A majority of women have cellulite.

So you’re not alone if you do.

But there is a lot of FALSE information out there. Like other skin conditions, including fine lines and stretch marks, cellulite is normal.

Interesting fact, in the 17th century cellulite was celebrated as part of the female form and depicted in famous paintings, like Rubens’ The Three Graces. The condition got a name in the late 1800s and became something to “get rid of” in the 1900s.

Cellulite is common and not harmful to your health. Read on as we enlighten and debunk some common myths. We’ll also share self-care options to minimize the appearance of cellulite and the newest treatment designed to reduce and remove those dimples we all love to hate!

Myth: Cellulite is just excess fat
Cellulite involves fat, but there’s more to it than that. Your body has connective fibers that attach your skin to muscle. When fat accumulates between these layers, it pushes the skin up, while those connective fibers pull the skin down. These pockets of fat can make the skin look dimpled, which causes cellulite. People of all shapes, sizes and colors, and even people who are thin, can get cellulite.

Myth: Only overweight people get cellulite
Several factors can cause cellulite, but body mass index (BMI) alone isn’t one of them. Hormones, genetics, skin structure and texture, gender and lifestyle can all play a part in how cellulite pops up on your body. Even pro athletes have it!  As do about 80-90% of women. Some men as well but not many. Because they often have thicker skin, and their collagen bands are oriented in a crisscross fashion, this essentially eliminates fat cells from bulging to the surface of the skin. This myth may have surfaced because a person’s fat layer can increase with weight gain and put more pressure on connective fibers and possibly make cellulite more noticeable.

Myth: Cardiovascular exercise cures cellulite
No, that’s not how it works where cellulite is concerned. Cardio workouts, like running and jump roping, can help keep fat cells at bay, which in turn may reduce the appearance of dimply skin. But it will not reverse the condition. What may help smooth out skin is to pair aerobic activity with strength training to firm and tone your muscles for a tighter, taut look.

Myth: Losing weight will make cellulite go away
Because fat cells bulging under the skin between the fibrous bands contribute to the appearance of bumpy skin, in theory, fewer fat cells should mean less cellulite. But that’s not proven to work. In fact, sometimes the loosening of skin that happens with weight loss can actually worsen skin’s appearance, if there is a great amount of laxity. Some form of strength training is always a good idea for many reasons, and it might reduce the appearance of cellulite because it helps your skin regain elasticity. But it won’t reverse condition.

Myth: Drinking more water can help get rid of cellulite
Water consumption can only affect skin problems if you are severely dehydrated. Over-consumption of water may actually make cellulite more apparent. Drinking plenty of water is important for overall good health. As is eating a diet of fruits, veggies and lean proteins since it may support collagen formation. That’s good because collagen, which is found in the skin’s connective tissues, is what helps keep your skin taut and springy so it can bounce back more easily.

Myth: Firming creams can reduce cellulite
Unfortunately, there’s no magic potion on the market to make cellulite disappear, despite what any label may say. Although, while there isn’t an over-the-counter topical treatment that can permanently get rid of cellulite, clinical trials have shown that products containing prescription-strength retinol may improve the appearance of skin. That’s because it thickens the skin, which may help decrease the look of dimply skin over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, any effects from retinol won’t be noticeable for six months or longer.

Myth: Liposuction is the answer
On the contrary. This fat-sucking procedure may actually worsen the appearance of cellulite because it can make a body’s fat distribution more uneven, resulting in more drips and ripples.

Myth: There’s nothing you can do about cellulite
Not true. There are home care options that might make cellulite less noticeable. And if not, the first 4 will certainly make you feel better!

1. Lose weight if you need to slowly, no yo-yo dieting
2. Strength train to tone your muscles
3. Eat a produce-rich and high-fiber diet
4. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
5. Try a sunless tanner, it may make the appearance of cellulite look more subtle

Are there any effective treatments for cellulite?
Even if you fully accept your body just as it is, you still might want to iron out some of those lumps and bumps. In order to treat cellulite and get the most bang for your buck, you need to target the fibrous bands beneath the skin to experience the most effective results. That’s why it’s important to consult an experienced dermatologist who also specializes in aesthetic and anti-aging, like Dr. Brazil and Olympic Dermatology, about your best options. Learn more by scheduling a free cosmetic consultation (360-459-1700 or online) with one of our expert providers. You’ll become knowledgeable about expected results, side effects, recovery time, how many treatments are needed and cost.