What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a skin condition caused by dimpling and indentations, creating a bumpy, uneven skin texture. It results from the buildup of fat that presses against the connective tissue below the skin.
It mostly forms around the thighs, hips, and buttocks, where there is higher fat storage. If you have cellulite, the surface of your skin will have a lumpy, dented appearance.
How Common Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a very common condition. Research shows that 80%-90% of women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) after puberty are affected by cellulite.
It can affect women of all ethnicities, races, and sizes, but Caucasian women are more prone to cellulite than African and Asian American women. It typically starts between the ages of 20 and 30 but can develop at any age post-puberty.
Cellulite in men and people assigned male at birth is much less common, affecting less than 10%.
What Causes Cellulite?
The exact cause of cellulite remains unknown, but research has shown some possible reasons.
Cellulite occurs when connective bands between your skin and muscle tighten in an abnormal way. As a result, the fat under your skin pushes up and the surface of your skin is pulled down.
Cellulite is more common in women than in men, but it isn't clear why. One idea suggests that it is due to the differences in connective tissue, which is crisscrossed in men but runs parallel in women. The parallel bands in women may make it easier for puckering to show up on the skin’s surface.
Aging may also play a role, as the elastin and collagen of the skin reduce over time. It can lead fat to get bigger and cause layers of fat under the skin to be unbalanced.
Cellulite can also be caused by the hormone estrogen, as it happens more often during puberty or pregnancy.
Cellulite Risk Factors
You can have cellulite regardless of your body weight. Even people who are very physically fit can have cellulite.
While it's a harmless condition, several risk factors may add to how likely you are to develop it. These include certain lifestyle habits, such as:
Unhealthy diet. A diet high in carbs, salt, and fats may raise your risk for cellulite.
Drinking a lot of alcohol. Drinking excessive alcohol can promote an increased amount of fat storage in the body.
Slow metabolism. A slow metabolism, frequently linked to insulin resistance and hypothyroidism, can lead to increased buildup of fat and fluid in areas prone to cellulite.
Lack of physical activity. Little to no exercise may cause weight gain, low blood circulation, and increased fat. This can slow down the growth of muscle mass and lead to the appearance of cellulite.
Sudden weight changes. Weight gain can make cellulite look more visible as fat cells increase in size. Sudden weight loss can cause loose skin, making cellulite appear more noticeable.
Dehydration. Not drinking enough water can lead to cellulite by affecting your skin’s elasticity and texture.
Total body fat. An increase in total body fat can lead to a raised risk of cellulite.
Genetics. The risk of developing cellulite is largely shaped by genetics, affecting fat distribution and skin texture. This also means that you can be affected regardless of your body weight.
Pregnancy. During pregnancy, estrogen levels are higher than normal, which causes greater fat buildup in areas prone to cellulite, such as the thighs and buttocks. It can also appear due to weight gain and stretching of the skin from pregnancy.
Cellulite Symptoms
Cellulite appears as a bumpy, puckered, or dimpled texture on the surface of the skin. You may be able to see it all the time, or only when you squeeze your skin together.
While cellulite causes no physical pain, its appearance can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and distress which can cause many people to seek treatment like minimally invasive procedures for the condition.
The Nürnberger-Müller scale categorizes cellulite based on the visual appearance of dimpling and through a pinch test.
The severity of cellulite is described into four grades:
| Grade 0 | There is no cellulite on your body, when at rest and standing up. |
| Grade 1 | The skin is smooth while at rest, but dimpling appears when pinched. |
| Grade 2 | The skin is smooth while at rest, but dimpling appears when standing up. |
| Grade 3 | Severe dimpling of the skin occurs while at rest and when standing. |
Cellulite Treatment
You don’t have to take action against treating cellulite, but there are ways to try to minimize its appearance.
Topical products for cellulite
There are a variety of creams and gels used for the treatment of cellulite, including those that contain ingredients such as retinol and caffeine. Retinol works to thicken skin and increase collagen growth, while caffeine helps break down fat and improve blood circulation. Some studies suggest that these ingredients can help with cellulite, but results are weak and tend to be short-lived.
While certain topical products can help boost collagen for tighter skin, they aren't usually effective. Cellulite demands a more involved repositioning of fat, connective tissue, and collagen, which a cream can't do.
It’s also important to note that none of these topical products are FDA-approved. Be cautious of any miracle creams or gels that say they can remove cellulite, as these claims tend to be false.
Oral supplements
A wide range of oral supplements, such as extracts of Ginkgo biloba, Vitis vinifera, and fish oil, may help improve the appearance of cellulite due to their antioxidant properties. Aronia juice may help lessen the appearance of cellulite by increasing the collagen and elastin your body produces.
The evidence supporting the effectiveness of these oral supplements is limited, and none have been approved by the FDA.
Massage
Techniques such as special massage methods are one of the oldest ways to treat cellulite, typically using vacuum suctions or rollers to massage the skin and fat below. Some people have claimed there are positive results but they're only temporary. Manual massages are rarely used in clinical treatment.
Endermologie is a more common FDA-approved massage treatment for cellulite. It uses combined positive and negative pressure and vacuum suction to reposition fat tissue cells. Research shows that 15 sessions, twice a week, each lasting 35-40 minutes, can greatly improve the appearance of cellulite. The long-term effects of this treatment remain unknown.
Acoustic wave therapy
A handheld device, called a transducer, is run over the treatment area with a topical gel. Cellulite is broken up by the sound waves sent through your skin by the transducer. Several sessions are needed to see reduced cellulite.
Laser treatments
Light and laser therapy used for cellulite treatment uses thermal energy on a specific area of your skin. This stimulates collagen growth and improves blood circulation. The effectiveness of these therapies is mixed. Studies have shown some laser treatments to improve the look of cellulite; however, the number of sessions needed and the lack of long-lasting results limit the benefits of the treatment.
One popular FDA-approved laser treatment is Cellulaze. If your doctor recommends this treatment, they will inject a numbing solution into the area. They will then put a laser under your skin to break up the bands beneath your skin that cause the appearance of cellulite. This procedure can also thicken your skin, further helping with skin dimpling. This treatment can last up to a year or longer; however, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Subcision
Subcision is a surgical procedure to treat cellulite that involves cutting the fibrous strands that connect the skin and fat, improving the smoothness of your skin.
There are many methods used for subcision, including manual subcision, which uses a needle, and newer options such as laser-assisted and vacuum-assisted subcision, which are more targeted treatments of cellulite.
Other forms of subcision include:
Chemical subcision. Chemical subcision involves injecting an enzyme that breaks down collagen in the fibrous bands.
Acoustic subcision. This form of subcision uses quick sound waves to change the fibrous bands to regain smooth skin.
Tissue stabilized-guided subcision. Also known as Cellfina, this process involves an FDA-approved handheld device that uses a needle to get to the bands beneath your skin that cause skin dimpling. Studies show that this type of subcision can last 2 years or longer.
Each of these subcision techniques can improve the appearance of cellulite, though some may have side effects such as temporary pain or bruising.
Cellulite Treatments to Avoid
There are many treatments that are not recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association for the treatment of cellulite, such as:
Injectables
Some doctors inject chemicals into the fat layer below the skin to encourage breakdown and make cellulite less noticeable. This procedure is often called mesotherapy. The chemicals used include caffeine, hormones, herbal extracts, and enzymes. There’s little proof these treatments help. Most doctors don’t recommend the procedure because there’s a risk of infection, swelling, rashes, and lumpy skin.
Liposuction
This fat removal procedure is often used on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. However, it can actually make the dimpled fat left behind look worse. Adding laser treatment to liposuction may be effective, but more research is needed.
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis is a procedure that freezes unwanted fat, mainly focusing on the removal of fat and body shaping. It's effective for targeting minor areas of fat but not for getting rid of cellulite.
Home Remedies for Cellulite
If you're looking for a mild, budget-friendly way to improve the look of cellulite, home remedies may be a great option. These remedies may help reduce the appearance of skin texture and create a smoother look.
Exercise
Cellulite can affect people of all sizes. if you are not at a healthy weight, an effective approach may be to shed weight and tone your body. Focus on including a healthy balance of exercise in your weekly routine. Cellulite can be flattened from regular exercise and muscle gain. Exercising doesn’t get rid of cellulite, but it can improve the skin’s texture and improve the look of it.
Dry brushing
Dry brushing involves the use of a stiff-bristled brush to massage the skin, which temporarily causes skin swelling from elevated blood flow. Although some people say this helps improve cellulite, there is no evidence to support this claim. Any improvement from dry brushing is likely to be temporary from the swelling of the skin.
Cellulite massager
Handheld massagers, cellulite rollers, and foam rollers are often used by many people, in an attempt to reduce the appearance of cellulite. No evidence suggests that these methods lead to lasting improvements.
Weight loss
Excess weight can increase the appearance of cellulite. By shedding some pounds and maintaining a healthy weight, you may be able to lower the visibility of dimpling. That said, it’s important to note that losing weight can cause loose skin and make cellulite appear more noticeable.
Physical activities such as running, resistance training, and biking can be effective in weight loss through building muscle mass, which helps smooth the look of cellulite and strengthen blood circulation.
Hydration
Staying hydrated and maintaining a well-balanced skin care routine are essential for skin health and elasticity. When you prioritize hydration, you can improve your skin’s surface. This could lessen the visibility of cellulite and boost your confidence.
How to Prevent Cellulite
While you can’t completely prevent cellulite formation, you can lower your risk by:
- Exercising regularly to target a healthy weight
- Choosing healthy options that are low in fats, preservatives, and carbohydrates
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration
- Taking oral supplements such as Ginkgo biloba, Vitis vinifera, and fish oil. Although these supplements aren't FDA-approved, some studies have shown improvement in the appearance of cellulite with supplements such as oral collagen. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement.
Takeaways
Cellulite is a common condition that affects about 80%-90% of women after puberty, especially white women. It can be caused by a wide range of factors, such as genetics, aging, hormones, and lifestyle choices like exercise and dietary habits. You can recognize cellulite by its dented, dimpled texture, which is mostly a cosmetic concern. While there are options for treatment, ranging from topical creams to medical procedures, they're not guaranteed to offer permanent results. It’s unlikely that you can get rid of cellulite, but a healthy balanced lifestyle can help minimize the dimpling on your skin.
Cellulite FAQs
How to get rid of cellulite at home
You can't get rid of cellulite at home, but there are ways to improve its appearance, including regular exercise and staying hydrated. You can also try using cellulite massagers and dry brushing to keep your skin feeling smooth and healthy.
Will cellulite go away with weight loss?
It is not guaranteed that weight loss will get rid of cellulite but can reduce its appearance and improve your skin’s overall texture. In some cases, losing weight can make cellulite look more visible.
How do you know if you have cellulite?
You can find out if you have cellulite by checking for any indentations or dimpled textures, mainly when you are standing, sitting, or pinching your skin. Check the areas prone to cellulite, such as thighs, buttocks, and hips.
Does cellulite look different on different skin tones?
Cellulite tends to look less visible on darker skin tones, while lighter skin tones are more prone to the appearance of it.
How to prevent cellulite on thighs
You may be able to reduce the appearance of cellulite on your thighs by exercising to build muscle and lessen fat, which can make your skin appear visibly smoother. You can also try using massagers, retinol creams, or lotions.
