Why Cellulite Is Normal: A Self-Love Advocate’s Perspective
We asked Bella, a body-image and self-care influencer on social media, to share her thoughts on society’s beauty standards and how women are made to feel flawed. This is what she had to say.
Q&A: Bella on Body Image and Cellulite
How did society influence your perception of your body?
I used to hide my cellulite. I used to want to remove it. I used to use creams and lotions to get rid of it. I used to cover my legs with a towel as I walked down the beach. I used to excessively exercise to make it go away. I used to bawl my eyes out every time I caught a glimpse of my legs in the mirror. I used to be consumed by the thoughts and views of society. I thought I was flawed, ugly and disgusting.
How do you feel about cellulite now?
I don’t have to angle, flex, or distort my body in order to show my cellulite. I always have cellulite. I can’t hide it when I want to. It is a part of who I am. This is my reality. This is most people’s reality. This is my normal. So stop telling women that cellulite is not normal!
Now when I look at my cellulite I see it for what it truly is. Beauty. Love. Acceptable. Normality. Strength. Self-love.
What message do you have for other women about body acceptance?
You should not be ashamed of your cellulite! It doesn’t matter your weight, size, or shape—we all have cellulite. It doesn’t matter if people have more or less than you, cellulite is normal. I’m sick of hearing cellulite being labeled as a “flaw.” How can something that over 95% of women have be a flaw!
This is my body. It is not a flawed body. It is just a body. Skin doesn’t need smoothing. Skin is supposed to be textured. Lumps and bumps don’t need removing. They make me unique. Stop hating your body and obsessing over every little bump, roll, lump, fat, mark, and scar. All the things you hate about yourself are things we all have! Your body is perfect! Your cellulite is beautiful. Your body doesn’t need changing, society does!
How does being a body image influencer, influence your perspective?
Being a woman has taught me to embrace my natural body fully, including my cellulite. I no longer hide, I no longer apologize for my curves, and I feel empowered knowing my body represents real beauty for all women.
For more inspiration from Bella Davis, follow her on Instagram: @BellaDavis
