Cellulite
What is it?
Cellulite is the term used to describe skin that has a dimpled or orange-peel effect. It forms as the result of both fat storage in the adipocytes (fat cells) and water retention in the body. As the body ages, it produces less elastin and collagen – leading to less firm, less elastic skin and more visible cellulite.
The connective tissue (septa) becomes stiffer and the growing adipocytes push beyond the skin’s surface, thus creating the dimpled effect. At the same time, the circulation is impeded and toxins accumulate, exacerbating the problem.
Most women develop cellulite as they age (even the most active and athletic). The adipocytes and septa in women form in a vertical pattern, which contributes to the greater likelihood for women to develop cellulite (when compared to men, whose tissue form in a criss-cross pattern).