Reflections on Beauty

Take a look at your legs. Are you happy with them? If you're a woman, chances are the answer is "not really" and it may be because of an evil little thing called cellulite. There's a reason why this condition is often compared to cottage cheese, since it tends to have a dimpled, bumpy appearance that is not as bathing suit-friendly as most ladies would like. Caused by an irregular distribution of fat, it is most often found on the thighs, but can also affect the buttocks and abdomen.

Nearly 90 percent of women have cellulite, which has little to do with eating healthy and exercising, although it may be more noticeable in those who are overweight. The condition arises from the decreasing elasticity of collagen and connective tissue that occurs with age. When we grow older, fat cells tend to swell, grow larger and move up into the lower dermis, where our oil and sweat glands originate.

Not even celebrities can avoid cellulite. Recently, The Stir featured photographs of R&B singer Alicia Keys, actress Cameron Diaz, Jersey Shore star Deena Nicole and teen "it girl" Selena Gomez, all displaying less-than-perfect thighs.

Recently, actress Jenna Fischer mentioned to Entertainment Online that the major downfall of her otherwise easy pregnancy is severe cellulite.

So what can be done about this annoying condition? Some people believe that changing their diets will get rid of it. Consequently, they reduce their sodium intake, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water and consume lots of protein in the form of eggs, fish and tofu.

Although these are healthy behaviors to adopt, unfortunately there is no magic menu that can tighten the skin on the legs.

Most women who want better-looking thighs turn to treatments like Thermage. This technique relies on radiofrequency energy to heat affected areas, enhancing collagen synthesis and improving blood flow to smooth the surface of the legs.

The procedure is safe, effective and only takes an hour or two to complete. No anesthesia is required for this comfortable process, and patients are free to return to their everyday activities after leaving the medical spa.

Few people's legs are perfect, but smoothing out the skin and improving its appearance can go a long way toward boosting women's confidence this summer. 

Cellulite is a common problem for women of all ages, but just because it appears in 80 percent of ladies doesn't mean that they like it. The condition can make the skin on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen look loose and bumpy, which could be bad news for some, considering that summer is just around the corner.

It may be somewhat comforting to know that celebrities are not immune to cellulite, which is the result of lost elasticity in the connective tissue due to aging or genetics. Whether you are a Hollywood star or just a regular person, growing older can impact metabolism, leading to the enlargement of fat cells and loosening of the fibrous bands that maintain skin tension. This contributes to the "orange peel" or "cottage cheese" appearance of cellulite.

Christina Aguilera is one such celebrity for whom considerable fame and fortune have not prevented the development of the condition. The singer and actress recently taped a segment for the TV show Extra in Los Angeles, where she was photographed in pricey Louboutin heels and a tiny skirt, according to the Daily Mail. However, when she sat down and crossed her legs in front of thousands of adoring fans, the cameras caught a glimpse of considerable cellulite on both thighs.

US Magazine reports that Khloe Kardashian is no stranger to dimpled legs, either. The 26-year-old reality TV star is teaming up with cosmetic company NIVEA to help American women fight cellulite.

Experts recommend eating a healthy, low-sodium diet and drinking plenty of water, which can help strengthen muscles, increase blood flow and loosen fat deposits. Exercise can also reduce body fat while toning the legs and abdomen, leading to less dimpling.

But what if diet and exercise are not enough? Women who are looking for quick results may want to talk to their local medical spa about undergoing Thermage treatment, a minimally invasive technique that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and improve the look of dimpled skin, or the velashape procedure, which utilizes heat to contour and shape the body.

These remedies can help ladies get smooth, shapely legs that they can be proud of when swimsuit season comes along.

If you are female, chances are you're familiar with cellulite. The condition appears in an estimated 80 percent of women and can generally be attributed to aging, genetics and stress, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Recently, Fox News reported that ladies who frequently wear leggings may be more likely to gain weight, a common contributor to cellulite.

These comfortable, stretchy pants are favored by women all over the U.S., whether they are worn to the gym or on a date. However, despite the pants' versatility and convenience, they could be contributing to flabby legs.

"They hold in and support the quadriceps, buttocks and core muscles in your tummy, and do the job the muscles are supposed to do," physical therapist Sammy Margo told the news source. "When we reveal our bodies as summer approaches, they are not as svelte or firm as they otherwise would be."

Although eating a healthy diet and exercising can help lessen the appearance of cellulite, many ladies may consider a skin tightening procedure called Thermage, which delivers radio frequency to smooth and contour affected areas.

Speaking to a qualified skin care professional at a clinic such as Reflections Medical Spa can help women get the legs they want just in time for summer.