Feeling self-conscious about cellulite? We spoke to a dermatology expert to find out how to treat cellulite at home and which treatments work best.
First things first, don’t be self-conscious. This orange-peel-like skin is totally normal. Studies show that about 90% of women will experience cellulite in their life, and it can be usually found on your thighs, buttocks and belly.
However, if you are keen to reduce the appearance of cellulite, there are a few things you can do. We spoke to consultant dermatologist Dr Penelope Tympanidis, from Harley Street’s Dermaperfect, to find out more…
Why do we get cellulite?
Cellulite often starts in our teenage years and is caused by fat cells bulging through the connective tissue, which creates a rippling effect. As the skin on your thighs gets thinner over time, it gives less support, which makes the dimples look more obvious.
Ageing isn’t the only cause though – gaining weight, genetics, or a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute, and your gender can play a role too. Women are more likely to have cellulite than men, as men have lower amounts of estrogen in the body.
Ask any woman and she’ll probably tell you there’s an area of her body that’s affected by cellulite, but some people suffer the condition more than others. Dr Tympanidis says: “Heredity, hormones, lifestyle and nutrition are some of the big factors to take into account. Some women might present one or more causative factors and therefore may be more affected.”
Three grades evaluate how serious your cellulite is. According to the cellulite severity scale, the mildest condition is when you have an orange-peel appearance, while deeper pocks indicate that your cellulite is on the more severe side.
Can you get rid of cellulite?
Unfortunately, researchers and doctors have not identified a cure for cellulite or a treatment that may permanently reverse the effects. No matter how serious your cellulite is, it is impossible to ‘cure’, says Dr Tympanidis.
“Our bodies are very dynamic and changes according to menstrual cycles, nutrition and lifestyle. Even if cellulite is treated successfully, it might reappear gradually.”
How to reduce the appearance of cellulite?
The good news is that even though cellulite is not curable, it is still treatable, and you can take steps to reduce its appearance. A healthy lifestyle should be your first port of call. Tympanidis suggests exercising regularly; doing aerobic exercise such as walking fast, cycling or running at least twice a week is helpful.
A balanced diet is also essential, and Tympanidis warns that alcohol and sugar should be avoided.
When it comes to treatments, massage and dry brushing can stimulate the lymphatic system, boosting circulation and elasticity, and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Dr Tympanidis suggests consulting a dermatologist about topical fat treatments such as mesotherapy, which involves injecting substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes into the tissue just beneath the skin. Or you could try cryolipolysis; a non-invasive body contouring treatment used to reduce fat cell volume by freezing.
Other kinds of cosmetic procedures can help treat your cellulite too. Both laser therapy and the acoustic therapy use light waves or sound waves and pulses respectively to break down fat while bolstering the skin’s elasticity.
Dr Tympanidis also suggests subcision, a relatively more invasive therapy used for treating depressed cutaneous scars and wrinkles.
Want a simpler and cheaper method? Try using creams and lotions that contain retinol – also known as vitamin A – twice a day. Just like the creams you put on your face, retinol can make the skin on your thighs or buttocks look firmer and smoother. Word of warning though: It’s wise to take any claims that creams can cure your cellulite or dissolve fat with a pinch of salt.
The most efficient way to reduce your cellulite before summer arrives, according to Tympanidis, is to combine all of the methods mentioned above (where possible). She says: “The more causative factors you address, the better. This means rectify hormonal imbalances, nutrition, lifestyle and apply topical treatments such as cryolipolysis. If you’re still concerned about the appearance of your cellulite, you could then look into fat-melting injections and other cosmetic procedures.”
Professional treatments for cellulite
If you aren’t confident in trying cellulite treatments at home, Christopher Zachary, professor of dermatology at the University of California, Irvine recommends the following professional treatments.
Laser treatment
Cellulaze laser treatment is a procedure where a laser’s energy is used to break up tough bands of tissue beneath the skin. It is these bands that cause us to see cellulite.
In Zachary’s opinion, this is a fairly effective solution. He says: “This is a relatively intensive procedure compared with many others, and might only provide modest results… although one might see a reduction in the appearance of cellulite. However, some dimpling usually returns.”
Zachary calls it one of the more extreme cellulite treatments, requiring several sessions to achieve a reduction.
Cellfina
Cellfina is a vacuum-assisted device that a dermatologist uses to insert a needle underneath the skin to break up these tough bands we’ve mentioned.
“This process is called subcision and is currently the best method for reducing deeper, more obvious cellulite,” explains Zachary.
For Zachary, this is one of the more effective procedures for eliminating cellulite. He says it can last for two years, possibly beyond, and as such, is one of the longer-term remedies.
Acoustic wave therapy
With this method, acoustic pulses vibrate your tissue to firm up and smooth skin.
Zachary says: “This treatment might provide temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite. However, several sessions are needed to see a reduction, and this is never permanent.”
Cellulite treatments at home
From simple tools to high-tech gadgets, here are six cellulite treatments to try at home.
1. The Fascia Cellulite Blaster Remover tool
The Fityle Fascia Cellulite Blasters is a strange-looking tool covered with a series of claws that open the fascia. This is the connective tissue that envelopes and surrounds our muscles. It breaks up ‘adhesions’, which can cause numerous problems, including cellulite. You can buy Fityle Fascia Cellulite Blaster Remover on Amazon.
‘Scrubbing’ the F Fityle Fascia Cellulite Blaster Remover over problem areas is shown to reduce dimpling. Don’t be alarmed if it causes bruising – that means it’s working.
- increase and reduce the risk of injury.
- Provide deep tissue ; Decompose tight tissue and cells deeply and quickly
- Full-body roller rod; suitable for neck, arms, legs, calves, thighs, shoulders, back, waist and feet
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Elfirly Anti Cellulite Massager Fascia and Muscle Roller Fat Blasting tool
Alternatively, try this fascia and muscle roller to promote blood circulation and tissue recovery, and help relax muscles.
- Apply to Multi Body Parts - The mini anti cellulite roller applies to neck, arms, back, waist, thighs, legs and feet. It can also target specific trigger points.
- Muscle Release - Aim at pressure points to stimulate blood circulation and promote tissue recovery, can be used as a mini fascia and cellulite roller, giving you a deep tissue massage experience.
- Ergonomic Design - The grip of the cellulite massager, which is comfort and easy to hold, can roll over your body easily and help to ease muscle pain.
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Beurer cellulite massager
If you’re looking to replicate the type of deep tissue massage you’d receive in a spa or clinic, this palm-sized device makes self-massage easy. It delivers a deep, effective massage that promotes blood circulation and improves lymphatic build-up.
It comes with a thick strap that slides over your hand to rest on your knuckle, allowing you to guide it over your skin for a massaging effect with the rollers. It needs to be plugged into the mains to be operated and has two levels of intensity to choose from.
- ROLLER MASSAGE: Roll the kneading wheels over problem areas for a deep tissue massage to improve our skin's elasticity
- VIBRATION MASSAGE: Reduces fatty deposits which cause unsightly bumps and unevenness under the skin
- SMOOTHER SKIN: Boosts collagen production to keep skin plumped and minimise the appearance of 'orange peel' skin
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Sensica Sensifirm Cellulite and Body Contouring Machine
Handheld and portable, this anti-cellulite massager promises a dramatic improvement in cellulite appearance to reveal tighter, smoother, more even skin. Using the base gel provided, all you need is just 10 minutes weekly.
The device has four electrodes that use RF technology to massage your skin with radio waves that reach deep into the skin’s layers. According to the manufacturer, this creates a deep thermal effect activating collagen production while decreasing the volume of fat cells and repairing the damage deep within the skin which causes cellulite.
- UNSIGHTLY CELLULITE DEPOSITS? - Sensica brings you Sensifirm, our revolutionary professional-grade body firming and cellulite targeting device for home use. Our anti-cellulite massager promises...
- CONVENIENT, SAFE AND CLINICALLY PROVEN – Approved cellulite device cleared for home use. Non-invasive, painless, and quiet, with a double safety mechanism, our anti-cellulite is safe and most...
- UNIQUE DUAL ACTION PROCESS - Our Lipotherm RF technology combines 4 large electrodes which deliver RF while massaging your skin with radio waves that reach deep into the skin’s layers. This creates...
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Dry brushing
Dry brushing is by far the most widely known method for tackling cellulite. The idea behind it is that daily body brushing, in circular motions, both exfoliates the skin to smooth the surface and boosts circulation to help eliminate toxins.
By far the cheapest at-home cellulite treatment is dry brushing, which should be done in slow, circular motions two or three times a week before you shower. Although one of our experts above was sceptical about this technique, lots of women swear by this. We love this natural body brush, available on Amazon.
- To get a perfectly exfoliated skin , get rid of old or dead cells,promote blood circulation, increase lymphatic drainage , get daily detox, you need to take a look at our product . It helps you reveal...
- The product is made of 100% high-quality natural boar bristle and real moso bamboo, soft , steady, you will feel like as if you were in the forest, breathing fresh air ,touching plants.
- Consider it also to be a relax process that can be done anywhere, at anytime. The product is no big than one hand ,you can use it at home or on your vacation /business trip. Using it during the bath ,...
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Not only do the bristles exfoliate the surface of the skin, but the pressure also helps to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Follow your brushing with E’lifexir’s Bodylift anti-cellulite cream, which gets rave reviews.
- e'lifexir Natural Beauty Bodylift Anti-Cellulite & Lifting Cream helps to improve skin texture
- Targets early & stubborn cellulite
- Suitable for Vegans
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. The ultrasonic tool
The Assome! massager combines ultrasonic vibrations and high-frequency radio waves to target cellulite beneath the skin’s surface. An easy cellulite treatment to do at home, but higher up the budget scale, this is a proper tool to get your hands on.
- Remove cellulite at home like a professional
- Assome! penetrates deep under your skin to reach deep under your skin
- LIFT AND FIRM WITH RADIOFREQUENCY
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The tool, which should be massaged over cellulite-prone areas for five minutes three times a week, also improves skin’s appearance with red and blue light. The Ultrasonic Serum it comes with uses xymenynic acid to reduce that orange peel texture.
7. Cupping
Another form of massage, cupping uses suction to mimic the pinching and rolling movements a massage therapist would make. This is an easy cellulite treatment you can try at home, and it’s not too expensive either.
Apply an anti-cellulite gel or oil first, then squeeze the sides of the rubber cup, place it over your skin then release and drag the cup along, moving vertically, then horizontally, and finally in a zig-zag motion. We recommend ELERA Professional Chinese Massage Cups.
- PAIN RELIEF&RELAXATION- Due to cupping softening the tissue with the applied pressure to the ares of swelling,increase the blood flow which will allow for essential nutrients as well as oxygen to get...
- ANTI-AGING EFFECT - Your circulation slows down as you age,but cupping improves circulation,allowing more essential nutrients and oxygen to get your skin.
- SUIT FOR ANY AREA- The big cups are suitable for the shoulder, back, stomach and some area are large; and the small ones are suitable for head, face, joint and some area are small
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For optimum cellulite-busting results, cupping should be done three or four times a week for between five and 10 minutes.
Use with an oil such as Elemis Cellutox Active Body Oil.
- Elemis - cellutox active body oil - 100 ml/3.4 oz
- Sea buckthorn and sea fennel extracts, with lemon and juniper esstential oils can be used as part of a body cleansing programme
- ELEMIS-508761
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You may be interested in…
Best-selling cellulite massagers
Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!
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- We recommend using the massager with massage oil. If you have sensitive skin, you may also use the massager whilst wearing leggings. A wooden massager must not be cleaned with water. Clean it with a...
- Wooden massage roller helps you fight unpleasant fat deposits and remove unappealing appearance of orange skin. It helps improve blood circulation, shapes the muscles and smooths out the skin. With a...
- Massage tool is used in maderotherapy (madero – wood), which is a completely natural and special technique which stimulates the lymphatic drainage and consequently helps eliminate cellulite, while...
- 💕 Amazing Results - Shower Brush helps with removing dead skin without using body scrubs, doesn't irritate your skin, and leaves your skin looking more smoother, glowing, and soft. Big improvement...
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- 🐖 Natural and Just Perfect - Bath Body Brush is made of real BOAR bristles, which are just stiff enough to increase circulation and really smooth out the skin but not too rough to scratch your...
- As a natural bodily response to the treatment, bruises may appear in the treated areas. This is a normal sign of effectiveness, and the bruises disappear within a few days. However, it is recommended...
- Manual cellulite massager made in Italy against cellulite blemishes. The invention of cellulite massager roller features pairs of converged rollers that lift and tighten the part with a "pinching" and...
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- 【Professional Cellulite Massager】 Our cellulite massager has everything ready for you to use it safely and smoothly to get the best experience: Cellulite massager, 8 interchangeable massage heads,...
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- 【The Ultimate Experience】 The Cellulite Hand Massager is a gift for anyone who needs an electric cellulite massager. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to grip and massage without fatigue. Our...
Last update on 2023-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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