What Causes Cellulite in the Legs?

Cellulite is a condition involving fat deposits within the connective tissue underneath your skin. It stems from an imbalance between the skin, connective tissue, and fat cells. Often, you may find cellulite in the legs, butt, stomach, breasts, or upper arms. This cosmetic condition produces tiny bumps that make the skin dimpled, puckered, or lumpy. It occurs more commonly among women than men.

Cellulite is harmless and does not signify a health concern. Yet, it is still an undesirable condition that spoils the appearance of your smooth and shiny legs. Fortunately, Beauty Med offers leg cellulite treatments that can minimize the symptoms. Similarly, creams, massages, exercises, and weight loss are also possible solutions to cellulite.

Let's learn about the seven different causes of cellulite in the legs:

Cellulite Cause #1: Age

As years proceed, the skin becomes less elastic, thinner, and more likely to sag. Growing old also reduces metabolism, resulting in fewer body fats burned. Furthermore, aging comes with weight gain or loss, causing a change in the skin structure. All these effects of aging raise the chances of cellulite development.

Cellulite is more likely to affect someone older and above the age of 25. The good news is you can use the BodyFX treatment for getting rid of cellulite on the legs. This body contouring technique targets cellulite with radio-frequency technology. The energy distributes heat to the skin, causing the underlying fat in the tissues to contract. As a result, you may experience less dimpled skin after the BodyFX sessions.

Cellulite Cause #2: Gender

Gender plays a role in developing cellulite. Women tend to be more prone to cellulite than men. That said, individuals of any gender can experience this condition. Cellulite is more prominent among females because women genetically accumulate fat in the thighs, hips, and buttocks. These are all common spots for cellulite. Inactivity after pregnancy can also lead to weight gain and, in turn, cellulite.

How connective tissues develop is mainly determined by sex. Most males have their septae lying under the skin in a cross-hatched diagonal way and a smooth, continuous pattern. On the other hand, most females have the septae running vertically and perpendicular to the skin. Men also have a thicker skin layer compared to females, thus reducing the chances of cellulite appearance.

Cellulite Cause #3: Fat Percentage

Cellulite occurs when the fat cells in an area accumulate and push up. The fibrous connective cords lay over the fat to contain it. As the fat pushes up, it results in an uneven surface. That's where you get dimpling in the skin. 

Someone with cellulite is not necessarily overweight. Even individuals who exercise regularly can still see cellulite in the legs. The condition stems from the structure of fat in the body. Even if you focus on weight loss and fat percentage, other factors like genetics may still affect cellulite development.

Cellulite Cause #4: Weight Gain

Weight gain can cause cellulite to be more noticeable. When gaining weight, you may increase fat in body areas likely to show cellulite. A common location for cellulite is in the legs. Studies reveal that cellulite occurs where significant friction or rubbing is present, such as in the inner thighs. 

Weight loss and shedding excess body fat may help eliminate cellulite. It's especially true if you are overweight or obese. However, your cellulite won't wholly disappear without some cosmetic intervention or other treatments. Weight gain is typically not the sole cause of cellulite, so different factors are involved.

Cellulite Cause #5: Diet & Nutrition

Diet is an indirect cause of cellulite. High-carb and high-calorie diets can produce high blood insulin levels, promoting fat formation in the body. An increase in total body fat correlates to more cellulite. Carbs, such as sugary cereals, pasta, and candy, can cause cellulite in the legs. Many processed foods have similar effects, including chips, soda, and anything that could cause inflammation.

Avoid the continued development of cellulite by controlling your diet. Reign in carb eating and calories during your meals. Get rid of bad eating habits, such as anything excessively high in fat, sugar, and salt. 

Cellulite Cause #6: Genetic Factors

Genetics determine a lot about our skin structure, skin texture, and body type. It plays the most extensive role in causing cellulite in the legs and elsewhere in the body. So much about the thickness of your skin and where fat gathers is led by genetics. Specific genes are responsible for cellulite development, especially those connected to metabolism speed, circulatory levels, and fat distribution.

Sometimes, slim and lean individuals may experience cellulite due to their genetic composition. For example, a specific variant of the ACE gene contributes to increased susceptibility to developing cellulite. Unfortunately, it can be hard to battle against the hereditary aspect of cellulite.

Cellulite Cause #7: Hormonal Factors

Some hormones cause the development of cellulite. Hormones such as thyroid, adrenaline, insulin, and estrogen play a vital role in the development of cellulite. For instance, estrogen may reduce the approach to menopause in women, thus reducing blood flow to the connective tissues below the skin. Lower blood circulation means less oxygen in the body, reducing collagen production. 

Fat cells also grow as estrogen levels decrease. These factors unite to make the fat collections more visible through the weakening connective tissue. Typically, hormonal changes that result in weight gain can lead to cellulite. In some cases, you may get rid of cellulite in the legs by resolving a hormone imbalance.