Cellulite is one of the most hated and feared conditions by people, especially women. So much so that some have taken advantage of this fear to invent myths about cellulite and how to combat it. But how much truth is there in them?
To find out, we first need to know exactly what cellulite is and what causes it, and then delve into what the best methods are to combat cellulite naturally. Let's get to it.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a common and harmless skin condition, very frequent in women but affecting all types of people. It is not considered a disease as such, but rather an aesthetic alteration of the skin's surface.
Also known as “orange peel skin,” cellulite consists of irregular deposits of fat that accumulate under the skin, forming dimples and bumps on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs. It can make the skin look wrinkled and lumpy, which those who suffer from it do not like, although it can also cause the stagnation of microcirculation and fluids.
Why does cellulite occur?
It is not clear what the real origin of this type of harmless cellulite is. What is known is that it affects cord-like fibrous structures that attach the skin to the muscle and between which there is fat; as more fat accumulates, it pushes the skin up and the cords pull down, creating dimples that make the surface irregular.
Other factors such as lifestyle, genetics, age, or weight also play a role, although cellulite can also affect young and/or thin people. Likewise, it is more common in women due to hormonal factors, which play a relevant role in the appearance of cellulite. That is why pregnancy, the premenstrual period, menopause, or the use of oral contraceptives can also favor its development.
Why does cellulite bother us?
We live in a society obsessed with physical image. A society that constantly sends us messages about the beauty of the normative body, impossible bodies we see in ads and magazines where there is not a single body hair, not a single line of cellulite, not a single imperfection.
This mythologized image of the human body, and especially the woman's body, has created insecurities in many people who consider that they are not beautiful if they have cellulite on their body. For this reason, many are ashamed to wear shorts or skirts, as well as swimwear in summer, so that people do not see their cellulite.
The reality is that every body is a temple and they are all equally beautiful and unique in their own way. What really matters is health, and this can be had regardless of the type of body that houses it. However, if eliminating cellulite is going to help the person improve their mental health, these desires must be respected.
Myths about how to eliminate cellulite
Before talking about some useful methods to eliminate cellulite, it is worth reviewing some myths about how to eliminate cellulite:
- Cellulite and weight are very related: although it is a factor to consider in the appearance of cellulite, there are also thin people who suffer from it. The tendency to suffer from cellulite is more genetic, although a healthy diet helps to improve it.
- Cellulite is impossible to solve: although it is very difficult to eliminate it 100%, some methods are very effective for controlling cellulite.
- Cellulite is a woman thing: some men also suffer from cellulite, although it is true that they represent a minimum percentage. This is related to a hormonal difference.
- Cellulite disappears by drinking a lot of water: overindulging in water is harmful to combat cellulite, as it promotes swelling and saturates the lymphatic system, which cannot drain enough. The ideal is to drink between one and a half and two liters of water a day, as well as showering with cold water on the legs.
- Cellulite does not improve with physical activity: exercise has very good benefits in the treatment of cellulite, since it activates circulation and eliminates excess fluids. In addition, it also burns calories and maintaining a constant weight is essential because the rebound effect seriously harms the skin tissue and promotes flaccidity.