Causes of Cellulite Formation

Cellulite basically consists of unattractive lumps of fat that often give a cottage cheese appearance to your skin. Cellulite is very common with women however a noticeable cellulite condition in men is somewhat rare. Cellulite typically increases in women as they get older. There are several causes of cellulite formation in the body.

Three layers of fat reside underneath your skin. Cellulite is located in the top layer known as the subcutaneous layer. With overweight women the two lower layers of fat sometimes push up against the top layer and cause the cellulite to be more obvious. The subcutaneous layer of fat contains connective tissues known as septae which create compartments for storing fat.

Cottage Cheese Appearance

The connective tissues also play a role in keeping the fat deposits somewhat tight as well as giving structural support to the skin. In the case of cellulite, the subcutaneous fat cells have been pressed upwards and the septae material is being pushed in a downward direction. This process compresses the fat cells which causes them to bulge which gives the skin the cottage cheese appearance.

Men and Women

The structure of the septae in men is significantly different when compared to women and this is one of the significant reasons why men do not produce cellulite. Furthermore, researchers claim one of the reasons cellulite can be obvious in women is due to the smaller amount of collagen in their skin when compared to men. Women typically have a higher percentage of body fat when compared to men, particularly in the hips and thighs and this one of the causes of cellulite formation in the body of a woman. Women can get involved in strength training in order to reduce their cellulite.

The causes of cellulite include 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. Genetics is also one of the causes of cellulite being produced. Also an unhealthy diet, not being involved in an exercise program as well as smoking are also causes of cellulite production.

Estrogen and progesterone which are female hormones are also factors regarding 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 also stimulates the body to create fat cells in the thighs, the breasts as well as in the buttocks. The retention of excess fluid and weight gain in a woman's body can be caused by progesterone. 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. Living a sedentary lifestyle is also one of the causes of cellulite production.