While all of the causes of cellulite have not yet been identified, there are some obvious factors which appear in a study of the condition. By working to better understand the causes of cellulite, medical professionals and scientists are in a better position to devise treatments and remedies for the condition.

DAMAGED CIRCULATION

One of the causes of cellulite is damaged or impaired circulation, particularly of the lymph system just under the skin. The reasons for the damage to the circulatory system probably include such things as free radicals. In addition, physical deterioration caused by sitting for long periods, the restricting effects of tight clothing and wearing constricting tights. Over-exercising may also have a role in physical deterioration.

When the blood flow, either the fresh blood coming into the area or the used blood carrying with it the waste products is prevented from completing the intended cleansing function, a build up of free radicals occurs. These prevent oxygen from entering the area. Since the lack of oxygen increases the cell destruction and prevents the building of connective tissue, these fibroblasts-building cells-malfunction in two ways. First, they weaken the fibers that hold the fat cells in place and second they coat fat cell clumps with unmetabolized protein layers so that the circulatory system cannot reach the cells.

FREE RADICALS

Free radicals are pieces of molecules which are missing vital electrons. These free radicals are either taken into our bodies from the environment or manufactures through chemical processes gone awry in the body. These radicals attempt to combine with anything in the body which will provide the electrons which they need. This would include the walls of the cell and even DNA molecules. Over time, this can lead to such diseases as cellulite, Alzheimer’s, cancer and strokes.

ESTROGEN IMBALANCE

Another cause of cellulite is hormonal. Estrogen in a woman is one of the main hormones responsible for softening the fibrous tissue closing the womb just prior to delivery. The softening allows a baby to be born. An excess of the hormone estrogen evidently acts the same way on the muscles in areas such as the thighs and buttocks. The muscles become softer and the fat cell clumps push upward through the muscle tissue. Because estrogen has more than one role in the body, you cannot just reduce the amount of estrogen and assume that will cure cellulite. Rather, a balance of the hormones in the body must be achieved.