Separating scientific fact from fiction

Cellulite is a buzzword in the skincare industry and often the source of many misconceptions. To effectively attack these daunting dimples, it’s essential to understand the real reasons cellulite appears in the first place.

The science behind cellulite can get pretty complicated, but here’s a simple explanation, according to Mayo Clinic: Cellulite occurs when fat cells accumulate among the webs of fibrous, connective bands that attach your skin to deeper layers of muscle. The dimply, puckered appearance is created when the excess fat puts pressure on these bands while pressing up against the skin.

What stimulates cellulite

So why do some individuals develop these dimples while others are spared? Several factors influence the occurrence and visibility of cellulite:

• Genes. If you suffer from cellulite, thank your parents. Like most things in the body, genes influence the formation of cellulite, and family history is the biggest indicator of whether or not a person will develop cellulite.

• Gender. Some men do develop cellulite; however, women are far more likely to face this frustrating problem. In fact, eight out of 10 women have cellulite. Why? Here are three explanations:

• Hormones. On The Early Show, beauty and wellness contributor Dayle Haddon explains that estrogen contributes to cellulite because it causes cohesion among fat cells, creating a dimpled appearance. Also, CNN reports that estrogen can cause the connective tissue to weaken, allowing “fat to bulge up under the skin,” enhancing dimpling.

• Location of fat. Unlike men, women typically store fat in the thighs, hips and buttocks — locations where cellulite is most likely to occur.

• Skin thickness. Women also tend to have thinner skin, which makes cellulite more visible.

• Fat. While the leanest lady and the most muscular man can suffer from cellulite, Mayo Clinic explains that extra weight makes it more noticeable. And a crash diet — which is dangerous anyway — actually exacerbates the problem by shrinking skin’s elasticity, according to Prevention. WebMD medical writer Colette Bouchez points out, “the fat that causes cellulite is not the same as the fat that takes us from a size 10 to a 14, experts say. That fat lies far below the skin, closer to our bones, and it is what the body burns as fuel for energy.”

• Age. Cellulite most often affects women over the age of 35 (though teens can have it, too). Bouchez explains that as women age, the once flexible fibrous bands stiffen. As they harden, they press down on the fat cells, which then fill in the gaps of the fibrous tissues, creating the appearance of cellulite.

• Sluggish circulation. In Beauty Therapy Fact File, Susan Cressy explains that poor circulation can contribute to the build-up of fluid within fat cells, adding to the appearance of dimpled skin.

• Diet and lack of exercise. Cressy also points out that eating processed foods and high-sodium fare, along with little exercise, may contribute to cellulite by promoting water retention.

Cellulite solutions

When it comes to combating cellulite, there are no magical remedies. But luckily, you can deter dimpling with these strategies:

• Weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight. Mayo Clinic advises that decreasing body fat and strengthening muscles via healthy eating, daily exercise and strength training is the smartest step in improving the appearance of cellulite. In a study reported by Glamour, 75 percent of women who combined 20 minutes of cardio with 20 minutes of strength training three times per week observed a noticeable reduction in cellulite after only two months.

How it works: While weight loss alone won’t eradicate cellulite, it can improve the appearance of dimpling. In Life Extension, Laura Barclay explains that physical activity can stimulate the hormones and enzymes necessary to break down fat and prevent the body from storing it.

Price tag: There are many ways to eat healthy and add exercise to your day without frittering away your funds. Here are some tips to get you started: Search the ads for on-sale produce; take lunch to work; plan meals for the week; revamp leftovers; buy generic, frozen produce and in bulk; and replace pricey proteins like fish and red meat with eggs, beans and tofu. For on-the-cheap workouts, try running, walking or cycling or invest in discounted DVDs. Before you begin, don’t forget to discuss your plan with your doctor.

• Caffeine creams. A study in the journal Dermatologic Surgery found that creams containing methylxanthines (including caffeine) reduced fat cells in skin, with visible results in about eight weeks.

How it works: Dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., tells CBS News that caffeine “can enhance fat metabolism and also reduce some of the edema, or swelling that we get around the fat, so the skin appears smooth.”

Price tag: Prices vary, but you can purchase an effective caffeine cream for well below $100. Try NUXE Tonific Minceur Anti-Cellulite Duo, a moisturizing cream-gel that helps treat cellulite and sagging skin.

• Diet. Some experts advocate a diet overhaul for reducing the appearance of cellulite.

How it works: Dermatologist Howard Murad, M.D., author of The Cellulite Solution, explains that nutrient-rich foods that are packed with lecithin, fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants can decrease cellular inflammation while promoting circulation and fluid loss within cells.

Price tag: Swapping out processed, sugary foods for those that are steeped with skin-healthy ingredients doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. Page through The Cellulite Solution: A Doctor’s Program for Losing Lumps, Bumps, Dimples and Stretch Marks for more advice on how to create a diet that supports healthy, dimple-free skin.

• Massage. Stimulate cellulite reduction with a deep tissue massage, also known as endermologie. According to experts, endermologie visibly improves cellulite but it’s a temporary fix.

How it works: Endermologie simultaneously employs rollers to massage tissues and suction to redistribute skin over problem areas. This process stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Price tag: According to WebMD, a full endermologie treatment includes at least 14 sessions at $150 to $300 each, in addition to twice-monthly maintenance appointments. Results last only a few days, making it a pricey way to prep for an engagement.

• Light systems. Recent research published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology reports that new, high-tech systems that incorporate radiofrequencies and lasers may help in reducing cellulite in the abdomen and thighs.

How it works: This system works by selectively heating the cellulite-causing fat cells beneath the skin, which increases blood circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system to drain fatty deposits. Fat cells shrink, reducing the appearance of puckering.

Price tag: Depending on the system, several weekly sessions are needed, and results last for about six months. A complete treatment can easily cost several thousand dollars.

Cellulite solutions to stay away from

While some cellulite treatments are effective, others take advantage of anyone who’s desperate to reduce dimpling. Avoid any product or treatment that claims to eliminate cellulite or offers too-good-to-be-true results. Also, be on the lookout for these:

• Mesotherapy. This non-surgical cosmetic treatment injects a medicinal concoction of drugs, plant extracts, vitamins and other ingredients into the skin, targeting and killing cellulite-causing fat cells. Recently, the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety warned consumers against this treatment, citing a lack of research surrounding its safety and efficacy.

• Liposuction. Mayo Clinic identifies liposuction — the surgical removal of fat cells using suction — as a waste of money when it comes to treating cellulite. While it may be effective in reshaping certain parts of the body, liposuction doesn’t reduce the appearance of dimpling.

Bottom line

When you have cellulite, it’s easy to feel frustrated and alone. But don’t forget — most women share this skincare challenge. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, try this: Combine a few affordable treatments with a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and physical activity. Before you know it, you’ll feel better about your body (and your health!) — even if some cellulite sticks around.

Learn everything you need to know about anti-aging skincare in our Anti-Aging Handbook.