Cellulite is a recent addition to the English language. In fact, it is not a medical term at all. It's a term used to describe the way your body appears when adipose tissue forms lobular formations just under the surface of the skin. In plain English the "cottage cheese look" or dimpling that occurs primarily on your thighs, legs and buttocks is a type of fatty tissue.

Because the tissue forms in a "lump" close to the surface of the skin it gives it a very uneven and dimpled appearance. It is not medically harmful and it does not cause health problems. What it does do is cause you to feel less attractive when you wear your bathing suit. One myth about cellulite is that it is only obese people who suffer from it. The truth is that skinny people have cellulite too.

Cellulite is primarily a cultural and cosmetic issue. Society thinks that smooth, unblemished skin is part of what makes people attractive. People with cosmetic blemishes such as acne scars, burn scars, cellulite or even birthmarks are seen as less attractive. The psychological and emotional turmoil that this can cause in a society that demands the appearance of physical perfection can be very damaging.

Can we do anything about cellulite? Exercise and keeping your body toned and in shape have been shown to have a positive impact on the appearance of the skin. A diet that is balanced and wholesome has been shown to have benefits also. Hydration and maintaining a proper fluid balance in your body are also part of the solution.

Staying in shape, eating right and staying hydrated are good for self esteem, decreasing negative energy and promoting a positive body image. Changing your perception about yourself may be one of the best things you can do to help with unwanted cellulite.

A lot of products and devices are on the market that propose to help with eliminating cellulite. Many of them do not have scientific evidence to prove they are effective. Some may even be harmful if you are allergic to the ingredients. The methods used to prove effectiveness are time consuming, expensive at times and often not understood by the marketers trying to get a product to the consumer.

The best way to find effective products and devices when there is a lack scientific proof is to find people who have used the products or devices and ask them if they worked. A good question to ask is "how long did it take to see results?" and "did the cream cause a rash?" In the case of devices the most obvious question would be "did it hurt?"

In summary, that lumpy appearance on your body called cellulite is a normal part of your body just as a mole or a freckle might be. It isn't medically harmful but may make you feel uncomfortable about your body image. It can be reduced or eliminated but you will have to work for it. Some products or devices might be helpful but many are not.