Cellulite is essentially fat deposits that are visible because they are located right below the skin's surface.

The reason why cellulite has a dimply, rippled or "cottage-cheese"-like appearance is that these fat deposits are the result of collagen fibers that are stretched or are torn. These collagen fibers are those that connect the fat cells to the skin. Other theories on the formation and appearance of cellulite are vascular changes and inflammatory factors.Cellulite is often found on the thigh area, on the buttocks, and sometimes can be visible on the tummy and the upper arm areas.

Cellulite is a Common Condition

Studies have shown that cellulite affects eighty-five to ninety-eight percent of females who are past the age of puberty. Cellulite does not favor any particular race, as it affects all races.

And contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not found on overweight or fat people alone. Cellulite also appears on women who are thin as well. This is so because thin people also have fat layers below their skin surface.

Why Me?

You may be wondering why cellulite is more obvious on your skin as compared to that of other people who have a similar body profile or weight as you. Just like everything else, genetics plays a big role in how you look today. Therefore, if your mom and your grandmother have cellulite, chances are, you have cellulite as well.

The appearance of cellulite can be further aggravated by eating too much of the wrong kinds of food, especially fat-rich meals. Insufficient exercise, poor water intake, and hormonal changes also exacerbate cellulite conditions.

A Permanent Condition-For Now

To date, there are no known cures for cellulite. The expensive wraps, creams, and treatments that are being offered today only reduce the size of the fat cells, but they cannot be eliminated. Even liposuction, which involves the invasive suctioning of fat cells, cannot remove cellulite. There are even those who say liposuction just makes the appearance of cellulite look worse.