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What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a term used to describe an anatomic phenomenon that affects a large number of women over 40, it is however not a medical term. It is an alteration of the surface of the skin that occurs mainly in women on the pelvic region, lower limbs and abdomen. Cellulite is characterized by a padded or "orange peel" appearance. There are many medical terms used for cellulite including gynoid lipodystrophy, nodular liposclerosis, adiposis edematosa and others.
95% of women but very few men have cellulite. Even very obese men rarely have cellulite, but is often evident on slender women even those with great muscle tone and who exercise regularly. The cause of cellulite is complex and still being researched but recent studies have revealed more about this skin condition in women and what they believe to be its origin.
Cellulite and Skin Anatomy
Taking a look at the structure of skin and its layers can help us to better understand what most researchers agree causes cellulite. The skin has two defining tissue types, the epidermis and the dermis. The dermis has two layers, the reticular and papillary layer. The reticular layer of the dermis is thicker and deeply positioned. It consists of dense irregular connective tissue, which differs from the upper papillary layer which is thinner and made up of mainly loose connective tissue. The reticular layer of the dermis is important in giving the skin its overall strength and elasticity, as well as housing other important structures such as glands and hair follicles. The reticular dermis also contains numerous sensory structures that can detect pain, pressure and temperature change.
The dermis interfaces with the underlying hypodermis (fatty subcutaneous connective tissue) that attaches the skin to underlying tissues by way of vertical septae (collagenous fibres) and permits skin mobility over most parts of the body (when it's pinched up, etc.), it serves as an insulator along with other important functions. In addition to portions of sweat glands, the hypodermis contains lobules (chambers) of adipose tissue (fat), which are separated by strands of collagenous fibres (septae). When these septae become excessively filled with well nourished adipocytes (fat-storing cells found mostly in the abdominal cavity and subcutaneous tissue), the surface of the skin becomes dimpled and hence the appearance known as cellulite.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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