Did you know most women have cellulite, stretch marks and excess fat!? Read further for interesting facts about pesky problems we all deal with, as well as how to combat them.
- Sick of cellulite? You’re not alone: This cosmetic condition affects nearly 90 of women at some point during their lives, even women who are slender and fit.
- Cellulite is not caused by toxins. Rather, cellulite occurs when underlying fat deposits begin to push through layers of collagen fibers, or connective tissue, under the skin (often in the buttocks and thigh areas, but also on arms, stomachs, and other common trouble spots, as well). Connective tissue can be weakened by hormones, lack of exercise and muscle tone, excess fat, and poor circulation, says New York City-based dermatologist Cheryl Karcher, MD – not necessarily toxins.
- It’s in your jeans and your genes, and it gets worse with age. It’s true that cellulite runs in families; if your mother and grandmother had cellulite, you have a better chance of developing it. Hormones also seem to play a role in the appearance of cellulite: as women age, their bodies produce less estrogen. Less estrogen can mean poorer circulation, which can also mean a decrease in new collagen production and the breakdown of older connective tissue.
- Cellulite and stretch marks may be more noticeable in the overweight population. No matter how thin a person is, they can still develop stretch marks. Plus, being overweight could make the appearance of cellulite more noticeable. The more fat you have underneath your skin, the more it’s likely to put stress on your connective tissue and bulge out of its weak spots. Both stretch marks and cellulite can happen to men and women of all shapes and sizes. “I even treat Victoria’s Secret models,” says Shira Ein-Dor, owner of American Cellulite Reduction Center in New York City. “They’re very lean, they work out and eat well, they do everything right but they still have cellulite.”
- Non-invasive procedures for cellulite, stretch marks and fat reduction work. Laser, radio-frequency, and massage techniques have been used for several years to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks—and while their results are not permanent, they are effective in the short-term, says Dr. Karcher. “These are going to work better than some drug-store cream, and they can be worth it if you have the time and the money to spend on them.” Some (like VelaShape and medical-grade body wraps) require 5 to 7 sessions to significantly improve appearance, and require maintenance appointments.
- Certain foods can help fight these issues. Your diet alone can’t determine whether you will or will not get cellulite and stretch marks, but it will determine excess fat. Eating a well-balanced, plant-heavy diet can reduce inflammation throughout your body and help you maintain a healthy weight, says Dr. McDaniel. Staying hydrated—both by drinking water and by eating plenty of foods with high water content—will also keep your connective tissue strong and supple, and may even help you slim down. Aim to eat more cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, and bell peppers, which (along with many other fruits and veggies) are all more than 90 water.
- Smoking can affect the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. Cigarette smoke has been shown to reduce blood vessel flow and to weaken and disrupt the formation of collagen, allowing for the connective tissue to become stretched and damaged more easily and for underlying fat to show through. Plus, smoking can make you look bad (literally) in lots of other ways, as well: It causes premature wrinkles and aging, leave skin dry and discolored and can contribute to stretch marks, to name a few.
- Fans of CoolSculpting are repeat customers. CoolSculpting is currently one of the most popular fat reduction treatments. The results speak for themselves, most people who have undergone this treatment will do it again. In fact, worldwide patient reviews say that 7 in 10 people book their next treatment soon after the first.
- I can quit eating healthy and exercising if I use CoolScuplting and VelaShape. CoolSculpting is not a substitute for diet and exercise. While results are permanent and highly visible, you still have to watch your weight. If you gain more, then remaining fat cells will enlarge and hide the results of previous procedures. Lasting results require a healthy exercise and diet routine.
- Drinking water can help. Drinking a lot of water and eating well can help prevent stretch marks, cellulite and excess fat. Since hydration is so important in maintaining a healthy metabolism and skin elasticity, drinking a healthy amount of water may help prevent the formation of stretch marks, cellulite and excess fat.
So… Which would you prefer?
For more information on how to manage excess fat, stretch marks, cellulite and other vexatious issues please contact our office at