| Women Have Different Bands: X-Shaped Bands Fibrous bands bind the skin to deeper tissues such as fascia or muscle. In men, these bands run perpendicular to the skin. But in women, these fibers are crosses, like Xs. A good way to envision this is to picture a whole series of Xs under the skin. The part of the X that is attached to the skin traps fat. The fat can’t go anywhere, and pushes up on the skin. But those two little bands are tough and won’t stretch. They then pull the skin down and have a tufting effect on the skin and the fat. (Related article: How to delay cellulite?) Another way to look at this is there is a 23-day cycle of birth, growth and death that begins in the dermis (or lower layer of the skin). When new cells are born, they are round and filled with fluid. As they make their way toward the surface of the skin, they lose fluid, becoming more elongated and flat. Once the cells reach the outer layer of the skin, they fall off as a result of washing, rubbing etc. Now as I mentioned above, the dermis consists of very elastic fibers. Remember, they are shaped like Xs in women. These fibers give the skin resilience or bounce. Within these fibers are the glands which produce sebum, which is a fatty substance secreted from the sebaceous glands. Most of these glands open into hair follicles. (Related: Reduce cellulite by losing weight) These glands also produce the body’s moisturizer, sweat glands, blood vessels, and nerve endings. Each of them is dependent on a healthy dermis functioning properly. When a build up of dead cells clogs the dermis and sweat becomes trapped beneath the skin this causes the accumulation of fat, thus bulging occurs beneath the skin. (Related article: Skin care using natural products) Next article: Why don't men have cellulite? Fact and fiction about cellulite Related: Dealing with plastic surgery through cosmetic surgery Celebrities cellulite | 