With summer in high gear, many of us are in major bikini-body maintenance mode—myself included. And if you’re like me, you’re not exactly pleased that, despite how much you’ve been exercising and eating right over the past few months, you’re still noticing dimples of cellulite on your thighs, rear end, and stomach.
The 411 on this issue? Cellulite happens, and it’s totally normal. Fat is stored in a layer just beneath the skin, and in some areas, typically around the stomach, hips and thighs, the fat builds up and pushes against the connective tissue, causing the skin to dimple in a lumpy, bumpy way.
Cellulite is not harmful, but it can be frustrating, for the simple fact that there’s not much you can do to get rid of it. Yes, there’s liposuction and laser treatments, and a whole host of creams and massage oils all claiming to banish those bumpy regions, but in reality most cellulite treatments are spotty and unpredictable at best. And many lack legitimate scientific evidence for effectiveness, and, in some cases, can make the cellulite look worse.
Still, there is one proven solution recommended by experts around the globe: Cellulite becomes less of a nuisance when you change your attitude and stop worrying about it.
Cellulite is common—so, so very common! Slim celebs have it, too—tons of stars, including Reese Witherspoon, J. Lo, Scarlett Johannsson, and supermodel Anne V., have been snapped on the beach with bumpy skin in tow. And having cellulite isn’t an indication that you’re overweight or unhealthy. The issue may have been passed down to you through genetics (thanks, Mom!), or it could be the result of a combination of factors—hormone changes, fad dieting, slow metabolism, and pregnancy can all contribute to cellulite, making it hard to pinpoint any one cause. Regardless, having cellulite doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you or your body. Let me repeat: It’s. Totally. Normal.
My suggestion for hitting the beach or rocking short-shorts this summer? Own it. You’re a woman, with all the supposed “flaws” and beauty that comes with that label, and if that includes cellulite, so be it. That doesn’t mean you should give up any of your healthy habits—I’ll still be fitting in a run every morning and swapping one meal a day with a veggie-based option this summer, but it does mean you can give yourself a break in the self-conscious department. After all, it’s silly to stress about something that’s bound to hit most of us at one point or another.
Cellulite or no cellulite, you’re beautiful. Now, go hit the beach and have fun!
What’s your take on cellulite? Do you let it keep you from wearing shorts? Tell us in the comments!
