To understand how cellulite is formed, is to arm ourselves against it. Cellulite forms differently in men and women. For women, hormonal changes during menstruation, menopause and pregnancy are the main causes of cellulite formation. Hormones regulate blood flow, drainage of the lymphatic system and fat and are mainly responsible for the formation of cellulite. Birth control pills cause hormonal changes in a woman’s body, which may also lead to the formation of cellulite. Hormones, can also determine the thickness of tissues and buildup of fat. A hormonal imbalance in the body, can reduce the thickness of the tissue and cause cellulite to become visible on the skin.
The genetic makeup, lifestyle, race, gender and age of an individual also affects cellulite formation. As we get older, tissue layers have a tendency to lose thickness and cause a wrinkled appearance. Since fat and lymph are reduced in quantity, the cellulite is still lodged in the cells. Since there is no cushion, cellulite becomes more visible.
How does cellulite form? Is it fat? What’s the difference between fat and cellulite?
Our lymphatic circulation system acts to eliminate toxins and waste in our bodies. Elimination of waste and toxins is the most important function of the lymphatic system. The flushing of waste buildup from our cells keeps them clean, helps them to breathe and keeps them healthy. When circulation of this system is impaired or obstructed, our cells are not cleaned and waste accumulates in them and they bulge. It appears that the formation of cellulite is attributable to a malfunctioning of the lymphatic system.
Our skin is made up of many layers. The three outer layers of the skin are: hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. Cellulite develops in the hypodermis. When fat cells swell due to the buildup of fluids of the lymphatic system the excess fluid does not drain properly and they occupy more space. As a result the cells are squeezed together tightly and there is not enough space for them to fit comfortably after swelling. The cells are bound tightly together by collagen fibers, further hampers the drainage of excess fluids and waste from cells and this leads to cellulite. The swollen cells push against the dermis and epidermis and become visible on the skin. As promised, more information on cellulite tomorrow.
