Cellulite on Thighs: Why Most Women Have It

What do Rihanna, Jessica Alba, Hilary Duff, Lady Gaga, JLo, and you have in common? Those cute little dimples called cellulite! The American Academy of Dermatology states that around 90% of women will experience some form of cellulite. So, consider this a gentle reminder that cellulite on thighs is usual. It is normal and impossible to get rid of completely.

The term “cellulite” describes lumps and dimples on the skin. These are also referred to as orange peel or cottage cheese skin and are more common in women than men because of the distribution of fat and muscle in our bodies. Cellulite on thighs and buttocks is among the most obvious because of the composition of these areas.

According to the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, cellulite can come in three grades: mild, moderate, and severe. The orange peel appearance is considered mild. Deeper, cottage cheese skin is moderate, while a “mattress” appearance with 10 or more deep depressions is severe.

The cause of cellulite is still unknown, but the AAD notes that it is related to the interaction between the connective tissue just below the skin’s surface and the layer of fat below it. Poor collagen production due to lower circulation, hormones, and aging skin can promote cellulite development. You could also develop cellulite on thighs and other areas if you’re genetically inclined to have a slower metabolism. Although cellulite is more expected in people who carry excess fat, skinny women can also develop it. 

Cellulite is incredibly challenging to get rid of because it's part of the body’s composition. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, you cannot spot-treat cellulite with exercise. You can lose weight and have less fat, but the connective tissues will still be there for the remaining fat to poke through and form that orange peel texture.

Creams that claim to get rid of cellulite don’t do much, although moisturizing can help strengthen the skin and prevent sagging to make cellulite look less severe. Applying a product like Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Flawless Glow can help promote collagen production with pro-retinol. It also contains hyaluronic acid that draws moisture to the skin, promoting elasticity and improving tone and texture.

The AAD lists some techniques that break up the bands of connective tissue under the skin to improve texture. These procedures include laser treatment, acoustic wave therapy, radiotherapy, ultrasonic liposculpting, and laser-assisted liposuction. Unless you’re willing to shell out a significant amount regularly to smoothen your thighs and buttocks, you’re most likely stuck with your cellulite, which isn’t so bad. It’s just a little bit of texture.

According to Harvard Health, self-acceptance — including embracing any perceived flaws — can lead to happiness. It’ll help you control your stress and anxiety and engage in more acts of self-love. Since it’s almost impossible to remove cellulite on thighs and other areas permanently, your best bet is to embrace it.