Is cellulite just a woman’s problem ? Wrong: cellulite exists in men too! But it has to be said that men are far less affected. In fact, only 2% of men are affected by dimples and the “famous” orange peel skin. Why does cellulite form in men ? And above all, how can it be effectively eliminated ? Here’s a closer look at the best anti-cellulite techniques for men.
Did you know ? The fat cells of the hypodermis, also known as adipocytes, are not arranged in the same way in women as in men. In fact, these cells are parallel to each other in women, whereas in men they are arranged obliquely.
Consequence: in women, when adipocytes gorge themselves with fat, they exert direct pressure on the dermis (middle layer of the skin) and epidermis, to the point of deforming it. Hence the orange peel effect…
In men, even when fat cells increase in volume, the pressure is not exerted directly on the upper layers of the skin. To top it all off:
the capacity to store lipids is lower in men than in women. This is simply because the female body needs to build up greater energy reserves, in anticipation of a possible pregnancy and the breast-feeding period ;
Men’s skin is naturally thicker than women’s, so irregularities in the hypodermis are better concealed.
This explains why around 90% of women are affected by cellulite at some point in their lives. While only 2% of men experience cellulite…
Source : Ensoul Clinic
In men cellulite, also known as superficial lipodystrophy or oedematofibrosclerotic panniculopathy, is often found on the stomach, neck, shoulders and arms. This is because fat is mainly stored in the upper part of the body in men. The hips can also be affected: the famous love handles… However, cellulite can still be observed on men’s buttocks and thighs in certain cases. But this is much rarer.
And what about women ? The opposite is true: they tend to build up their reserves in the lower part of the body. As a result, they are more likely to have cellulite on their buttocks and thighs… But cellulite can also be found in other parts of the body.
Good to know too: to get rid of cellulite, you need to know exactly what type it is. There are several types of cellulite, each requiring different treatments. In men, it’s generally quite straightforward: adipose cellulite, also known as fat cellulite, is the most common form.
Pinch the affected area between your fingers. Does your skin feel soft ? No particular pain ? Then you probably have adipose cellulite. It’s even more likely if you’re overweight, as cellulite is common when you’re overweight.
What are the other forms of cellulite in men?
Over time, cellulite can become ingrained. This is known as fibrous cellulite, and is most common in men aged 50 and over. Identifying it is easy : the affected areas are hard and painful to the touch.
Another form of cellulite to be aware of: watery cellulite. You don’t even have to pinch it to see it: the skin is flabby and swollen… However, the risk of getting it is quite low in men. Aqueous cellulite is linked to water retention. While this condition is common in women, it is much rarer in the male population. As a general rule, men affected by cellulite suffer from a particular hormonal imbalance.
Finally, remember that you can have several types of cellulite at the same time. This is called mixed cellulite.
Several hormonal imbalances can contribute to male lipodystrophy. These include, in particular :
overproduction of the hormone estrogen, which can lead to weight gain and the appearance of cellulite. Aqueous cellulite in particular, as excess estrogen promotes water retention;
an imbalance in thyroid hormones, due to hypothyroidism. This means that the thyroid no longer produces enough thyroid hormone. This often leads to weight gain. Hence the risk of adipose cellulite;
reduced levels of the hormone testosterone due to illness (e.g. pituitary tumour), testicular trauma or medical treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy). Under normal circumstances, testosterone promotes muscle gain. But if too little testosterone is produced, estrogen takes over in the body. Hence the risk of developing cellulite.
For both men and women, cellulite formation can also be linked to a poor lifestyle. The two factors you should be most wary of ? A sedentary lifestyle and an unbalanced diet.
As a reminder, your lifestyle is considered sedentary if you spend most of your time sitting or lying down, excluding sleep time. Working in front of your desk for hours on end, sitting behind the wheel of your car or on public transport: all these contribute to a sedentary lifestyle.
The latter needs to be combated, as it promotes the appearance of numerous disorders. One of these is weight gain, which in turn can lead to the formation of cellulite. But that’s not the worst of it, as a sedentary and overweight lifestyle is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer. That’s why it’s so important to get enough physical activity !
Before the age of 30, many men feel they can eat whatever they want without gaining weight. It’s simply a question of metabolism. But after 30, it’s a different story. Not least because testosterone production is already gradually starting to slow down! Fast food, processed foods rich in unhealthy fats and sugar (e.g. commercial sauces, cold meats): what didn’t seem to affect their figure until then becomes a source of excess weight and cellulite in men.
A word of advice : whatever your age, make sure you eat a healthy diet. It’s important for maintaining good muscle tone and staying healthy.
You don’t inherit cellulite from your parents. In fact, the process has nothing in common with that of hereditary genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or haemophilia.
However, you may be genetically predisposed to the formation of dimpled skin. So you’re more likely to have it if other members of your family have cellulite. But this is simply a predisposition, not an inevitability.
Andropause refers to a group of symptoms linked to the decline in secretion of testosterone and other sex hormones in men (e.g. sleep disorders, memory loss, fatigue, hot flushes, loss of muscle mass).
In practice, andropause begins to manifest itself around the age of 45. This is also the age at which menopause can begin in women… However, there is a notable difference: after menopause, women can no longer have children naturally. Men, on the other hand, “only” experience a drop in fertility with andropause.
Fertility problems aside, this sharp drop in testosterone often goes hand in hand with an increase in fat reserves… And possibly also with the appearance of cellulite in men.
Also read: Walking for weight loss : does it work ?
Regular physical exercise is a good way of combating a sedentary lifestyle and its harmful effects. It’s also a :
a source of well-being, as sport generates the production of endorphins, also known as happy hormones;
a source of self-confidence. Actively taking care of your health and appearance is a great way to feel “better about yourself”!
To eliminate cellulite more easily, consider :
use fitness equipment (e.g. rowing machine, treadmill, elliptical trainer) ;
endurance sports, such as jogging and swimming ;
weight-bearing exercises such as push-ups, dumbbells, pull-ups, etc.
When it comes to pace, we suggest you follow the WHO recommendations for staying healthy. The World Health Organization gives several benchmarks, depending on age and intensity of activity (e.g.: 150 to 300 minutes per week for moderate-intensity endurance activities between the ages of 18 and 64).
Also read: Top 10 exercises for a flat stomach
Adopting a healthy diet on a daily basis is also essential to staying healthy and fighting male lipodystrophy. Pay particular attention to :
limit sugars and processed foods (e.g. sausages, deli meats, microwaveable dishes, etc.) ;
also limit meat consumption ;
Focus on lean meat and fatty fish (e.g. sardines, salmon) to fill up on protein and good fats ;
opt for fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables. They’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants to help you regain firmer skin ;
eat high-fiber foods regularly (e.g., dried fruit, artichokes, onions), as fiber promotes weight loss ;
drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day.
You’ll also find many dietary supplements on the market labelled “anti-cellulite” or “anti-orange skin”. They may contain very different active ingredients, aimed at activating fat removal or even improving blood circulation to combat aqueous cellulite. Some of them can indeed help combat cellulite in men, but :
always be very careful with food supplements sold on the Net. Especially those from abroad, as they may contain substances that are harmful to your health ;
As a precautionary measure, it is always advisable to seek medical advice before taking any food supplements. Whatever they may be. This is to avoid dangerous vitamin overdoses, for example, or interactions with your medication.
Slimming devices are also available to combat cellulite in men. They can be used in beauty salons or at home. These include the BodySculptor waist slimming belt. You can use it directly at home to reduce cellulite on your stomach, tighten your skin… and lose a few waistlines in the process. It’s totally painless and has no side effects.
Ideally, you should do at least 12 sessions with her. The right pace ? 3 to 4 60-minute sessions a week.
Also read : The effectiveness of slimming belts for weight loss
Other weapons to fight cellulite in men :
treatments such as anti-cellulite creams. In particular, there are special anti-cellulite creams for the stomach. Applied by massage, they help disengage adipocytes and activate micro-circulation to facilitate the elimination of dislodged fat;
anti-cellulite massages, generally performed in beauty salons and spas. Among the most widely used is the famous palpate-and-roll massage, which unclogs fat cells. Or lymphatic drainage : by boosting lymphatic circulation, it facilitates the evacuation of toxins and fat.
Also read : The most popular beauty salon treatments
Finally, it is also possible to use surgery or aesthetic medicine to combat cellulite in men.
Liposuction, in particular, can be highly effective against adipose cellulite. In practice, this surgical procedure involves suctioning out fat, thereby both refining the silhouette and combating the orange-peel effect. But it remains an invasive procedure, often requiring general anesthesia. With all the risks that entails…
But before considering such a major operation, you can also turn to non-invasive anti-cellulite aesthetic medicine techniques. With these techniques, there’s no need for anesthesia or incisions. Generally painless, they also have few side effects (e.g., redness, temporary swelling). They include :
cryolipolysis, which consists in destroying fat reserves by freezing them using a device ;
various techniques based on the use of an external anti-cellulite laser. These include diode lasers (LED) and HIFU (High Intensity Focus Ultrasound) lasers, which use ultrasound to attack fatty tissue ;
electromagnetic muscle stimulation, which involves diffusing a magnetic field to activate fat melting and reduce cellulite.
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