Cellulite is something that affects all women to some degree and there are a lot of stories and myths out there that we read and hear about, but what is actually the truth? Here are the seven most common myths and facts to clear up any confusion over that dreaded cellulite.
- Eating certain foods can combat cellulite - True. You can’t just rely on your diet to combat cellulite but eating a balanced, plant rich diet can reduce inflammation all over your body and help you keep a healthy weight. Staying hydrated and eating food with a high water content will also keep your connective tissue strong which may help with your cellulite. Try eating more cucumber, tomatoes, pepper and radishes which are all more than 90% water.
- Skinny people don’t get cellulite - Myth. Cellulite happens to women of all shapes and sizes not just those who are overweight but being overweight can make cellulite worse. The more fat you have underneath your skin, the more stress is put on your connective tissue which can cause fat to bulge out of weak spots, making cellulite more visible.
- Exercise reduces the appearance of cellulite - True. Although exercise cannot cure cellulite completely it can help reduce the appearance and help prevent cellulite. Cellulite is caused by the connective tissue underneath the skin becoming weak and losing elasticity. Strengthening and stretching these areas in addition to burning all over fat can really help.
- Cellulite gets worse as you age - Fact. Hormones play a big role in the appearance of cellulite and as women age they produce less oestrogen. Less oestrogen means poorer circulation which can lower the production of collagen (which plumps the skin) and reduce the breakdown of old connective tissue.
- Cellulite creams will cure your cellulite - Myth. No matter what an over-the-counter cream may claim on it’s label, creams cannot cure cellulite. Certain creams can, however, reduce the appearance of cellulite dramatically. Creams that contain retinol tend to create a thicker skin cover that can help camouflage bumpy skin. Creams that contain natural products such as ginger, caffeine, green tea and chilli can also help with general contouring of the body for a slimmer figure.
- Smoking can affect the appearance of cellulite - Fact. Smoking can reduce blood vessel flow an weaken the formation of collagen, allowing the connective tissue to stretch and become more easily damaged, allowing more fat to show through. As well as affecting cellulite, smoking causes premature ageing, giving you deeper lines and wrinkles and can leave your skin dry and discoloured. All very good reasons to finally give up!
Your genes determine whether you get cellulite or not - Fact. Sorry ladies, it’s true. If your mother or grandmother suffered from cellulite then it is more than likely that you will too. But don’t lose heart, it isn’t the only factor to determine how bad your cellulite is. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and weight can also be factors in the development and appearance of cellulite.