No skin condition has been as demonized over the last few decades as cellulite. Who could forget the glossy magazine covers with ultra-zoomed photos of celebrities’ butts, thighs, and stomachs, hyper-analyzing any bumps they could find? These were bad times for women’s body image, and many of us are still undoing the damage.
Because the truth is, cellulite is ultra common, whether you’re a celebrity or not. A recent study noted that 80 to 90 percent of women have cellulite, mostly on the thighs, butt, and hips, and it’s completely harmless, Mayo Clinic says. It’s caused when fat cells accumulate and push against the skin, while the fibrous cords connecting skin to muscle pull down, creating an uneven surface. Some people associate cellulite with being overweight, but weight is only one factor of many; hormones, genetics, and muscle tone can all play a role as well. People of any weight or fitness level can develop cellulite, and having cellulite (or not having it) has no bearing on how active or healthy you are.
Clearly, there are a lot of cellulite myths we’re working to debunk, which is why it’s so encouraging to see many people starting to embrace it, including the celebrities who were once blasted for daring to show the ripples on their skin while relaxing on the beach. Ahead, read what 11 celebrities have to say about their cellulite and how they celebrate it — and why you should too.