your skin to your muscle. Fat cells are bound to the connective tissue cords, but over time the connecting fibers degenerate. When this happens, the surrounding fat starts to break apart and push up against the skin. In some areas of the body, this process occurs but might not be noticeable. But when the process occurs on your legs, buttocks, or other areas prone to cellulite, the result is dimpled or uneven skin
Some women are more predisposed to it than others. The amount of cellulite you have and how noticeable it is can be based on your genes, body fat percentage, and age. The thickness of your skin also affects the appearance of cellulite. People of all body types and weights can get cellulite.
The distribution of fat in women is more visible than in men. The collagen fibers between the skin and muscle separate the underlying fat into multiple pockets. Cellulite can become more visible as you age and your skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity. This exposes the rippled connective tissues underneath.
Cellulite can develop or become more noticeable after gaining weight. An increase in fat tissue in certain areas of your body will be the areas most likely to show cellulite. Cellulite also can occur when there is significant friction or rubbing, such as the upper arms or inner thighs.
Cellulite is more common with aging. This is because the skin loses some of its elasticity over time, so the prominence of the existing cellulite becomes more evident. Genetics also may play a role in whether or not you develop cellulite, since it can show up in very lean individuals.
Cellulite may be caused or aided by:
Cellulite forms when fat collects in pockets below the surface of the skin in lumpy bunches. Everyone has fat under the skin, but those with cellulite have collagen fibers that stretch, break, or pull tight in the process of connecting fat to the skin. When that happens, cellulite forms.
Cellulite isn’t size-specific. In fact, some people may actually be genetically predisposed to the condition. Although it’s impossible to get rid of cellulite completely, there are things you can do to minimize its appearance.
Strength training — especially when combined with diet and cardio — can reduce body fat and sculpt muscles, helping erase some of those dimples.
Losing weight and strengthening the muscles in the legs, buttocks and abdomen may make cellulite less noticeable in those areas, but it won't go away altogether. That is because once a fat cell develops, it is yours for life. Weight loss can only shrink the contents of the fat cells, but doesn't eliminate the fat cell itself. Maintaining a healthy weight over your lifetime is the best way to prevent additional cellulite from appearing.
