Ninety-five percent of women today will develop cellulite in their bodies sometime during their lives. Cellulite is fat. With a combination of fluid retention and fatty tissue, cellulite appears on the thighs of women. As a woman gains weight, her fat cells begin to swell, but her connective tissue remains the same. Because they have a different cellular makeup than their male counterparts, women inherit a greater risk for cellulite problems. No woman wants cottage cheese thighs, but cellulite remains a veritable challenge.

Women of any age can get cellulite, but it is more common among people as they age. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not directly connected to one's weight. It is noted, however, that those who gain and lose weight regularly have a tendency to acquire cellulite easily. The fat cells in the lower part of a women's body tend to store fat six times quicker than cells on the upper torso, while, at the same time, these cells let go six times less quickly. Losing weight on the abdomen also changes the upper half of the body.

Are there ways to make the dreaded dimpling appearance of cottage cheese thighs less obvious? Certainly, but the first defense must be to repair the areas where cellulite has already taken up residence. Learning to strengthen and hydrate both the cells of the body and the connective tissue, as well, is a good beginning for repairing body cells.

Cellulite is defined as, "fat that has pushed through cell walls into the middle layer of skin and shows through the surface." Poor circulation in one's body allows cellulite freedom to prosper. Therefore, to reduce the appearance of cellulite, it is paramount to increase the circulation in the defined area. Cellulite is composed of lymph fluid and toxins that are trapped in the skin's connective tissue. When the dreaded cellulite is just beginning, combat it immediately with your regular routine. The best cardiovascular exercises include walking, running, and weight lifting. Plan a healthy menu. A sensible diet is one with plenty of vegetables (especially leafy green ones) with an abundance of fruit.

A Healthy Life Style

Remember to hydrate your body throughout the day. Drink lots of water, at least 64 ounces a day. Smoking is bad for you. Don't smoke, but if you are smoking now, quit. Regarding the development of cellulite, smoking restricts the flow of blood, causing sluggish circulation, preparing the body for the development of cellulite. Avoid processed foods and saturated fates (butter, margarine, and animals fats). Refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages, coffee, teas, diet soda, and junk food. Consume healthy foods and you will be healthy.

Try a two-week detox with meals that include one serving of protein (lean beef, skinless chicken, or grilled fish) with lots of vegetables. Dry skin brushing is an excellent cellulite fighter. This process exfoliates the dermis layer of skin, removing dead skin cells. It boosts circulation to the skin and stimulates the flow of lymph, improving the release of toxins through the skin. Dry skin brushing assists in the growth of new cells.

Two more suggestions:

1. End your day with a cool shower, if you can tolerate it. Cold rinse (a slow turn in the shower to constrict the flow of blood and improve skin tone.)

2. Take glucosamine supplement every day. Glucosamine aids the body in repairing damage to the dermis layer, as well as the connective layer of the skin.

Cellulite creams and lotions can help make the appearance of cottage cheese less noticeable, but these creams are not miracle workers. Cellulite creams cannot improve the condition of the skin with a complete healing that is permanent. If you choose a cellulite cream, consider one that contains alpha hydroxy acids because these acids reduce the unsightly appearance of cellulite by improving the level of elasticity in the skin and strengthening the connective tissues.