Dr Lalitha Badul

An in-depth look into what causes cellulite and how cellulite manifests within the underlying structure of the skin.

Cellulite is a term used to express a visible physical change, resulting in an uneven skin texture. Cellulite is a natural process in females induced by the hormone oestrogen. Males having relatively small amounts of oestrogen have very little cellulite. The breakdown of collagen is a basic biological function of estrogen.

The process starts by oestrogen stimulating the collagenase formation in the fibroblast, and the collagenase breaking down the muscle fibers.

When collagen is relaxed or weakened, the superficial fascia weakens and gives way, and the fat bulges upward creating a wavy surface.

Thus we can conclude that the underlying cause of cellulite is weakened connective tissue. Next week we look at how cellulite happens!