Cellulite is something that afflicts a huge portion of the population. It’s unlikely to cause any physical harm, but it can definitely stop you from showing skin and damage your confidence where your body image is concerned.
Unfortunately, there are also prevalent myths that stop people from seeking treatment options that could reduce the signs of cellulite, or cause them to buy into hype and waste time and money on treatments that won’t work. Here are a few common myths about cellulite debunked.
1. Only Women Get Cellulite
In all honesty, far more women than men get cellulite, but the condition is not exclusive to females. It is estimated that about 90% of women will develop cellulite, while only about 10% of the male population will find themselves in the same boat. This imbalance is probably due to both genetics and the strong link between estrogen (and other hormones) and the formation of cellulite.
2. Only Overweight People have Cellulite
Wrong again. The appearance of cellulite can certainly be exacerbated by excess weight and in some cases it can be reduced through weight management. However, there is no “skinny exemption” for cellulite. It is equally likely to affect people who are thin or who carry extra weight. It has more to do with the fat content in the body than the size of one’s waistline.
3. All You Need is Cardio
If you want to know how to lose belly fat and reduce weight, cardio can definitely be a contributing factor. If you want it to help eliminate cellulite, then you need to pair it with other types of exercise (including weight training), as well as proper diet.
4. Miracle Creams Help
Unless you meet an actual saint, there are no miracles in life. Don’t expect OTC creams that claim to eradicate cellulite to do the trick. They will never penetrate deep enough to make a lasting difference.
The most you can expect to gain from these lotions and potions is a temporary tightening of the skin, which may or may not reduce the appearance of cellulite for a short time.
5. There is No Cure for Cellulite
This is sort of true. Once you have cellulite you can’t definitively get rid of it. This is because the fibrous connective tissues in your body lose elasticity, which causes fatty tissue to strain against them, resulting in lumps, bumps, and ripples that are part and parcel of cellulite.
Cellulite removal is more about reducing fatty tissue in order to minimize the appearance of cellulite, and this can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Topical creams aren’t likely to have a marked impact, but body contouring procedures like liposuction and laser treatments may prove effective, especially when paired with proper diet and exercise.