Cellulite is a common skin condition in which your skin looks uneven, bumpy, or dimpled. This condition generally affects your hips, thighs, abdomen, or buttocks. This skin concern happens when connective tissue bands pull the skin downward in some areas of fat storage. Although not harmful, cellulite can interfere with otherwise smooth and flattering skin. Although cellulite can happen to anyone, women experience it more often.
Although there needs to be more scientific research on cellulite, understanding how certain factors can impact your overall health and your skin is beneficial. This can help you know what to discuss with your doctor during yearly physicals or look into simple habits to implement to improve your well-being.
Poor Eating Habits
Avoiding processed foods and focusing on whole ones instead supports your health and can minimize inflammation, which in turn can limit how much cellulite forms on your skin. Focusing on nutrient-dense foods supports your health no matter what your age is. Limiting your consumption of alcohol and drinking enough water are also important for both your body in general and for your skin in particular as it helps reduce the risk of premature aging and other conditions.
Inflammation due to poor nutrition and/or food intolerance can have negative consequences for your body, including your skin. If you are unsure of how to address any dietary restriction you have or are looking for personalized tips like how to implement meal planning, you can consult a professional.
If you want to lose weight, working with a professional can help you shed the excess pounds safely and keep them off in the long term. Avoiding yo-yo dieting is important for your organs and your skin, as your skin may lose its elasticity prematurely if you do this type of dieting too many times.
A Sedentary Lifestyle
Lack of regular physical activity, including spending hours at a desk to study or work, can have a negative impact on your health. While developing cellulite is a minor side effect compared to cardiovascular risks and other potentially harmful consequences of not moving your body enough, you may still want to minimize it for aesthetic reasons. Staying in static positions can interfere with your blood circulation which supports all your organs, including your skin. Moving often throughout the day can make a positive difference.
Even small changes can easily add more physical activity to life, whether you walk while taking phone calls, increase your ergonomics, or take regular short breaks to stretch your legs. If you are looking to build more muscles, you can talk with your medical provider for suggestions based on your current health and goals, or you can check classes at your local gym or even hire a personal trainer.
Genes and Hormones
Although more medical research needs to occur, previous studies are pointing towards a probable relation between genes and cellulite. People who have a family history of cellulite may be more prone to developing it too.
Hormonal changes may also affect the apparition and spreading of cellulite. If you are pregnant, increased cellulite may occur. And as your body produces less estrogen with age, your older connective tissue may change and increase your risk of getting more cellulite.
Age
Although not a direct factor in an increase in cellulite, age can have this type of effect. It happens because as you get older, you produce less collagen. This can result in weakened and thinner connective tissue where your fat cells become more prominent against the skin as cellulite develops.
Tobacco Use
Avoiding smoking or any other tobacco product is a common health recommendation no matter your age, gender, or general well-being. When it comes to your skin, it can result in premature aging and a decrease in your body’s natural production of collagen. In turn, this can impact your connective tissues and lead to more cellulite.
If you need professional recommendations for healthy eating and living, call Soza Weight Loss today at (504) 475-9817 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation in Metairie, Covington, or Harvey!