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Over 80% of adult women are cellulite experts. Cellulite, or dimpled skin on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen appears to have little regard for lifestyle – even those who exercise regularly are not immune from the problem. Cellulite impacts women the most and men are rarely affected. Why? Nobody really knows, although female skin is thinner and hormonal changes may play an important role.
As skin ages, collagen and connective tissue lose their elasticity and the skin’s dermis is weakened. The aging process also affects the metabolic, endocrine and vascular systems, which may result in an inability to efficiently discharge waste products. Lymph drainage and microcirculation are partially affected. The resulting accumulation of waste products causes alterations in connective tissue and the fat cells |
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which are held in a framework of collagen. Fat cells enlarge, impact blood vessels and cause edema or swelling. The fat cells are displaced upwards into the lower dermis and the fibrous bands, that normally maintain skin tension, become less elastic and trap the displaced cells. The cottage cheese appearance is caused by the restriction of fibrous strands as they pull down the skin at their attachment points.
As we age, fat storage becomes a problem and fat cells swell and become larger. The body’s natural lymphatic drainage system becomes compromised so waste products are not cleared as efficiently. Critical factors such as microcirculation and blood flow also play a role.
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