The word cellulite originates from the French word for “cell” and the suffix “ite” meaning disease. Thin women, overweight women and normal weight women can develop cellulite. You most likely have heard the term “orange peel skin” used to describe how cellulite looks and feels.
Under our epidermis (the skin) there are three layers of fat. Cellulite forms in the first layer, called the sub- cutaneous fat layer (hypodermis). Connective tissue holds the fat chambers in this area. Cellulite is mostly fat, but simply losing weight will not always eliminate the appearance.
There are two forms of cellulite: hydric cellulite and lipidic cellulite. Hydric cellulite is usually spread out and consists mainly of water (with some fat), which penetrates the tissues and saturates them. Lipidic cellulite is more localized and consists mainly of excess fat (with some water) giving the skin the typical “orange-peel” appearance.
Cellulite develops in a series of steps caused by damage to the lymphatic drainage system due to poor diet and digestion, lack of sufficient protein in the diet, lack of exercise, accumulation of toxins, repeated weight loss/gain, hormone imbalance, aging and/or a toxic liver.
Free radicals, created by the stagnant flow of lymph, cause damage to surrounding capillaries, veins and connective tissue reducing the blood flow, oxygen and nutrition to cells in the surrounding area. Fat cells are then pulled in different directions and cluster together causing collagen and connective tissue to distort. Some individuals will have a far greater tendency to have cellulite issues. Healthy Diet, Elimination and Exercise can reduce the quantity and manage the appearance.