The term cellulitis refers to two different phenomena: it is used to designate a fatty mass generally in the thighs or buttocks (oedemato-fibro-sclerotic panniculopathy), but it also refers to severe inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by bacterial infection. When the skin forms dimples, we talk about cellulite.

The established scientific expression is oedemato-fibro-sclerotic panniculopathy. This is due to an increase in the size (hypertrophy) of adipocytes (fat cells) located in the hypodermis (the deepest layer of the skin), which compress the blood and lymphatic vessels. The latter can no longer effectively drain the water, which infiltrates. This results in a deformation of the skin, which then takes on a bumpy appearance that is often referred to as orange peel.

Cellulite is a wrinkling caused by the connective tissues under the skin pulling it inward. Cellulite could be described as a toxic state of the body - a combination of deposits of fat, fluids and wastes distributed unevenly in the subcutaneous layers and putting pressure on the underlying connective tissues.

Cellulite does not necessarily mean being overweight. Some curvy women don't, while slim, fit women do.

Over 80% of women over the age of 20 will develop cellulite in their lifetime. And, although some men are affected by cellulite, it often appears during puberty and lodges mostly on the back of the thighs and on the buttocks.

Several factors contribute to cellulite. The main cause is genes and hormonal variations in women. A woman's skin is thinner than a man's because the structure of her connective tissues is different, and the percentage of fat is higher in women than in men. Poor blood circulation, slow lymphatic circulation, fluid retention and a buildup of toxic waste are other aggravating factors.

Remember to drink plenty of water to stimulate the elimination of excess fluids and wastes. If you are dehydrated, your body retains water, which causes fat cells to swell and promotes the appearance of cellulite. It's also a great idea to limit your intake of salt and refined sugar, both of which cause fluid retention in fat cells.