I’m Skinny: Why Do I Have Cellulite?

One common misconception about cellulite is that it only occurs in overweight or unhealthy people. While having excess weight does make skin dimpling more noticeable, this is not necessarily the case. Cellulite can also happen to those who are thin, of normal weight, and underweight. 

So, if you’re skinny and have dimpled or lumpy skin on your thighs and buttocks, you may be wondering what’s causing it and what you can do to improve its appearance. Continue reading as we explore the reasons why you have cellulite even when you’re skinny. 

What is the main cause of cellulite?

The exact cause of cellulite is not known. This skin condition is said to form when the fat layers underneath the skin begin to push through the layers of connective tissues or collagen fibers. Cellulite, which causes the skin to look lumpy and dimpled, commonly develops on thighs, hips, and buttocks.
5 Things You May Not Know About Cellulite.  

Reasons you develop cellulite even when you’re skinny

Genetics –You’ll have a higher chance of having cellulite if your mother or grandmother had it, regardless of whether you’re thin or overweight. Other factors (that can be inherited) including metabolism, fat distribution, and collagen fiber structure can also affect your chances of having cellulite.

Age – Cell structures weaken and natural collagen production starts to slow with age. The skin, furthermore, loses elasticity, making it more prone to cellulite and giving it a loose and sagging appearance. If you already have cellulite when you’re younger, the aging process could make it worse. 

Dehydration – Although being dehydrated doesn’t directly cause cellulite, it can make the cellulite dimples worse. As dehydration causes your body to hold excess fluid, it is likely for your cellulite to look bumpier or lumpier. There is also the issue of being dehydrated drying out your skin and making it less supple. 

Unhealthy lifestyle habits – Certain lifestyle habits can contribute to the appearance of cellulite or make it more visible. These include: 

• Poor eating habits – processed foods are loaded with fats, sugar, and sodium that can encourage fat accumulation in certain areas of the body. An unhealthy diet is also associated with weight gain, which can worsen the appearance of skin dimpling.
• Sitting for long hours –interferes with blood circulation, which can contribute to the formation or worsening of cellulite. Lack of physical activity can also negatively affect skin firmness and muscle tone.
• Smoking – weakens collagen formation and reduces blood vessel flow, causing damage to the connective tissues. This can lead to cellulite formation or make existing dimpled skin more visible.

Read our previous post to find out what your lifestyle got to do with cellulite. 

Hormonal imbalance – There are cases where abnormal hormone levels can cause you to gain extra weight, retain fluid, and develop skin dimpling. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, is said to play a part, as cellulite tends to get worse at times when women are dealing with fluctuations in their estrogen levels, such as pregnancy and menopause. 

Skinny fat syndrome – The term “skinny fat” refers to having a high percentage of body fat and little muscle mass, despite having a BMI in the normal range. Women are more susceptible to this syndrome, as they carry more body fat compared to men. Also, having extra weight under the skin can lead to cellulite or make it more visible. 

Can you get rid of cellulite?

The short answer is no. Cellulite affects most people of different shapes and sizes. While it is natural and harmless, it can make the skin look puckered due to the way that fat pushes against the connective tissues. And while you cannot really get rid of it, there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can make the skin dimples less prominent. 

How can Cutis help improve my cellulite?

Acoustic shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can smooth skin texture and reduce the look of cellulite. At Cutis, we have the X-Wave and ZWave, which both use acoustic shock waves to break down fat under the skin to make it firmer and more elastic. You can also combine this treatment with a non-invasive fat reduction, particularly if you have stubborn fat bulges you want to get rid of. 

BTL X-Wave uses a handheld device that induces targeted vibrations in the connective tissues. This helps break down fat under the skin, while also stimulating the lymphatic drainage to remove toxins. X-Wave also stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, improving your skin texture, including the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. 

While you may notice visible changes after just a single session, you’ll need about four to six treatments for optimal results. The number of treatments, however, can still depend on the area being treated. You can also pair it with BTL Vanquish ME, a non-invasive fat reduction procedure, for improved body contouring results.

Zimmer ZWave also uses a handheld device that delivers radial shockwaves into the treatment area. This destabilizes fat structure and breaks down the connective tissues that cause cellulite. The wave pulses, furthermore, boost blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, and stimulate collagen formation. 

After about two to three sessions, you’ll see an improvement in skin elasticity and firmness. The results will continue to improve as you undergo more ZWave treatments. You can also combine it with a fat freezing procedure like ZLipo to further help with fat reduction and sculpting problem areas.  

Book a consultation and body assessment

If cellulite makes you self-conscious, healthy lifestyle changes with the help of acoustic shockwave therapy can make a difference. To find out more about this procedure or if it is right for you, contact us and schedule a consultation and body assessment with our aesthetic doctor.