Cellulite Treatment & Reduction Techniques

Cellulite Causes - Part Two

Cellulite Causes

As mentioned in part one of Cellulite Treatment and Reduction, the causes for cellulite are vaguely understood. Many many alterations in physiology / metabolism may contribute to cellulite formation, including water imbalance, genetics, hormones, lifestyle and diet.

Genetics and Cellulite

Gender, race, subcutaneous fat allocation, and susceptibility to circulatory problems have been implicated in cellulite formation. Not much you can do about this one.

Hormones and Cellulite

Estrogen, that most wonderful of female hormones, also has a dark-side, at least when it comes to cellulite formation, in which estrogen seems to play a big part. Other hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, prolactin and insulin have been shown to contribute as well.

Lifestyle

Tight clothes, high-heels (wow! all those things we do to look good can actually make us look bad in the end.. *sigh*), sitting/standing in the same position for long long periods of time have all been linked to cellulite formation. That in addition to smoking and absence of exercise. Well, and then of course there is the link between living a high stress lifestyle and cellulite. Bad bad bad.

Diet and Cellulite

Eating too many carbs, too much fat, excessive salt, drinking lots of alcohol, or having a diet too deficient in fiber can all contribute to cellulite problems. Moderation is the key in all things. See our Cellulite Diet Guide.

Cellulite Classification

Yes, cellulite does indeed have a classification system. There are four classes of cellulite that can be diagnosed:

Cellulite Class 1

Symptoms not present, but microscopic examination of the tissue detects slight changes in subcutaneous cell organization.

Cellulite Class 2

When the skin is compressed by either touch or muscular contraction, it becomes pale and feels cold, seeming to have slightly less elasticity. Additional changes are visible at the microscopic level, however there is no visible "orange peel" effect as of yet.

Cellulite Class 3

The skin has attained the "orange peel" effect. When someone is diagnosed as having cellulite, this is usually the class that is implied. Includes all class 2 symptoms.

Cellulite Class 4

The symptoms from classes 2-3 are present, however the skin has a noticeably dimpled, wavy appearance. Sometimes painful lumps are present.