An extensive article by Len Kravitz, Ph.D. reviews the essentials of cellulite and answers many questions. First described in French medical literature over 150 years ago, it was thought to be a disease. It is now known to be a unique and distinctive layer of subcutaneous fat common to females.
Anatomy explains how cellulite occurs, why it is more common in females, and why some women are more predisposed. Just beneath the skin is the uppermost layer of subcutaneous fat which has “standing fat-cell chambers” separated by connective tissue. The connective tissue gives support and elasticity. Small projections of fat cells protrude into the dermis from these fat chambers giving the unevenness we call cellulite. With aging the skin thins and loses its elasticity causing more cellulite.
(Did You Know? Email me this week at drmckenna@mckennamd.com with questions or to get more details about cellulite. I will answer your questions anonymously in next week’s email.)
What can be done to improve cellulite? Two things that don’t help are creams and Endermologie. Creams do not penetrate the skin in any appreciable amount to affect the condition. Endermologie, a method of kneading the skin, does not show any legitimate efficacy.
Female athletes, however, do have less cellulite. Extrapolating this, diet and exercise seem to be the logical route for improving the dimpling. Both will reduce the body fat. Resistance or strength training exercise builds muscles which reduces the “bumpy” effect of cellulite. Squats and lunges for the thighs and buttocks are exercises for the most commonly affected areas.