Cellulite

Between 80 and 90 percent of women will develop cellulite after the age of 18. Few men will develop cellulite. Hardly fair, the causes of cellulite are thought to be due to a combination of factors including hormonal, aging, genetics and possibly a female difference in fat layer architecture. Cellulite may not be curable but you can improve unsightly puckering by understanding cellulite and how to take control.

What exactly is cellulite?

Cellulite is the unsightly dimpling and puckering of the skin most often involving the thighs and buttocks. While most women carry their weight gain in these areas, you don't have to be overweight to have cellulite. As we age, collagen and elastin bundles break down, weakening the dermis. We are all familiar with what the end result is upon our face... wrinkles. But on the legs and buttocks, in response to this loss of dermal elasticity, the fat can become displaced upwards into the lower dermis. Fibrous bands that are supposed to tether the skin down start to trap this displaced fat creating the lumpy, bumpy appearance of cellulite. Think of a quilted mattress (the fat) with the buttons as the tether points (the fibrous bands) and you quickly get the idea.

One of the reasons that so many of us are suddenly confronted by cellulite in our 40's is that as we age, the levels of enzymes we need to breakdown stored fat as well as prevent fat deposition go down. This is due to a change in estrogen levels which dictate how much fat the body stores or releases. Combined with a loss of dermal collagen, the appearance of cellulite is exacerbated.

If we could strengthen the dermis which thins with age and contributes to the formation of cellulite we could theoretically prevent or improve cellulite. Furthermore, if we could shrink the size of the ever expanding fat cells and reposition some of that misplaced fat, then dimpling could be more effectively smoothed away.

Curiously enough, lobsters have long held a secret to helping improve the appearance of cellulite. These crustaceans secrete a hormone which helps them shrink in size, allowing them to wiggle free of their shells. DERMAdoctor Shrinking Beauty contains exotic botanicals working together to simulate the effects of this lobster hormone to help shrink, tone, firm and smooth away the appearance of cellulite.

In some way it is comforting to know that almost all women get some degree of cellulite. It seems to be one of those sisterhood things. It is equally comforting to know that there are some steps we can take to help improve its appearance.

Audrey Kunin, M.D.