25 Things You Need to Know About Cellulite

Dimply skin is adorable on teeny baby bottoms, but when we find it on our own, it's just not cute. Check out these tidbits about cellulite to learn the facts about what causes this type of fat and what really works if you're looking to get rid of it.

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  1. It's much more common in women than in men because of the way our fat, muscle, and connective tissues are distributed. About 80 to 90 percent of women have it, including celebs like Jillian Michaels.
  2. Why does it look lumpy? When fat cells push up against our skin, and the fibrous tissue that connects our skin to our muscle pulls down, it causes that uneven appearance.
  3. It's most commonly seen around the thighs and tush, but it can be found on the breasts, lower belly, and upper arms as well.
  4. Cellulite ranges in severity from slight bumps to an extremely wavy orange-peel texture. Some women will only see it if they squeeze their skin or when sitting down, while others may have very obvious uneven skin with deep dimples or crevices.
  5. It's a myth that skinny people don't have cellulite.
  6. If you have thin skin, cellulite will be more visible.
  7. Hormonal changes that occur when you become a mother can also trigger cellulite.
  8. Opt for a smaller cup of joe, since one of the toxins in cellulite appears to be caffeine. Dehydration caused by too much caffeine can also make cellulite more noticeable.
  9. Take a bath and relax. Stress may also be a risk factor.
  10. Some studies show that applying retinol cream to the area helps diminish cellulite because it thickens skin, but other studies show no effect.
  11. Going for a run is more effective at getting rid of cellulite than rubbing on an anticellulite cream. That's because the best way to spot-reduce cellulite is to decrease your overall body fat.
  12. Yo-yo dieting can increase your risk of cellulite, so work hard to maintain a healthy weight.
  13. Although squats and lunges won't diminish cellulite, they will tone your butt and legs, revealing lean muscle once you reduce your body fat through cardio.
  14. Eat your veggies like your mom told you to, and you'll notice less dimpling. While they won't erase it, they will help you maintain a healthy weight, and the less fat on your body, the less cellulite appears.
  15. Keeping your reusable water bottle filled could also help. Staying hydrated improves the texture of your skin because it helps your body release the excess fluid it may be holding onto.
  16. If you're worried about the bumpy appearance of your skin, hit the hay a little earlier. Getting regular quality sleep also helps with cellulite.
  17. Put out that cigarette! Since smokers have large concentrations of cellulite, researchers believe there's a connection between the two.
  18. Although the body wraps at the spa that are designed to diminish cellulite may feel good, there's no scientific evidence that they work.
  19. A combination of laser, massage, radio frequency, and suction treatments may help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but these remedies are only temporary. You'll end up needing to fork over the moola for ongoing treatments in order to maintain your skin's new look.
  20. Many people turn to liposuction to reduce the fat in their bodies, but you're better off saving your dough. It can't get rid of that dimply skin entirely and may even make cellulite look worse.
  21. Don't drink coffee, but you can try a rub with it. One unproven home remedy for decreasing the appearance of cellulite is to rub coffee grounds on the area. Since caffeine increases circulation, it's believed that bringing new blood to the area will remove toxins and excess water from the area to decrease the dimpled look.
  22. It's a myth that tanning can hide cellulite. While tanned skin may make the texture of your skin look more even, when your golden hue fades, your cellulite might look even worse since UV rays damage the skin, making it thinner and less smooth. For this reason, wearing sunscreen can prevent cellulite from getting worse.
  23. Age is a factor too. The older you get, the more apparent cellulite will be, since your skin loses its elasticity as you age.
  24. And, like many things, genetics play a role in whether you'll have cellulite or not.
  25. Since there's no way to eliminate cellulite completely, the best way to handle that dimply skin is to embrace it!