Cellulite plagues women everywhere and at all ages.  Although it is more prevalent as we age, some people see it very early in life.  What is cellulite and what is the cause of cellulite?  Cellulite is a bumpy fat that is found mostly on women’s things, hips, and buttocks; although it can present in other areas, such as the arms and breasts.  Men can also experience this unpleasant skin problem.  Don’t panic: it is not a condition that is harmful to your health.   However, most people still want to get rid of it.  Now you may ask yourself in more detail, ‘What are the causes of cellulite?’

There are fibers connecting skin to muscle and when fat cells expand under the skin, they cause the bumpy appearance of the skin.  Many factors come to play in the severity of the condition.  Excess water and poor blood and lymphatic circulation can cause swelling that makes the area look even more irregular.  Excess fat will obviously apply more pressure on the connective tissue, resulting in more dimpling.  As skin elasticity declines, there is less support from the skin to smooth out the bumps.

The causes of cellulite are affected by genetic predisposition, but they can also be affected a great deal by lifestyle.  Lack of exercise, stress, and hormonal imbalances are some of the biggest culprits after genetics for the development of cellulite symptoms.  When looking at cellulite and what it is, you need to examine not only your genetic heritage, but also your daily habits that could have an effect.

One example of reviewing your own cellulite for cause and treatment is looking at your dietary habits honestly.  Cellulite and salt intake may be coupled since cellulite is more pronounced when there is excess fluid retention.  A diet high in salt may cause you to maintain more fluids that swell the area creating the cellulite.  By reducing your salt intake and increasing your water consumption, you may find a way to reduce cellulite.

For most people asking, ‘What is cellulite?’ the real question they are asking is ‘Can I get rid of cellulite?’  The good news is that there are ways to seek cellulite treatment, although your best bet is to do cellulite exercises and to reform your diet to remove excess fat and fluid retention.