Cellulite: 76 frequently asked questions answered

Fast, expert answers to 76 frequently asked questions about cellulite

You asked it, we answered it. The following questions about cellulite got straight and to-the-point answers, with no fluff and no embellishments, for your benefit. Enjoy!

What causes cellulite on thighs?

(What contributes to cellulite?)

The same things that cause cellulite anywhere else in the body:

• Inactivity

• Too much sugar

• Too many calories in general

• The contraceptive pill

• Smoking

• Fried food / Trans fats

• Lack of protein in the diet

• Alcohol

• BPA and plastics

• And a few other lesser factors.

• Plus genetics of course.

What is the best cure for cellulite?

(How do you beat cellulite? How can I improve cellulite? How can I reduce cellulite? How do you get rid of cellulite on your thighs and bum? Does anything help cellulite? What is best for cellulite removal? What is the best way to get rid of cellulite? What helps with cellulite on legs? How do you dissolve cellulite? How do you fight cellulite on your legs? How can I reduce cellulite on my legs?)

First of all there is no “cure”, i.e. in most cases cellulite can be reduced, but not eliminated.

The best ways to reduce cellulite are healthy living (less of what causes cellulite, as described above), plus any of the below, in order of importance: high-power, deep-tissue radiofrequency treatment; strong ultrasonic cavitation; cellulite specific massage; and perhaps pressotherapy.

Any other techniques/technologies do not really work; are not safe; do not make sense financially.

What's the best cellulite treatment?

(What is the best treatment for cellulite? Is there any treatment for cellulite? What treatments get rid of cellulite? What is the best cellulite removal procedure? What is the best treatment for cellulite on your legs? What procedures get rid of cellulite?)

As explained above, the best cellulite treatments are, in order of importance: high-power, deep-tissue radiofrequency treatment; strong ultrasonic cavitation; and cellulite specific massage; and perhaps pressotherapy.

A highly concentrated cellulite cream with multiple active ingredients should help to.

Any other techniques/technologies do not really work; are not safe; do not make sense financially.

Does cupping get rid of cellulite?

(Does cupping work for cellulite? Does cupping for cellulite work?)

Cupping does not stimulate fat release or skin tightening, so it wouldn’t contribute much to cellulite reduction.

In fact the suction used for cupping is detrimental for both skin firmness (it loosens up the skin) and the capillaries (it causes spider veins).

Plus it causes severe bruin. The little and TEMPORARY benefit you get in terms of circulation improvement and inflammation reduction (after the bruises subside) is not enough to do “get rid of cellulite”.

Does liposuction remove cellulite?

(Does liposuction get rid of cellulite?)

Of course not. Cellulite is hypodermal fat, i.e. fat WITHIN the skin. Liposuction removes subcutaneous fat, i.e. fat UNDER the skin.

In fact, due to skin being left loose after liposuction (Imagine a deflated balloon that looks puckered), cellulite actually APPEARS worse after liposuction.

How do you surgically remove cellulite?

(What surgery gets rid of cellulite?)

Good luck with that. There are three surgical techniques for cellulite, all of which typically cause more problems than they solve: subcision, laser assisted subcision and laser assisted skin coagulation.

The former and second quite often leave skin loose. The latter quite often leaves skin scarred.

If I had cellulite I would never choose any of them. With the same money (~£5,000 in the UK) I would rather have 30 strong radio frequency sessions or just stay with the cellulite.

Can lipo make cellulite worse?

Yup. As explained above, cellulite appears worse after lipo, due to the entire skin also appearing looser.

Can CoolSculpting get rid of cellulite?

(Does CoolSculpting help with cellulite on thighs? Does CoolSculpting get rid of cellulite on legs? Is CoolSculpting good for cellulite?)

Nope. Coolsculpting / fat freezing, when it “works”, removes subcutaneous fat, but never cellulite.

Does Cellulite ever go away?

(Can cellulite be treated? Does cellulite go away? Can Cellulite be reduced?)

If it’s very little and/or new, yes it does.

If it has been there for a few years or if it is substantial, it can be reduced, but it can not be eliminated.

How do you get rid of cellulite on your legs fast?

(How can I reduce the appearance of cellulite fast?)

First off, stop doing the things that caused cellulite, as described above, e.g. sugar, sedentary living, the contraceptive pill etc.

Instead do some green juicing, uphill interval running, powerplate training, hot/cold showers, strong massage on your legs and apply a concentrated cellulite cream.

And, treatment-wise, have some strong, deep tissue radio frequency / cavitation / cellulite-specific massage treatments.

Will squats get rid of cellulite?

(Can squats get rid of cellulite?)

Nope. For two reasons: in most cases you cannot “rid” of cellulite; and squats, although being a great butt lifting exercise, will never have a topical effect on cellulite or local fat.

Spot fat reduction or cellulite reduction does not exist.

Does coconut oil get rid of cellulite? ⭐️

Nope. Coconut oil is pure fat and contains 9 calories of fat per gram.

Eating will make you fatter and more cellulite-y. Applying it on your legs will make your skin softer and more hydrated and that’s it.

No cellulite reduction effect with fats and butters. Sorry.

Does dry brushing get rid of cellulite? ⭐️

(Does dry brushing help cellulite?)

Obviously not. Dry brushing scrubs away the very, very superficial dead skin cells.

Cellulite affects the deepest layer of the skin. To reach those cells with dry brushing you will have to bleed first from all the dry brushing.

Never not a good idea.

Can you lose cellulite in 2 weeks?

Yes, some, but not hold your breath about results in only two weeks. By reducing water retention you can make your legs look less puffy, and therefore less cellulite-y.

But cellulite fat reduction, skin tightening, fibrosis reduction and long-term circulation improvement takes weeks and months, not minutes and days.

As cellulite takes years to develop, it will take months to be properly reduced.

Does weight loss get rid of cellulite?

Reduce cellulite? Yes, of course. Anything that reduces fat, including cellulite fat, helps.

Get rid of cellulite? Not really, as everyone knows from experience.

How often should you dry brush for cellulite?

Never. It doesn’t work. It’s only good for magazine articles every spring. See above.

How effective is dry brushing for cellulite?

Not at all. See above.

Can CoolSculpting help cellulite?

Not at all. See above.

Should you dry brush everyday?

If you like to damage your skin, please feel free.

The surface of your skin is there for a reason: to protect you from external stresses. By removing it every day, you expose yourself to sensitive skin, irritation and allergies.

Unfortunately not all that you read in magazines makes sense.

Oh, and don’t expect any cellulite reduction, as explained above.

Does running get rid of cellulite?

It really helps reduce cellulite, but may not be enough to substantially reduce cellulite in some women.

But in most cases you can not get rid of cellulite, as previously discussed.

How do you massage cellulite at home?

Put a very small amount of oil or cream. Skin should not be slippery at all, but not dry either. Some mild “slip” is enough. Knead your skin for a few minutes.

Then put some more oil/cream and do long upward strokes for a few more minutes.

Do not overdo it, do not cause bruises to yourself.

Do this three times a week, leaving a day between treatments.

Massaging the front and sides of legs is easy. Treating the back of legs and the bottom is another matter altogether.

Your welcome.

Can walking get rid of cellulite?

Walking can reduce cellulite, but not as much as running. Always higher intensity training helps more than low intensity.

Why don’t you try fast, uphill walking?

Does running make cellulite worse?

Worse? Nah. That’s impossible. Running is one of the best exercises to improve cellulite.

Can cellulite be reversed?

Partially yes, as we explained above, with healthy lifestyle and if possible, some treatments/creams.

Can a TENS unit help get rid of cellulite?

(Does TENS unit help lose weight? )

Absolutely not. TENS works on muscles. Cellulite is a skin fat issue. No connection whatsoever.

Plus TENS will not even help you burn more than a handful of calories, to at least indirectly help you fight cellulite or lose weight.

Does hot cream work for cellulite?

That’s a really weird question and I am not sure what it means.

If the question is about hot cream, as in temperature hot, then no.

If we are talking about heating sensation hot, as in camphor creams, etc, then no again.

The sensation of heat will not release fat, tighten skin or break down fibrosis, so no, hot creams do not work for cellulite.

Can you massage cellulite away?

(Does massage get rid of cellulite?)

Strong, cellulite massage can help reduce cellulite, but don’t expect miracles. Home massage helps, but it is tiring and tedious. Strong massage by a therapist is much better, but you need a good therapist and a lot of sessions.

Do compression leggings help with cellulite?

(Do compression stockings help cellulite?)

If we are talking about graduated compression, then they can TEMPORARILY help with water retention, which is part of cellulite. So you will get a small improvement, temporarily.

If we are talking about plain compression, then that’s a disaster, as they restrict circulation, without offering proper drainage, especially for the lower legs.

Also, constant compression (as in for weeks and months) leads to skin looseness.

What's the best cellulite massager?

Your hands, or a therapist hands.

Anything else is not as agile or as specific as needed to target the hypodermis.

Strong vibration massagers can cause broken capillaries, weak vibration massagers are a waste of time, strong suction based massagers cause skin looseness and broken capillaries, weak vibration massagers are a waste of time.

Roller massagers are ok for temporary results, based on water retention reduction, but they do not release fat and do not significantly stimulate skin tightness.

And fascia “blasting” tools target the wrong tissue altogether.

All in all, hands are better.

Does lymphatic massage help cellulite?

By reducing water retention lymphatic massage indeed TEMPORARILY helps with cellulite. But it has no effect on fat accumulation, skin looseness and established fibrosis, so it can not have either a pronounced or a long-term effect.

Also lymphatic massage does not boost circulation long-term, so even in that respect you need to have it every week forever for the little results it offers.

What foods cause cellulite on legs?

(What foods give you cellulite?)

Anything with sugar. Anything fried. Trans fats. To a lesser extend saturated fats and too much omega-6. Too many carbs in general, even “good” carbs. Too much fat in general, even good fat.

Think of doughnuts, as the archetypal cellulite producing food: fried omega-6 trans fats, sugar, carbs. What else can you ask for?

Can cellulite go away?

Not completely, but it can be reduced with healthy eating and, if possible, the right treatments and/or creams.

Do tight pants cause cellulite?

They can as they restrict circulation and they cause skin looseness.

Does water retention make cellulite worse?

Of course, as water retention is an integral part of cellulite.

Can cellulite be removed?

Partially yes, fully no (unless it’s recent or very little).

What foods fight cellulite?

(What foods help reduce cellulite?)

Herbs, spices such as turmeric (but not chilli), decaf green tea, vegetables, seaweed, berry fruits, oily fish, lean protein, in this order.

What fruit is good for cellulite?

All berry fruits are amazing, as they contain a lot of polyphenols and few sugars. All non-sweet fruits are great. Sweet fruits are of not much help. Sweet fruits juices are detrimental. Dried fruits are not great either.

Is Avocado good for cellulite?

It’s neutral. Unless you consume a lot, it won’t make cellulite worse. And it won’t reduce it either.

Does coffee give you cellulite?

Not really.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, it can play havoc with your endocrine and nervous system, but in that case you would probably have no more than one-two caffeinated drinks a day.

If you are not sensitive to caffeine, you are fine with up to three drinks a day.

Anything in excess, including caffeine, is not good, so having ten cups of coffee a day definitely is not good for your overall health - and cellulite.

Is pineapple good for cellulite?

Not really. Pineapples these days are too sweet and that negates any potential small benefits from the proteinolytic enzymes it contains. Eat in moderation.

Does Thermage work for cellulite?

We don’t comment on brand names, but I would not use it.

Does VelaShape work for cellulite?

(Does VelaShape get rid of cellulite?)

We don’t comment on brand names, but I would not use it.

Why is my cellulite getting worse?

Because you most probably do the things that caused it in the first place: unhealthy/excessive eating, drinking, smoking, not being active, taking the contraceptive pill etc.

Is honey good for cellulite?

Honey is almost pure sugar, so it makes cellulite worse.

Applying on the skin won’t achieve much either.

So the answer is: no.

Does CBD oil help with cellulite?

According to the hype, is there anything that CBD is not good for?

There is zero evidence of, or reason for, CBD fighting overweight or cellulite.

Plus there is huge confusion about the safe / effective dose of CBD on the market.

And no matter what effect it has, it is most probably minuscule compared to established herbs and natural actives, such as centella extract, green tea extract, curcumin etc.

What oil is best for cellulite?

Olive oil can be neutral if you have a little.

Flax oil can be mildly beneficial, again if you have a little.

Fish oil (not cod liver oil) is the best, but again don’t have too much, as it will upset the balance of essential fatty acids in the body.

So fish and flax oil, both in moderation.

What causes severe cellulite

(Why do I have so much cellulite?)

The same things that cause non-severe cellulite (see above) can also cause severe cellulite, if done more “severely” (more unhealthy food, more inactivity, more alcohol etc).

Also those with genetic predisposition will have more severe cellulite from exactly the same cellulite causing factors, in relation to those with “better” genes.

Is there a cellulite cream that really works?

Good luck with that. Most cellulite creams do not work because they are not concentrated enough, with enough different actives to act on all aspects of cellulite.

Why? Because such a product would be too expensive to make any profit for cosmetic manufacturers, who are used to huge profit margins.

Plus most people expect miracle results with a £30 cream in two weeks and with no other effort on their part (I’m sure that’s not you, but that’s how most people think).

Under those circumstances nothing works.

What's the best cream for cellulite / skin tightening?

(What lotion is good for cellulite? What cream is best for tightening skin?)

One that contains high concentration of multiple anti-cellulite actives.

What is the best retinol cream for cellulite?

Retinol is an ingredient from the 1980s. Really, really old-fashioned and obsolete, for different reasons.

It doesn’t really help much and it is not allowed any more (in the EU, at least) in meaningful concentrations that would at least make some difference in cellulite.

The reason is because retinol in high amounts is toxic and causes skin irritation.

So, all in all, it’s not worth the high chance of irritation a highly concentrated retinol cream would cause, in order to offer just a small effect in cellulite.

Is ginger good for cellulite?

Yes, to a small extent it is. And combined with many more herbs, spices it is even better.

Are eggs bad for cellulite?

Not specifically.

Egg white are just protein and water and are good for cellulite.

Egg yolks have lecithin (good for health) and cholesterol (bad for health), so should be consumed on moderation.

Too many whole eggs are bad for everything.

Having a few egg whites a day is great for skin firmness and cellulite. But don’t get obsessed - consuming excessive egg whites are not good either and will not make skin firmer fast.

Is cucumber good for cellulite?

It won’t reduce cellulite in a hurry, but it’s great as part of a healthy, and therefore anti-cellulite, diet.

Does drinking water get rid of cellulite?

If only it was so easy…

No, water does not reduce cellulite, but not drinking enough does contribute to cellulite formation.

Can you get rid of cellulite with diet and exercise?

Diet and exercise are absolutely essential for any cellulite reduction program and they do help reduce cellulite. Getting rid of is usually impossible, with any method, so let’s not get too excited.

A strong cellulite treatment and/or cream may also be needed for fast/more impressive removal, ALWAYS in addition to diet and exercise.

Does slimming massage really work?

Nope. Nobody ever slimmed down (as in “lost fat”) with massage.

Perhaps some people TEMPORARILY lost some water, which perhaps can be classed as (TEMPORARY) slimming down.

Does olive oil help with cellulite?

No, it doesn’t at all.

Extra virgin olive oil (don’t buy plain olive oil) is the most widely available healthy oil to eat, but use in moderation.

Is tea tree oil good for cellulite?

Nope. There is zero evidence why it should.

Does Epsom salt get rid of cellulite?

Epsom salts make a nice relaxing bath, but there is no evidence (or a reason how) that magnesium helps with cellulite.

Oral epsom salt consumption has a laxative effect and it is not recommended.

Is lemon good for cellulite?

Lemon juice is a great addition to salads and forms part of a healthy anti-cellulite diet.

However, lemon itself will not help cellulite, if consumed in large amounts (and it is too acidic to be consumed in large amounts).

Is green tea good for cellulite?

Absolutely and it helps in many different ways. Just limit normal green tea to three cups a day and make sure any more cups are decaf green tea.

What can I drink to reduce cellulite?

Decaf coffee/green tea/tea, cocoa, herbal teas, all help. Just do not add sugar and milk.

Does turmeric help cellulite?

Absolutely and it helps in many different ways.

Are hot baths good for cellulite?

Nope.

But hot and cold showers are great, as they boost circulation and metabolism. Just do them on lower body only and don’t overdo it either.

Does lymphatic massage help you lose weight?

Weight, yes, TEMPORARILY, by helping you lose water.

Fat, no.

Can EMS help with cellulite?

(Does electrical muscle stimulation help lose weight? Does EMS burn fat?)

EMS stands for electrical muscle stimulation.

Like TENS, EMS works on muscles, not skin fat, which is what cellulite is. Therefore, EMS will have zero effect on cellulite. EMS cellulite reduction is the latest gimmick.

EMS will not even help you burn more than a handful of calories, so no help in weight loss either.

Can EMS build muscle?

A bit and it is not worth the cost and the time wasting.

You can build 10x times more muscle at 1/3 of the time it takes you to have an EMS session.

And at zero cost, as opposed to hundreds of pounds for electrical muscle stimulation.

Don’t fall for the hype.

Do squats get rid of cellulite?

Never. Spot fat reduction with exercise does not exist.

Squats are good for your butt muscles though, which give shape to your butt, so keep doing them.

Does cellulite worsen with age?

Yes, it does, as collagen production decreases, metabolism decreases, and damage to tissues, such as fibrosis, accumulates.

What does painful cellulite feel like?

Well, painful to the touch, especially when squeezing the skin. And puffy. And botchy.

All the above indicate inflammation and water retention, so change your lifestyle and ask for help from an expert in advanced cellulite.

Can you really get rid of cellulite?

(Can you get rid of cellulite?)

In most cases, no, as we have seen above.

Is cellulite a sign of poor circulation?

In most cases, yes, absolutely. But also a sign of excessive fat accumulation, skin looseness and fibrosis too.

How does cellulite feel under the skin?

Bumpy, especially if you apply some oil and glide the tip of your fingers on your skin.

The more progressed it is, the more bumpy it feels.

Does cellulite hurt to touch?

Quote often yes, if it is too progressed.

This is a sign of inflammation. Improve your diet, become more active and get some help from a cellulite expert.

Can water weight look like cellulite?

No. Water retention does not look like cellulite, it just looks more puffy. Cellulite is bumpy instead.

But definitely water retention makes cellulite (i.e. the “bumpiness”) look worse.

Having said all that, usually cellulite and water retention go together - but not always.

Is cellulite a sign of bad health?

It can be - but not always.

Cellulite shows that at some point (past and/or present) you did not take care of yourself, in terms of diet, exercise, drinking, smoking etc.

But it can also mean that you were/are generally careful (no one is perfect) and you just have a genetic predisposition.