Cellulite is located in the top layer of the skin, and consists of unattractive lumps of fat that often give a cottage cheese-like appearance to the skin. (Side Note: The top layer of skin is called the subcutaneous layer and is the top of three layers of skin.)



Cellulite is produced by connective cords that attach the skin to your muscles below. These fibrous cords connect your skin to deep tissue structures in your body and fat substances that are located between. When the fat cells grow in number, they begin to press against your skin. While this is occurring, the cords are in the process of pulling in a downward motion, and ultimately, results in dimpling of the skin.

Cellulite is caused by a variety of different circumstances including: a decrease in the venous flow, improper blood circulation, excess fluid retention, as well as problems with lymphatic drainage. These factors can cause the subcutaneous fat cells to turn into unwanted cellulite. The female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are also factors regarding the accumulation of cellulite. Estrogen has a role in determining the amount of fat cells as well as the location of the fat cells in a woman's body. Estrogen stimulates the body to create fat cells in the thighs, the breasts, as well as in the buttocks. Retention of excess fluid and weight gain in a woman's body can be caused by an increase of estrogen as well. Stretch marks that occur during pregnancy or puberty in the buttocks and the thighs might be signs of fat deposits, and for some women the stretch marks can become areas for cellulite.

It is very important that there is adequate blood flow in the areas where cellulite has appeared. This can be promoted by regular massaging of the area, and the application of high quality cellulite cream at least twice a day. (Side Note: The best time to massage these areas thoroughly is while taking a bath or shower.)

Hydration of the skin is another very critical aspect to help eliminate cellulite. Most of the anti-cellulite creams have extra hydration added to them; however, that is never enough. You need to drink a lot of water each and every day to ensure that your skin remains hydrated. So... you need to make it a point to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water per day.

If you want to be well on your way to limiting the development of cellulite in your body, you need to excercise on a regular basis, eliminate free radicals as much as possible from your body, eat high nutritious foods, take vitamins and mineral supplements, quit smoking, and limit your consumption of acoholic beverages.