Beauty Myths No.12 - Cellulite Creams

Not one of these women look tortured by having cellulite.

Fact: Cellulite is not caused by trapped 'toxins'. Is anyone else sick of that word? If we were as 'toxic' as some parts of the industry would have us believe we'd all be dead. A long time ago. Fact: Cellulite is caused when your underlying fat cells start to push through connective tissue. Connective tissue is weakened by a mixture of things - including hormones, lack of exercise, poor muscle tone, excess fat, and poor circulation. Fact: 90% of women get cellulite compared to 10% of men. They have stronger connective tissue. They still have fat underneath it, it's just not as easy for it to escape. How rude. Fact: It gets worse for women as we age. Lack of oestrogen makes it worse. Fact: It's in your genes. Look at your Mum and Grandmother. If they have it.... Fact: Some fillers and injectables can help - albeit temporarily - and it only really works on very slim people who have the odd 'dent' rather than full blown cellulite legs. Think models before catwalk shows/big shoots. Fact: Lasers, massage (specific for this problem) and radio frequency treatments can help but again it will only be temporary. And it takes a ton of sessions. Personally, I think your time would be better spent at the gym/walking for an hour rather than lying flat out letting someone pound the area in vain... Fact: Liposuction does nothing. It's like removing a bit of stuffing from a pillow. Leaves an indentation, doesn't magically spread the fat around nice and neatly. Fact: Water helps. Eating veg that are water-heavy and drinking a lot of water throughout the day every day, helps. It doesn't fix it, it can help. Fact: Smoking makes it worse. It weakens connective tissue (collagen). See first point. Fact: There is not one cellulite cream on the market that gets rid of cellulite. Not one. Either by prescription or over the counter, it makes no difference. They may make your skin feel softer and smoother, but they aren't shifting the fat. Eat well, move around more, drink plenty of water, take care of your health in general. And even after you've done all that, your genes may well just insist that you keep your cellulite. Save your money.

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• Beauty Myths