10 Biggest Myths About Cellulite

Cellulite clocks in at one of the most irritating, unflattering and downright frustrating skin [...]

Cellulite clocks in at one of the most irritating, unflattering and downright frustrating skin conditions, and despite the wide array of miracle treatments and cures popping up all over the internet, it still remains mysteriously prominent on our skin! Instead of investing time and money in products that are only going to leave you disappointed, take a look at the following myths about cellulite to learn exactly what it is and what you can do to reduce its appearance!

woman showing cellulite

Myth #1 — Cellulite is just extra fat: Contrary to popular belief, the appearance of cellulite has more to do with the structure of your skin than actual fat deposits. There is a protective layer of fat between your skin and your muscle, and under normal circumstances tissues keep that fat looking nice and smooth. However, when we experience stressors like weight change, age or anxiety, those connective tissues can weaken and voila! Those fat cells begin to bubble and pucker to create cellulite.

Myth #2 — Only overweight people get cellulite: Sorry to break it to you ladies, but you can be skinny, plump, pear-shaped, or an Olympic athlete, and you are still susceptible to "cottage-cheese thighs"! Weight plays a very small role in the presence of cellulite, as it is mostly impacted by fluctuations in weight, age and other factors like sun and skin damage.

Myth #3 — Weight loss is the ultimate cure: Remember how we said that cellulite isn't so much about fat content as it is about damaged connective tissue? Well, as much as we'd like to think that running a couple miles every day will keep our thighs and butts nice and smooth, the truth is that weight loss isn't going to keep the cellulite away. Instead, we recommend adding a little strength training to your routine. Building your muscle elasticity and firming up those glutes and thighs is a great way to reduce the appearance of cellulite and repair those weakened tissues.

massage flowers

Myth # — At-home remedies are ineffective: Okay, yes, most of them are, but some experts agree that there is one thing you can do to improve the appearance of cellulite. Drum roll please... massages! A 30- to 60-minute massage can actually help break up the damaged connective tissue and ultimately smooth out those nasty lumps! Now we're not promising a cure-all in one session — it could take a couple months of regular massaging for the best results (but we bet that won't be too much of a sacrifice!).

Myth #5 — There are products that will eliminate cellulite: Save your miracles for another day, because there is no evidence that all those pricey creams and topical ointments are going to do much in terms of fighting damage beneath the skin! Some of those products might help camouflage those bumps, but ultimately they aren't going to do anything to actually reduce the presence of cellulite.

>> Read more: Cellulite Creams: Do They Really Work?

Myth #6 — Genetics are the primary cause of cellulite: While genetics do play a small role in the development of cellulite, there are other contributors that can impact your skin just as much, if not more! For women in particular, these factors include hormones, stress, bad eating habits, inactivity, weight fluctuations and, well, bad luck!

liposuction
(Photo: Robelyn Labs)

Myth #7 — There's a 100 percent effective solution that lasts forever: Come on now, no miracles, remember? Even treatments like liposuction are considered a waste of time and money when it comes to reducing the appearance of cellulite. Liposuction actually makes fat distribution more uneven, and can accentuate your condition worse than before! Plus, even when effective, results tend to last for no longer than a year or two.

Myth #8 — Compression-style clothing can reduce your cellulite: Beware of marketing ploys like this, because wearing a lot of elastic or compression-style clothing can be very detrimental to your skin. The material may cut off circulation by limiting your blood flow, which will actually contribute to the appearance of cellulite and other skin issues like acne and rashes.

>> Read more: Waist Trainers: Are They Worth the Hype?

Myth #9 — Cellulite is caused by toxins in the body: Unfortunately, developing cellulite is a very natural process for most women, so those over-the-counter products that promise to flush out all the excess toxins and impurities for smoother, tighter skin aren't going to do much for you.

anti aging

Myth #10 — Only old people are affected by cellulite: Sorry to break it to you, but cellulite can appear at any age. However, it is probably more noticeable in women as they grow older, since your skin elasticity depletes over time. The best way to combat it? Maintain a healthy weight, diet and exercise routine. For more tips on how to take care of your skin, click here!

For more information, check out our sources here: Redbook Magazine, Health.com.

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