Cellulite is the condition where the skin appears to have that orange peel affect in certain areas; it is generally found in the lower half of the body. Most women carry excess fat in thighs and buttocks, but this problem is not confined just to the overweight; the cottage cheese appearance so familiar with this condition can affect slim women as well.

Cellulite forms just below the surface of the skin in the thighs and buttocks region, where areas of fat collect and force themselves against the tissue creating a puckered look to the surface of the skin. The real cause of is unknown so is the reasons why some women are more prone to suffering with it than others but scientists believe that it could be due to the way the cells are structured beneath the skin of each individual.

One thing is certain though and that is as a persons age increases, the amount of this fatty tissue increases in the same way that wrinkles also form which is probably due to the reduction of the two components that keep the skin looking young; collagen and elastin. It is classified as a hormonal imbalance experienced by women and seldom appears on males as normally fat stored in the thighs and buttock is the same as fat stored all over the body so no difference is observed.

Often the cellulite goes unnoticed and it is only when a person’s muscles are compressed or the skin is pinched that it can be seen and felt but women should not feel depressed about the problem as most suffer with it to a greater or lesser degree. There are several factors that contribute to the build-up; genetics probably, gender, the amount of excess fats in your body, age is a major factor and the thickness of the skin are all instrumental to its presence and just how visible it is, even at a distance.

As medical science cannot prove conclusively what causes the problem, it makes it difficult creating a cure even though a number have been tried including special burning creams. Massage has been found to help hide the indications of cellulite even though it cannot remove it; but is does reduce it’s visibility for a temporary period and is available from some beauty clinics.

Liposuction has now started to be used to try and remove the fat cells and even by injecting drugs directly into the affected sacks directly. Only temporary relief can be gained from both these procedures and liposuction despite its success at removing deep fat from large areas of the body, is not designed for the fats close to the surface as in the case of cellulite.

A number of cosmetic manufacturers claim their creams are an effective method of removing the fat cells but it would seem these are just a method of masking the condition making it less visible and so far no definitive treatment exists. Although no treatment can really help, adjustments to lifestyle habits seem to be a better option which means adopting a healthy diet, with regular physical activity and an overall reduction in weight.

In addition, increasing the intake of water will help cleanse the system and flush out damaging toxins plus smokers should stop smoking or at least reduce it which will also be beneficial as smoking impacts negatively on the capillaries in the skin and reducing stress will help reduce cellulite.