Cellulite is an unfortunate condition in which your skin develops some fat deposits underneath it, creating areas with a lumpy, dimpled appearance. You can easily see it on your buttocks and thighs and it usually hits you during puberty.

What are the grades of cellulite?

There are three grades of cellulite:

1. Grade 1 cellulite implies no clinical symptoms, a microscopic examination will detects some underlying anatomical changes.
2. Grade 2 cellulite implies a certain pastiness of the skin, be lower temperature, and have decreased elasticity, in addition to anatomical changes noted by microscopic examinations.
3. Grade 3 cellulite implies the grade 2 cellulite signs and has visible roughness of the skin (just like the well known orange peel)

Because of the types of fat and connective tissues specific to women, we are mostly affected by cellulite. A few men may experience cellulite too.

What are the causes of cellulite?

The exact causes of cellulite are still unknown but there are a few theories concerning why cellulite affects some women, as mentioned before, most women. Some potential causes of cellulite are:

• Genes – yes, just as everything else, genes may determine if you have cellulite or not. Genes may predispose you to some characteristics associated with cellulite, like metabolism, gender, race, fat distribution underneath the skin and blood circulation.

• Hormonal factors – of course hormones have to play a role in the appearance of cellulite, actually a pretty big role. It is thought that estrogen, insulin, noradrenalin, thyroid hormones in general and prolactin are all factors for the cottage cheese look of the skin.

• Diet – people who tend to eat a lot of salt and bad carbs, refined foods, junk food, too little fiber have a greater chance to develop cellulite.

• Lifestyle factors – as if smoking didn't cause enough damage, it also may cause cellulite. Also, people who don't do any type of exercise and who stand and sit in a certain position for a long time are prone to develop cellulite.

• Clothes – tight clothes, the ones that limit blood flow, may be one of the causes of the formation of cellulite.

Can cellulite be removed?

There are a lot of therapies which promise to remove cellulite but their results also vary due to some of our natural characteristics.

Therapies to reduce cellulite

Some of the methods that claim to reduce cellulite are:

• massage to stimulate blood flow

• endermologie

• ultrasound

• heat therapy

• magnetic therapy

• radial waves therapy

• electrical stimulation

Medication to reduce cellulite

Besides the therapy treatments of cellulite, there are also a few drugs that claim to act as cellulite busters, that act on fat tissue.

Drugs that claim to get rid of cellulite include:

• methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine)

• pentoxifylline

• beta-agonists and adrenaline

*alpha-antagonists

• amino acids

• ginkgo biloba

• rutin

• Indian chestnut

Along these treatments, eating a healthful, balanced diet and exercising may be the best way to reduce the fat content in cells and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Can you prevent cellulite?

Eating healthy meals such as fruits, vegetables, fiber, lean proteins and fats can help you to avoid cellulite. Eliminating all types of junk food from your diet is going to do wonders for your skin in general and especially for cellulite. Also, give up on drinking carbonated drinks and stick to water and plant teas. Regular exercise is going to help you reduce fat deposits and your levels of stress, two of the causes of cellulite.