The appearance of cellulite is called orange peel or cottage cheese because of the dimpled effect it has on the skin. But what is it exactly? Cellulite refers to fibrous tissue and subcutaneous fat that causes these dimples in the skin. Toxins and fats that build up in the body compose a huge part of cellulite in the body.

Cellulite creams and gels are often the most accepted way to reduce cellulite appearance. Gels and creams are often utilized as part of a body wrap treatment. Xanthines, retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids are the three most powerful ingredients in gels and creams. Xanthines are thought to penetrate and encourage fat metabolism. Retinoids improve skin surface circulation while alpha hydroxy assists the sloughing off of dead skin. These three ingredients help reduce cellulite appearance.

Cellulite is predominate in women over 35. Although, I've seen cellulite in girls as young as teens and twenties. I have to admit it does help me feel better about having it myself. When Tyra Banks admitting to having cellulite I almost leapt for joy. Yes! Supermodels are not cellulite free! Yet men seem to be less disposed to this trait. How unfair! Us women get stretch marks from childbirth, saggy boobs, cellulite and men get a beer gut that they seem to pat with pride.

Diet always plays important role in any of the health ailments including cellulite. Cellulite, present anywhere in the body, cans effectively being reduced by strict diet. Stop eating high fat and high carbohydrate diet. Foods that are oily, junk, canned/packed etc are rich source of empty calories i.e. they just provide calories but no nutrition. They give raise to cellulite. Sugary food and refined flour food is also to be avoided in order to reduce cellulite. Instead, go for fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also be on juice-fasting that help reducing overall cellulite from the body.

More Drastic, and not Necessarily Better, Methods

If you are really bothered by your cellulite and want to reduce the appearance of cellulite temporarily, liposuction will do that. Be warned, though, that it is medically risky, very expensive, and only works on a temporary level.

Deep-tissue massages and some skin plumping lotions and gels will also serve to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. The lotions and gels that you use should not be the expensive specialty lotions that claim to remove cellulite. Any regular skin-softening lotion will have the same effect, and you'll get the added bonus of saving a load of money.

Exercise & Cellulite

One of the most over looked therapies for cellulite is good, old-fashioned exercise. Exercise is a great way to reduce the appearance of cellulite. In fact, it also helps your body is so many other ways, you should be doing it regularly anyhow. It seems that walking and bicycling are two of the most beneficial exercises when it comes to cellulite. Both target areas that cellulite is most common to, such as legs and buttocks. So, if you can work a walk or a biking trek into your schedule at least once a day, you will likely notice a change in your cellulite as well.