Cellulite 101 - A Quick Guide to Understanding ‘Orange Peel Skin’

Most women are probably familiar with cellulite as about 90% of women are said to have some degree of cellulite. Well, it’s easy to describe what it looks like—one would probably describe it as an ugly puffy puckering on the thighs, arms, hips and buttocks that looks like orange peel. Many however do not understand what it really is. Strictly, what is a cellulite and how is it formed?

Cellulite – Definition and Common Names

Cellulite is a non-medical term that people use to refer to deposits of subcutaneous fat, toxins and fibrous tissues that give the skin a dimpled appearance (i.e., like that of the skin of an orange). There are several names used to call these fatty deposits aside from cellulite; among the most familiar are orange peel syndrome and cottage cheese skin. Some also call it as the mattress phenomenon and hail damage.

Cellulite - How It Is Formed

Underneath the skin, there are fibrous tissues that are laced with fat cells that protect the muscles and various organs in the body. These fibrous tissues are surrounded by water that nourishes it and also helps in removing wastes from the body.

When the waste products are not removed, they accumulate, causing the fibrous tissues that connect the top layer of the skin to the muscles underneath to weaken, thicken and become less supple.

Consequently, the hardened tissues and fatty deposits pull down on the surface of the skin, giving the skin a lumpy appearance. Why these tissues thicken and constrict is still unknown to specialists.

Cellulite vs. Fat

Although it is hard to distinguish cellulite from normal fat, the two are not the same as fat provides protection to the organs and insulates the body while cellulite has no use. Moreover, layers of fat appear smoothly while cellulites are lumpy. Cellulites also appear only in some parts of the body such as the thighs, arms, buttocks and breasts while fats are everywhere.

Cellulite – Caused By Obesity?

It is often believed that obese women get cellulite but this is only a misconception. Anyone can have a cellulite–men and women alike, overweight or not. Cellulite formation, however, is believed to be greatly influenced by one’s incorrect diet; hence, those who eat a lot of fatty foods are prone to forming cellulite. Lifestyle also is an influencing factor so even sexy ladies and men can have cellulites.

The only way to reduce cellulites in the body is to reduce the amount of fat in the body as well. That could be done through exercise and healthy diet.