Why are men less affected by cellulite?

Why are men less affected by cellulite?

Cellulite is the result of the accumulation of fat cells under certain parts of the skin. This phenomenon is predominantly found in women and rarely affects men. Discover the reasons why fewer men are affected by cellulite.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is characterized by a swelling of the fat cells in the hypodermis, giving the skin a bumpy appearance and texture. The main causes of cellulite formation are an unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, hormonal changes, and poor blood circulation.

The accumulation of fats in the hypodermis disrupts the structure of the adipose tissue and causes the swelling of adipocytes, the cells responsible for storing fats. This leads to the formation of dimples which can give a cellulite-like appearance (adipose cellulite). The cellulite can also be of the aqueous type and result from a buildup of water in the skin tissues, caused by a dysfunction in the venous and lymphatic circulations. The adipocytes slow down the elimination of water and toxins, which accumulate under the skin and cause swelling.

Cellulite primarily affects women, typically appearing on the thighs, stomach, arms, and buttocks. In men, it is more commonly found on the abdomen, hips, neck, and arms. It is usually concealed by the thickness of the skin or body hair. This often gives the impression that men are not affected by cellulite, when in fact it does exist but is simply not visible. However, it is true that women are more affected: it is estimated that about 90% of women develop cellulite at some point in their lives compared to only 2% of men. We will now review the factors explaining this difference.

Men are less affected by cellulite than women, a matter of body shape.

The morphological differences between men and women mentioned below are the cause of the prevalence gap of cellulite in these two populations:

  • The structure of fat cells : Adipocytes are structured differently in women and men. Smaller in the latter, they are less likely to expand. Moreover, the partitions that separate them are oblique, not vertical. Thus, even in the case of fat accumulation, their hypertrophy is less visible on the skin's surface. Furthermore, since male adipocytes are more closely packed, the space between each cell is reduced, which limits the risk of water retention.

  • The quantity of fat cells : adipose tissue, composed of adipocytes, is less prevalent in men and more localized in the abdominal area. On average, fat makes up about 25% of a woman's body mass, compared to 15% of a man's. The female body's ability to store lipids is thus greater. The reason is as follows: in case of pregnancy or breastfeeding, it must provide more energy to meet the needs of the woman and her child. It is estimated that the quantity of adipose cells found in men is about half of that found in women.

  • Skin Thickness : Men's skin is approximately 20% thicker than women's, which means deeper tissue irregularities are more concealed.

  • Female hormones : Estrogen and progesterone stimulate adipogenesis, that is, the formation of adipocytes. They thus encourage the cellular storage of fat, but also the phenomenon of water retention. Indeed, the permeability of capillaries is partly conditioned by the balance between estrogen and progesterone levels. When there is an excess of estrogen compared to progesterone, the porosity of the capillaries tends to increase.

Treatments to combat cellulite in men.

Firstly, it is important to note that cellulite is almost impossible to completely eliminate, and the application of draining treatments can only reduce its appearance. These treatments can be used by both men and women. Often based on caffeine, they are accompanied by a kneading-roll, a toning massage.

For this purpose, we have formulated a toning body scrub based on green coffee macerate (INCI name: Coffea Arabica Seed Extract) and Javanese lemongrass essential oil (INCI name: Cymbopogon Winterianus Herb Oil). Applied once or twice a week, it helps to firm the skin and reduce the orange peel appearance of cellulite.

You can also rely on our firming body cream to complement its action and tone the skin. The lipolytic action of the caffeine contained in these treatments allows them to facilitate the elimination of fats that accumulate in the tissues while inhibiting their production (lipogenesis). Moreover, caffeine being a small molecule, it penetrates deeply into the dermis to reach the subcutaneous fat cells, even when the latter is relatively thick, as is the case in men.

Sources:

  • VERGNANINI A. & al. Cellulite: a review. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2002).

  • HERMAN A. & et al. Mechanisms of action of caffeine and its use in cosmetics. Pharmacology and physiology of the skin (2013).

  • KAMINER M. & al. Insights into the Pathophysiology of Cellulite: A Review. Dermatologic Surgery (2020).

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