What’s Wrong With Cellulite? Can We Normalize It Already?
It's Time to Get Real About Cellulite
I get it—It’s probably not the most attractive part on our bodies. But guess what? It’s there. And also, who cares!
I know how you’ve probably bought all kinds of firming creams and stared in the mirror at those areas of dimpled skin. Trust me, I used to do it. But now, I honestly couldn’t care less, and you shouldn’t either! If you’ve ever been embarrassed about your cellulite, I’ve got you. Let’s talk about it.
Everybody Has It (Well, Mostly Everyone)
If you’re someone who has absolutely no cellulite on your body, congratulations; you can actually stop reading from here. But for the rest of us, did you know cellulite is more common than you think? Research says that around 90% of women and 10% of men have it. Dimples on your booty, thighs, stomach, or arms are totally normal! It can feel like you’re the only one who has it, but I promise you, you’re not.
Cellulite Is a Condition
Before you come at me with all kinds of questions, let me be clear—I’m not diagnosing you (or myself) with cellulite! In this case, "condition" just means "something that exists," not "something that needs treatment," so no need to freak out.
Okay, quick science lesson: Cellulite happens when fat pushes up against the skin while little bands under your skin pull it down. This makes the surface look bumpy. The dimples form where the bands pull the skin down. Think of it like pressing a foam ball against a tennis racket—the ball pokes through the holes, making it look uneven. That’s kind of what’s happening under your skin! So, medically speaking, cellulite is a type of skin condition.
Cellulite Has Nothing to Do With Needing to Lose Weight
If you think cellulite means you need to lose weight, you’re not alone. I used to think that, too. But it’s completely not true. Even thin people have cellulite. The only way to have zero cellulite would be to have zero body fat, which isn’t possible (or healthy for that matter!).
For some people, losing weight makes cellulite less noticeable, but for others, it can actually make it stand out more. Studies have found that weight loss doesn’t always get rid of cellulite. So even if you reach your goal weight, that cellulite might still stick around, and stressing over it could do more harm than good to your overall progress, mentally and physically.
No One Knows What Causes Cellulite
If only we knew cellulite came from fatty foods—then we could avoid them like the other “bad” foods we shouldn’t eat. Unfortunately, cellulite doesn’t quite work like that. Hormones, like estrogen, probably play a role in cellulite because it affects how thick and firm your skin is. Genetics also matter. Just like your eye color or height, cellulite can run in families. I can confirm this too. I have cellulite in the exact same places my mom does.
It’s Okay to Not Like Your Cellulite
If we all had a choice, none of us would have cellulite, obviously. But if you do have it, it’s understandable to not like it. In fact, it’s so understandable that a 2019 study called cellulite “one of the most intolerable esthetic imperfections.” It’s no wonder so many people feel pressured to get rid of it. But in all honesty, it’s hard to embrace something when the world keeps calling it an imperfection. So, I get it—I don’t like cellulite either—And don’t even get me started on terms like "cottage cheese butt" or "orange-peel arms." Seriously, who thought of these terrible nicknames?
Wear the Shorts. Rock the Swimsuit. Live Your Life.
At the end of the day, cellulite is just part of having a body. It’s not something you need to fix. I spent way too much time (and money) worrying about mine, only to realize that no one else even noticed! So stop stressing. Wear what you want. Go to the beach. Live your life. Because your body is strong, powerful, and way more than just a few little dimples.
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