Beating cellulite and looking after your skin

So what is cellulite?

Fatty deposits laid down during puberty are not as flexible in women as those of a man and as the woman ages and/or puts on weight these fatty cells expand and as they tend to be just underneath the skin they give the orange peel effect called cellulite.  Men don't suffer like women because they lay down fat cells differently to women and generally have thicker skin with less fatty deposits below.

The causes of cellulite in most women (up to 90% of women will suffer with it - leaving a very lucky 10%!) but not in others and the age with which you start noticing it are not really known.  People will say 'All you can do is lead a healthy lifestyle and eat non-fatty foods, cut down on salt, increase fibre and reduce stress' and whilst this is sound advice it's not 100% accurate.  There is something you can do.  For some people, no amount of dieting and exercise will cure cellulite; it is after all a natural part of being a woman.  But there are products available that can help tone and smooth your cellulite that will make it less visible and give you more confidence on the beaches.
Cellulite is formed when there is too much fat under the skin and this causes the orange-peel effect that you see on your legs and bum.  Cellulite is graded into four different classifications from 1 to 4.

Cellulite Class 1

Symptoms not present, but microscopic examination of the tissue detects slight changes in subcutaneous cell organization.

Cellulite Class 2

When the skin is compressed by either touch or muscular contraction, it becomes pale and feels cold, seeming to have slightly less elasticity. Additional changes are visible at the microscopic level, however there is no visible "orange peel" effect as of yet.

Cellulite Class 3

The skin has attained the "orange peel" effect. When someone is diagnosed as having cellulite, this is usually the class that is implied. Includes all class 2 symptoms.

Cellulite Class 4

The symptoms from classes 2-3 are present, however the skin has a noticeably dimpled, wavy appearance. Sometimes painful lumps are present.

So what can you do?

Firstly drinking plenty of water is very good.  Try and drink at least 2 litres (or 3 pints) of water per day to flush out any excess sodium that causes fluid retention.  Herbal teas or fruit juices are also ok (as long as they have no sugar) if water gets a bit bland.

Exercise and weight gain can make cellulite appear worse. If you combine a cardiovascular exercise programme (jogging, aerobics or swimming) with some resistance training (light weights, even those that you stick onto your wrists and legs as you carry on your normal day) should reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Try and cut out as much stress in your day-to-day life as possible.  As stress causes hormonal changes that can affect the skin.  Try yoga, cycling or walking, and aim to get eight hours sleep per night.  Smoking can worsen cellulite as it has a negative effect on the elasticity of your skin, thereby worsening cellulite.  It can also age you faster than you want to age.  Massage has a host of benefits. It can help reduce stress, increase circulation and lymphatic drainage which will enable your break down the fatty deposits easier.