A curse to many women, cellulite is formed close to the skin surface, producing wrinkled fat cells intermixed with the connective tissue that gives that strange 'orange peel' effect witnessed by many; it is generally found in the lower half of the body. This is not a situation purely confined to those who carry excess weight; this condition even affects slim women who have fewer fat cells.

The fats just below the skin surface push against the tissue which results in the skin surface having that dimpled look common of cellulite. The real cause of is unknown so is the reasons why some women are more prone to suffering with it than others but scientists believe that it could be due to the way the cells are structured beneath the skin of each individual.

This problem usually comes naturally with aging and similar to wrinkles that form in the face, it is actually the result of lower levels of collagen and elastin in the skin. It is classified as a hormonal imbalance experienced by women and seldom appears on males as normally fat stored in the thighs and buttock is the same as fat stored all over the body so no difference is observed.

Often the cellulite goes unnoticed and it is only when a person's muscles are compressed or the skin is pinched that it can be seen and felt but women should not feel depressed about the problem as most suffer with it to a greater or lesser degree. Although it may not be known what causes, some factors seem to contribute to its build up including age, sex, extra fat carried and skin thickness all seem to aid the formation.

As medical science cannot prove conclusively what causes the problem, it makes it difficult creating a cure even though a number have been tried including special burning creams. Where cellulite removal massage is offered at a clinic, all that is done is deep tissue massage which just masks the affect so it cannot be seen as readily.

Another technique used to remove the fat cells, but not that successfully, is liposuction which is used to remove excess fat in the body but a method called mesotherapy which injects chemicals into the fat cells is still too expensive for most people who desire it. The problem with liposuction is not really the correct therapy for removing this type of fat but is for deeper fats, not those stuck in connective tissue, so it cannot claim to be a best treatment for cellulite.

A number of cosmetic manufacturers claim their creams are an effective method of removing the fat cells but it would seem these are just a method of masking the condition making it less visible and so far no definitive treatment exists. Although no treatment can really help, adjustments to lifestyle habits seem to be a better option which means adopting a healthy diet, with regular physical activity and an overall reduction in weight.

In addition, increasing the intake of water will help cleanse the system and flush out damaging toxins plus smokers should stop smoking or at least reduce it which will also be beneficial as smoking impacts negatively on the capillaries in the skin and reducing stress will help reduce the amount of cellulite.