Why Cellulite Is More Common in Women than Men

by Versala Anderson June 17, 2022

cellulite on woman's lower body

Cellulite is a hot topic these days amongst women. Society has taught us to hate it and be scared to show it to the world.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is known for small bumps that form when fat cells push against the fiber bands that connect skin and muscle. It lies in the hypodermis (deep skin layer) and occurs most often in women, especially following hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Therefore, cellulite is not fat but rather the consequence of cell structure in women.

Why Are Women More Prone to Develop Cellulite?

Cellulite can affect both men and women, but it is more common in females. This is due to the different distributions of fat, muscle, and connective tissue.

Distribution of Fat and Connective Tissue

The exact cause of cellulite is unknown, but it appears due to an interaction between the connective tissue in the dermatological layer that lies below the skin surface and the layer of fat that is just below it. In women, the fat cells and connective tissue in this layer are arranged vertically. So, if the fat cells protrude into the skin layer, this gives cellulite appearance. In men, the tissue has a crisscross structure, which may explain why they are less likely to have cellulite than women.

Hormonal Factors

Hormones are most likely to play an important role in cellulite development. Estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process. As a woman approaches menopause, the levels of estrogen decrease, and so does the blood flow to the connective tissue under the skin. This lowers collagen production, and fat cells become enlarged. All these factors make the fat deposits more visible, and the fat under the skin protrudes through weakening connective tissue resulting in a dimpling effect.

Age

As people age, the presence of cellulite becomes more prominent because the skin becomes less elastic, thinner, and more likely to sag.

Is There an Effective Way to Treat Cellulite?

There are many natural ways to reduce cellulite, and improving your lifestyle through nutrition and exercise might reduce its appearance to some extent.

At Believable Beauty, we carry high-quality products and treatment recipes that can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. You deserve to feel beautiful and confident in your skin, and our products can help you accomplish this.