Cellulite is a disheartening skin condition that can occur in almost anyone. It tends to cause problems for women over men, but there are some men who have been plagued by the condition. In fact, over 80% of women who are past puberty are inundated by imperfect skin. The damage it causes can range from mild, with slight bumps grooved into the skin, to severe, with extremely noticeable lumps marring smooth skin.

The condition occurs when fat cells that reside deeply into the skin, in a layer known as the hypodermis, become over-inflated. Because there is not enough room, the cells push upwards instead of outwards, causing the dimpled appearance in the skin. Most often the stomach, thighs, buttocks, arms and calves have cellulite. So what can someone with cellulite do in order to make their skin smooth again? It turns out that there are a few options, with pros and cons to each.

Topical Ointments

There are a variety of different manufacturers that promise that their cream will reduce cellulite in the body. This cellulite treatment has received much criticism, as some people believe it is a farce, while others believe it works well. It is true that some people find themselves allergic to some of the ingredients used in the ointments, so it is vital that anyone trying the treatment test a small patch of skin first.

Body Wrapping

Spas offer a variety of services, from cucumber scrubs to rock massages. One of the services that people make use of is body wrapping. This cellulite treatment is most often done by putting on a rubber, or plastic garment where the cellulite resides. Some body wraps are meant to cover the entire body. People who try this are often promised that the felt will melt away, as will cellulite, because it is a watery, fatty tissue. In reality, body wrapping has not been proven to reduce weight or cellulite. It is, however, extremely relaxing, as is just about any service in a spa.

Electric Muscle Stimulation

Electric Muscle Stimulation, or EMS, is a way of stimulating the muscle and fatty tissue in the body using electricity. The theory is that when a specific part of the body is shocked with the machine, it sends a message to the brain that the muscle being shocked should be exercised. This then causes the brain to expand and contract that specific muscle, exercising it in order to make the muscle toned and sleek. There is also equipment that uses electricity to shock the fat muscles, which is supposed to get rid of cellulite. Shocking yourself with any sort of electronic device is always risky, which is one of the big problems with this method.

One-Two Punch

There are other companies, such as VelaShape, that have created uniquely designed machines that use a multitude of methods in order to reduce cellulite. VelaShape uses radio frequency, infrared light, pressurized rollers, and a vacuum to lessen cellulite. One of the good things about VelaShape is that the procedure has to be performed by a trained professional, which means that there's no danger of harming yourself.

There are many cellulite treatment options to choose from when it comes to reducing cellulite. Some are methods that work, while others are products from snake-oil salesmen. Truly, the best tool you have in the fight against cellulite is research!