Cellulite myths and truths: 1-3
You glance over your shoulder at the mirror and your brow furrows in disapproval. All that time you spent at the gym and even though your thighs may be smaller, the cellulite seems to be staying for good. You're not alone. According to SmartSkinCare.com, an independent skin-care information portal, 80 to 90 per cent of women live with the troubling, dimpled, "orange-peel" skin known as cellulite.
Cellulite is a nuisance for many women and you can find it on the thighs, buttocks and abdominal areas of postadolescent women. Despite the multitude of products and treatments that promise to get rid of this stubborn skin nuisance, it still exists and is not clearly understood. Here, three dermatologists debunk common myths with tried and tested truths on how to remedy your cellulite woes.
1. Fact or fiction: Tanning hides cellulite
Fact, but tanning also worsens cellulite. "Tanning will only conceal the appearance of cellulite in the short term," says Dr. Mariusz Sapijaszko, medical director of the Western Canada Dermatology Institute in Edmonton. "[Over the] long term, ultraviolet radiation will weaken and thin the skin, exacerbating the look of cellulite."
According to Dr. Lisa Kellett, dermatologist at DLK on Avenue in Toronto, there are benefits for some who choose to tan, and skin-saving alternatives for others. "For fair-skinned people, tanning can improve the appearance of cellulite," she says. "But self-tanner is highly recommended."
2. Fact or fiction: Loofahs reduce the appearance of cellulite
Fiction: Regular use of a loofah can increase circulation and exfoliate the superficial layer of skin; however, it has a limited effect in dealing with cellulite. Dr. Paul Cohen, dermatologist at the Rosedale Dermatology Centre in Toronto, explains that loofahs do not reach the deep tissue required to affect cellulite, but the exfoliation may help the exterior layer of the skin look smoother. "It is an inexpensive method that anyone can use to improve the surface layer of skin," says Dr. Kellett, "but it won't cure cellulite."
3. Fact or fiction: Exercise can help banish cellulite
Fiction: Since poor lymphatic drainage in fat cells underneath the skin contributes to the formation of cellulite, exercise and drinking lots of water would seem like a surefire solution. Despite this assumption, experts believe weight and cellulite are not directly related. "Exercise can help the physical appearance of cellulite in that it will decrease fat volume and prevent its further deposition," says Dr. Sapijaszko. "But it has a mild effect on the appearance of cellulite."
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