What, exactly, are we dealing with? Bowe breaks it down like this: Cellulite is what happens when pockets of fat push up against the connective tissues underneath our skin. Think of what happens when you press your hand onto a tennis racket or squeeze into a pair of too-small fishnets. Not pretty. Why don't we see just as many men with cellulite? For the same reason we women tend to have wider hips and feel drunk faster: genetics. "Women have thinner skin tissue and subcutaneous (underneath the skin) fat distribution patterns that makes dimpling both more likely and more pronounced," Rowe says.

Thanks to genetics, it also means if Mom has it, there's a good chance you will too. Then there's the hormonal changes that come with birth control and pregnancy. This can lead to estrogen imbalances that weaken connective tissues and encourage even more dimpling. Factor in the loose skin and weight gain that often accompany aging and it seems almost impossible to escape cottage cheese thighs.

Sadly, there's no cure for cellulite, but you can camouflage it and possibly prevent more from forming. Here's how.

One of the easiest temporary fixes for cellulite is something you may already be using: self tanner. Although cellulite is a texture issue, it's much less noticeable on darker skin. Before you slip into your bikini, apply a self tanner like ULTA Instant Bronze Sunless Tanning, $12.99, to disguise dimples in a snap. To build a more gradual tan over the summer, try Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner and Bronzer, $36, a bronzer and tanner in one that slowly builds into a tanner over three days.

Body makeup, like M.A.C. Face & Body Foundation, $28, can also do the trick. Aim for a shade that's slightly darker than your skin tone and be sure to apply all over -- not just in one area. Blend, and top it off with a setting powder to keep everything in place.

Cellulite is just another form of fat, so you shouldn't treat it any differently than you would a muffin top. Aim for 30 minutes of cardio, and don't shy away from strength training. According to Bowe, the more muscle definition a woman has, the less visible her cellulite. When you work your muscles, you also strengthen the elasticity of your connective tissues, which can help prevent additional cellulite formation.

Whenever exercise is involved, a healthy diet isn't far behind. Fight fat and cellulite by giving your eating habits a makeover. Load up on your fruits, veggies and fiber, and try to cut out refined grain products, like white rice and white bread; focus on whole grains instead. Watch your sugar intake to avoid storing even more fat, and stay away from high-sodium foods to avoid bloating. Staying hydrated will also help prevent water retention while boosting your metabolism and encouraging weight loss.

Before you break the bank on miracle creams that claim to completely delete cellulite from your life, remember: there is no cure. Still, cellulite creams can temporarily make your skin look smoother. Bowe recommends keeping an eye out for caffeine on the list of ingredients. Studies have shown that topical caffeine can temporarily shrink fat cells, and narrow blood vessels to remove water from the skin for a tightening effect.

Try BioElixia BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème, $59, or antioxidant-packed Shea Moisture Complex Body Lotion, $9.99, for a fruity summer refresher. If a dream cream is more your thing, slather on Lierac Body-Slim Night, $59, before you hit the hay.