Cellulite is an unsightly problem for many, especially women. It’s a condition that gives their skin a dimpled or lumpy appearance. Can drinking coffee or certain types of coffee cause cellulite or make it worse? Let’s attempt to answer this question.
Cellulite occurs when fat deposits become apparent due to the cells below it, pushing up against the skin.
Some medical professionals have noted that caffeine contained in coffee can have a dehydrating effect on the skin. This can lead to an increase in cellulite by making the skin less elastic and making the fat more prominent. While these are not proven reports, it’s something to be aware of.
Despite this, there is scant scientific evidence that suggests coffee consumption can have dramatic effects on cellulite development. However, its antioxidants and caffeine content could help tighten and reduce cellulite in the short term.
Drinking coffee can potentially worsen cellulite in that caffeine is a diuretic and could dehydrate the skin, making cellulite more visible. Water hydrates the skin and plumps it up, making it appear smoother. In fact, contrary to coffee, water does help reduce cellulite.
Nutritionist registered dietitian Dr. Claire Fallon from Greenstar Medical Centre suggests that caffeine may not be the primary factor to blame for worsening cellulite. She believes genetics and lifestyle have larger roles to play when it comes to having more noticeable dimples.
“Caffeine has become unfairly demonised,” she says. “It plays a small role – it is not the root cause, just as it is not the solution for reducing cellulite. Many people mistakenly believe cutting coffee or caffeine-containing beverages from the diet will reduce cellulite or help to prevent its onset.”
Dr. Fallon believes that cellulite often results from other dietary and lifestyle practices, such as prolonged sitting and/or standing, lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet.
Age
Although some factors of cellulite can be altered and reduced, age is a factor that cannot be changed. As we age, the number of adipose cells (fat cells) in the body increases and these cells tend to enlarge, making it harder for collagen fibers to keep them in place, resulting in cellulite.
As per Anne Chapas, professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College says, “It’s an atrophy, it’s a thinning of the skin that’s associated with age and lifestyle. So as the collagen and elastin in the dermis start to degrade, it allows for those fat cells to herniate through the epidermis, and then to give you the rippling or dimpling effect that we recognize as cellulite.”
It is nearly impossible to completely elminate cellulite and in many cases, it is a natural, age-dependent occurrence. The good news is that there are treatments available for reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Stress
Stress can also play a role in the prevalence and appearance of cellulite. Cortisol production increases in the body when it is under stress and this hormone can worsen cellulite appearance because it forces fat and water retention. This can create an imbalance in the body, resulting in the over-stretch of the dermis.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Bijan Feridoni says “Cellulite is mainly genetic but lifestyle factors such as stress can create an environment that fuels and worsens it. Stress can increase production of the hormone cortisol which result in water retention, fatty acids and toxic accumulation.”
Dr. Feridoni emphasizes that reducing stress can help with the conditions that cause cellulite and make it less visible.
Smoking
Smoking reduces the blood flow to the skin, decreases the production of collagen and elastin, and narrows the blood vessels, making them less elastic.
This ultimately worsens the appearance of cellulite. Smoking also impairs your body’s ability to metabolize fat and flush toxins, making cellulite visible in varying degrees.
Kerri Anne Renzulli a US Board-Certified Dermatologist says “Smoking restricts blood circulation, slows the breakdown of fat and exacerbates cellulite, however it is not the only thing that causes it. While smoking has many negative effects, it should not be considered the main cause of cellulite; it is one of many contributing factors.”
Therefore, quitting smoking can result in significant improvements in skin elasticity, leading to a decrease in still visible bumps.
Exercise
Regular physical activity helps improve circulation and eliminate toxins from the body which, in turn, helps reduce cellulite. Cardio and strengthening exercises help reduce muscle imbalances in some individuals that can make cellulite appear worse.
Physical activity and a balanced diet are key for helping the body metabolize fat and limit fat accumulation. It is best to focus on slow and consistent movement such as walking or yoga that modulate Cortisol and improve lymphatic circulation.
Dr. Renzulli suggests “Cellulite can be improved with diet and exercise, and this may be more effective than individual treatments. We don’t have a direct association between coffee and cellulite, the best way to reduce it naturally is to include exercise, cardiovascular workouts, and healthy eating into your daily routine.”
Conclusion
Overall, it appears that drinking coffee has minimal to no effect on cellulite. While caffeine consumption may have some diuretic effects on the skin, this should not be taken separately without addressing other lifestyle issues such as diet, stress and physical activity.
Cellulite is an eventuality of aging that can be improved over time by making positive changes to your lifestyle such as drinking more water, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and reducing stress. Smoking should be avoided, as this can worsen the appearance of cellulite.
