Orange peel skin is a common skin condition that causes the skin to take on a dimpled, bumpy appearance similar to the texture of an orange peel. It typically develops on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Orange peel skin can affect men and women of all ages and skin tones. While not usually a cause for major concern, it can cause frustration over its unsightly appearance. Understanding what causes orange peel skin and how to reduce its appearance can help those dealing with this complexion issue.
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What Causes Orange Peel Skin?
Orange peel skin occurs due to enlarged fat cells just under the skin’s surface. As these fat cells increase in size, they push up against the connective tissue, causing the skin above to pucker and create a rippling effect. This dimpled texture differs from cellulite, which appears as fat pockets and ridges.
Several factors can contribute to enlarged fat cells and the development of orange peel skin texture:
Weight Gain
Gaining weight causes fat cells to expand, including those just under the skin. This expansion can lead to a dimpled, orange peel-like appearance. The condition is more likely to occur in areas prone to fat storage, like the thighs, butt, and stomach.
Loss of Collagen
Collagen provides structure and support in the skin. As we age, collagen production slows and skin loses elasticity. With this loss of support, fat cells have more room to protrude upward against the skin, creating an orange peel texture.
Dehydration
Dehydration reduces skin turgor, or skin firmness and density. When skin is dehydrated, it is less able to disguise enlargement of fat cells below the surface. This makes dimpling more noticeable.
Sun Damage
Years of sun exposure can damage collagen and elastin proteins in the skin. This damage impairs skin’s ability to snap back and remain smooth and taut. As a result, sun damage can make orange peel skin more likely.
Genetics
Some people are simply genetically prone to enlarged fat cells under the skin. Their skin is more likely to take on a dimpled, orange peel-like texture even with minimal weight gain or other risk factors.
What Does Orange Peel Skin Look Like?
Orange peel skin has a characteristic bumpy, dimpled appearance. It resembles the texture and uneven surface of an orange peel.
Some key identifying features of orange peel skin texture include:
– Dimpled skin with a rippling, wave-like pattern
– Small bumps and divots clustered close together
– A rough “pebble-like” feel when touched
– Visible even without pinching or manipulating the skin
– Most noticeable on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and lower abdomen
– Skin may also feel looser or less taut
– More prevalent in areas prone to cellulite
The dimpling and divots of orange peel skin are subtle compared to the deeper ridges and fat pockets of cellulite. The two skin concerns sometimes coincide.
Mild, Moderate, and Severe
Like cellulite, the appearance of orange peel skin can range from mild to quite severe:
– Mild cases may have scattered, shallow divots visible only on close inspection
– Moderate cases have more noticeable dimpling and bumpiness when standing
– Severe cases have prominent, dense clusters of divots and rippling that are readily visible when standing
In severe instances, the butt or thighs can take on an appearance almost like cobblestone from the dense dimpling.
Who Gets Orange Peel Skin?
Orange peel skin can affect both women and men. However, some factors make it more common:
– Weight gain – Excess fat under the skin causes more prominent dimpling
– Genetics – Cellular structure plays a role. Some people have fat cells that protrude more
– Age – Older skin has less collagen and elasticity to disguise dimpling
– Sun damage – Years of UV exposure degrades supportive skin proteins
– Dehydration – Dryness reduces skin turgor, making dimpling more obvious
– Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy increase risk
– Rapidity of weight loss – Quick fat reduction can leave loose skin prone to dimpling
While orange peel skin isn’t necessarily a sign of poor health, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can help minimize its appearance.
How to Get Rid of Orange Peel Skin
While small genetic factors play a role, there are ways to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin:
Lose Excess Weight
Slimming down reduces fat volume under the skin and deflates fat cells to smooth the skin’s surface. Gradual weight loss allows the skin time to snap back.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water hydrates and plumps up skin cells. Well-hydrated skin has better tone and resiliency to disguise dimpling.
Build Muscle Tone
Adding muscle size in the thighs, bum, and abdomen fills out skin from below to make dimpling less pronounced.
Exfoliate Regularly
Gently sloughing off dead cells improves skin texture and smoothness. This helps reduce the bumpy look.
Use Retinoids
Retinoids increase collagen production in the skin to improve tone and thickness. This supplements sagging skin’s support.
Try Skin-Firming Creams
Look for cellulite creams containing caffeine, retinol, or peptides to tighten and firm up skin. Massaging cream in can also help break up fat deposits.
Get More Exercise
Exercise tones up body muscle while burning excess fat. It also improves circulation to nourish skin and drain fluid.
Consider Professional Treatments
For severe cases, options like laser skin tightening, ultrasound therapy, and subcision can reduce dimpling. These treatments target fat and build collagen. However, results require multiple sessions and proper at-home care.
Home Remedies
Natural home remedies may also improve the appearance of orange peel skin. However, their effects are mild compared to medical treatments. Some options to try:
Dry Brushing
Brushing skin with a dry brush before showering can help slough off dead cells, boost blood flow, and tighten skin. Use light, upward strokes toward the heart.
Massage
Kneading affected areas with oil or lotion increases blood flow and breaks up fat deposits. Any emollient oil like coconut or olive oil works.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Some people find rinsing skin with diluted apple cider vinegar after bathing helps tighten and smooth dimpling.
Clay Masks
Applying masks with clay weekly may draw out excess fluid and tighten skin. Let the clay mask dry before rinsing.
Seaweed Wraps
Like clay masks, seaweed treatments may have a mild temporary tightening effect on the skin’s surface.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water should also be part of any skin care routine. Proper hydration plumps up skin cells for a smoother look.
Prevention
While orange peel skin bothers some more than others, taking preventive measures can help avoid its development:
– Maintain a stable, healthy weight
– Stay hydrated daily
– Use sun protection and moisturizer to care for skin
– Eat a diet rich in collagen-boosting nutrients
– Reduce rapid weight loss practices like crash dieting
– Build muscle tone through strength training
– Manage conditions like chronic dehydration or obesity
– Use retinoids and alpha hydroxy acid products to increase cell turnover
When to Seek Professional Treatment
Most cases of orange peel skin come down to cosmetic annoyance over appearance. However, in some instances a doctor visit is warranted:
– Suspected underlying medical issue causing skin changes, like lymphedema or lipedema
– Rapid onset of dimpling with no clear cause
– Continued worsening of skin texture over time
– Changes in sensation in affected skin areas
– Orange peel skin accompanied by significant weight gain or swelling
– No improvement despite diligent efforts at home
A doctor can evaluate whether an underlying condition contributes to orange peel skin. Based on exam findings, they may recommend advanced cosmetic procedures for treatment.
The Takeaway
Orange peel skin is a common cosmetic skin concern, especially for women. It occurs due to enlarged fat cells pushing up on the skin’s surface. Areas like the thighs, buttocks, and stomach are most often affected. While genetics play a role, factors like weight gain, aging, and sun damage contribute.
There are many ways to improve the appearance of orange peel skin texture at home, from diet and lifestyle changes to skin care products. In-office procedures are also an option for more stubborn cases. With consistent care, most people find the dimpled look of orange peel skin can smooth out over time.
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Weight gain | Fat cell expansion leads to protrusion against skin. |
| Loss of collagen | Skin loses support and elasticity. |
| Dehydration | Reduced skin turgor reveals dimpling. |
| Sun damage | Collagen and elastin degradation impair skin texture. |
| Genetics | Some people have fat cells prone to protruding upward. |
| Severity | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Mild | Sparse, shallow divots visible upon close inspection. |
| Moderate | Noticeable dimpling and bumpiness when standing. |
| Severe | Dense clusters of divots readily visible when standing. |
| Treatment | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Weight loss | Reduces fat volume under the skin. |
| Hydration | Plumps and tones skin. |
| Muscle toning | Fills out skin from below. |
| Exfoliation | Smooths and improves skin texture. |
| Retinoids | Boosts collagen production. |
| Firming creams | Tightens and firms up skin. |
| Exercise | Burns fat and tones muscle. |
| Procedures | Lasers, ultrasound, subcision target fat and skin. |