LIKE FINDING YOUR FIRST grey hair, discovering dimples on your derriere is a sobering experience. Only 10 per cent of post-adolescent women - and most men - escape cellulite, yet medical knowledge on the subject is relatively scant. Some scientists believe it is genetic, others that poor circulation, a build-up of toxins, stress, poor diet and lack of exercise lead to trapped fat in pockets between the skin's layers, producing the dreaded orange-peel effect.
Recent research, however, suggests cellulite is simply normal fat. Under the microscope, fat tissue from cellulite-prone areas looks no different to that from other parts of the body. And tests have also shown there is no significant difference in blood flow to affected areas. The only difference is in the structure of fat cells in the skin's subcutaneous layer in areas in which cellulite typically occurs - bottom, thighs and upper arms. In women, these cells are arranged in clusters of chambers divided by vertical columns of connective tissue and change shape readily. Hormones regulate fat storage and metabolism in this layer, which is why cellulite seems to get worse before a period and during pregnancy.
While the definitive cellulite buster has yet to be discovered, there are many claimants to the throne. But do they work?
Massage Although massage increases circulation and, along with lymphatic drainage, reduces fluid retention (which makes cellulite look worse), it has no permanent effect.
Creams and gels Cellulite often seems to improve when creams with 'miracle' ingredients are applied regularly because women tend to take more care of their diet and exercise while using them, but there is no reliable evidence to prove they work. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), for example, help the skin shed its top layer, making dimpling temporarily less apparent but not eliminating it; popular birch and butcher's broom plant extracts tone and tighten the skin but will only partially disguise, not destroy, cellulite. As a diuretic, caffeine helps to reduce the water content of the surface layer, which makes cellulite temporarily less noticeable and the body seem slimmer. Claims it can break down fat deposits have not been proven.
Seaweed body wraps Containing alginaic acid thought to flush out toxins, seaweed has no proven effect on fat cells, although wraps can temporarily soften skin and reduce fluid retention.