<h2 class=”body-h2″>What is cellulite? </h2><p>Cellulite is the name for the dimpled or lumpy skin that’s commonly found the thighs, butts, stomachs, hips, and arms. Cellulite forms when fat cells beneath your skin push up against your skin’s connective tissues—known as fibrous bands, or septa—causing the skin to dimple or pucker, explains board-certified dermatologist <a href=”https://www.drhadleyking.com/”>Hadley King</a>, MD. It’s important to note that everyone has these fat cells, regardless of what you eat or how frequently you exercise, and that cellulite is completely harmless and extremely common, says Dr. Ip.</p><p>Though everyone and anyone can get cellulite, it’s especially common in women because their fat cells are contained in “chamber-like structures that favor the expansion of fat tissue into the dermis,” says Dr. King. Meanwhile, men have criss-crossing connective tissue structures, making it more difficult for fat to push through and create dimpling. </p><p>Still, your body’s structure only plays a role in whether or not you develop cellulite. The other determining factors include hormones, genetics, age, weight, eating habits, pregnancy, activity, and how much collagen and estrogen you naturally have in your skin. Which, again, is why cellulite is so common in humans.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How to get rid of cellulite:</h2><p>Here’s a rundown from the dermatologists and plastic surgeons on the best ways to get rid of cellulite, from temporary at-home options to semi-permanent in-office treatments.</p>” />
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1
Disguise your cellulite with self-tanner
Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
1
Disguise your cellulite with self-tanner
Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
Pros
- Comes in multiple shades (medium, dark, ultra dark, and platinum)
Cons
- Has a pretty strong smell that lingers, in my experience
There’s no quick way to get rid of cellulite, but applying some self-tanner can help disguise your dimples a little bit and make your skin look more smooth and glowy. I’m a huge fan of Loving Tan’s Bronzing Mousse because it comes in a variety of shades that work for a handful of skin tones (see: medium for fair to light skin, dark for light to medium skin, ultra dark for medium to tan skin, and platinum for tan to deep skin). It gives me an opaque color that isn’t streaky or sticky—I just massage it in with a mit, let it sit overnight, and then rinse in the morning. My cellulite looks a bit less noticeable, and my glow is un-freakin’-matched.
THE REVIEWS: “I am so impressed that this tanning mousse, because it doesn’t leave a sticky feeling or a strong odor like the rest of them,” one reviewer writes. “The color lasts for about a week, and I’ve noticed that it looks much more natural than some of the others I’ve tried. I love that I can sleep in it without feeling like I’m sticking to the sheets! Very happy with this product, and I will continue to purchase.”
2
Massage daily with a caffeine cream
U Beauty The Sculpt Arm Compound
2
Massage daily with a caffeine cream
U Beauty The Sculpt Arm Compound
Pros
- Sinks in quickly without leaving a residue, IMO
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough for very-dry skin
Even though creams and lotions won’t make your cellulite disappear, they can help temporarily smooth and tighten your skin—especially if you pick a formula that’s spiked with caffeine, which slightly “dehydrates fat cells, making them less visible,” says Dr. King.
So if you can’t swing a professional treatment, try massaging this cream wherever you have cellulite. Just note: “It needs to be applied daily,” says Dr. King, “and the effect will be modest at best.” Basically, don’t expect miracles, but you may see a temporary, more-even look on your skin. FWIW, I massage this cream all over my thighs and arms every morning, and I’ve noticed my skin is so much firmer, which has helped my dimpling look less prominent.
MY REVIEW: I use this cream all over my legs just before special events. It makes my skin look smoother and firmer as soon as I massage it on, but it doesn’t feel sticky when I’m ready to get dressed. This was so great before beach and pool days when I wanted a little boost to feel more confident.
3
Try a retinol body cream
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
3
Try a retinol body cream
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Pros
- Smooths texture with retinol
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized, according to reviewers
Cons
- Can take 6+ months to see results
Board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, also suggests incorporating a retinol body lotion or cream into your cellulite-minimizing routine, like this non-greasy, antioxidant-rich formula from Paula’s Choice. As Dr. Ip explains, “Retinol helps increase collagen and thicken your skin,” working to plump and smooth your skin every time you use it. Massage this cream on your cellulite at night, and make sure to layer on sunscreen in the morning (retinoids increase your sensitivity to the sun).
THE REVIEWS: “I have purchased three bottles of this over the past year, and I have seen a difference in the appearance in cellulite on the back of my legs,” writes one reviewer. “Obviously, for anyone buying, be aware I had better results because I was also dieting and working to not add to the problem. But I think my skin is firmer, and I am happy with this lotion.”
One of the most popular cellulite treatments to date is Qwo, an injectable enzyme that “breaks down the septa bands that contribute to cellulite,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Alexis Parcells, MD. You’ll feel a slight pinch (similar to a Botox injection or a shot in general) and might experience some bruising, swelling, and soreness in the area for up to a week.
You’ll likely need about three sessions to see full results, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1,000 per treatment. Doctors can’t say with 100 percent certainty that your cellulite will never come back (thanks to genetics and weight fluctuations), but you can expect it to last significantly longer—think: years—than, say, Botox or face fillers.
5
Try a coffee-based scrub
Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
5
Try a coffee-based scrub
Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
Pros
- Reviewers say it doesn’t irritate their skin
Cons
- Can be messy
If you don’t have time to massage a cream on every night, add a caffeine-filled body scrub to your shower. When used topically, a ground-coffee exfoliant can temporarily minimize the appearance of cellulite, thanks to the fact that coffee contains caffeine, which temporarily tightens and plumps your skin. “Caffeine can also dehydrate fat cells so they deflate, which then makes your cellulite look a little less obvious,” says Dr. Gohara.
Just remember: Anything that touches your skin for a few seconds (see: cleansers and body washes) don’t have a ton of efficacy, so don’t rely on this scrub alone for your cellulite-smoothing goals. Instead, incorporate this scrub into your routine for a little extra oomph.
THE REVIEWS: “This did a great job of smoothing my skin without drying it, and caffeine has firming properties that help reduce puffiness and the look of cellulite,” one tester writes. “A little goes a long way with this product. The coffee coconut fragrance is divine.”
7
Dry brush to promote lymphatic drainage
Joanna Vargas Ritual Brush
7
Dry brush to promote lymphatic drainage
Joanna Vargas Ritual Brush
Pros
- Long handle makes it easy to use all over
- Has a hook to hang up in your shower or bathroom
Cons
- Doesn’t offer long-term results
You know those wooden dry brushes you’ve always considered buying? Some pros say they help the appearance of your cellulite. “Daily body brushing and massaging can jumpstart your lymphatic drainage,” says board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, which can potentially lead to smoother, less puffy skin. But, Dr. King says, it’s important to remember that dry-brushing “won’t change the anatomy that is creating cellulite.”
THE REVIEWS: “I love this sturdy brush,” one review reads. “And the head is detachable from the stick if you want to detach it to scrub! I would recommend it!”
Check your salt intake
Remember: Your eating habits aren’t solely responsible for whether or not you develop cellulite—though loading up on nutrition-rich foods definitely won’t hurt if you’re trying to smooth your cellulite, says Dr. Engelman. She suggests watching your sodium intake, which can lead to puffiness and water retention, and eating plenty of fiber and whole grain foods (think: bran and oat cereals) that improves circulation. Don’t forget to load up on fruits and veggies too.
Drink plenty of water
“You want to stay adequately hydrated, since cellulite can appear worse in a dehydrated state,” says Dr. Engelman. “Dehydration can cause the skin to become thinner and weaken, and when the skin is thin, it tends to show more cellulite.” So consider investing in a water bottle you’ll actually want to use (like one with a built-in straw, or one with a time table on the side to keep you on track).
Develop an exercise routine
Exercise alone won’t completely get rid of cellulite or even prevent it, but it can decrease overall body fat percentage and lead to smoother skin, says Dr. King. So whether you hit the gym a few times a week, take a yoga class when you can, or switch up your commute by jogging or walking, it’s a smart idea to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle, not only for your skin, but for your health in general.
Is it possible to get rid of cellulite?
Yes, it’s possible to get rid of cellulite with in-office treatments, according to dermatologists and plastic surgeons. “Think of your cellulite like a button creating a pucker on a couch cushion,” says Dr. Gohara. “To get rid of the pucker, you have to go deeper and cut the cords.” Which, obviously, you can’t do at home.
That said, there are a handful of tips and tricks you can use to help temporarily lessen the appearance of cellulite (ahem, see: everything above), and as long as you go into the process with realistic expectations, they’re not a bad place to start. But, of course, remember: Cellulite is super common and natural, and there’s no shame in wanting to keep yours or get rid of yours. Bodies are bodies, and you decide what you want to do with your own.
Can you really get rid of cellulite with exercise?
No, you can’t get rid of cellulite with exercise, because you can’t “tone” or target a specific muscle. For your thighs to look tighter, you’ll need to lose body fat, which happens all over your body. Sure, losing fat and gaining some muscle might make your dimpling look less prominent or noticeable, but it’ll take major consistency and an overall lifestyle change rather than a few simple exercises, and even then, this still won’t entirely “get rid of” cellulite.
How do I get rid of cellulite naturally?
There are no ways to naturally get rid of cellulite at home, and it’s not possible to get rid of cellulite using only natural, topical ingredients, either. Body creams and body scrubs that contain caffeine can make your skin look temporarily smoother, while retinol body lotions can help exfoliate your skin over time—but neither is going to truly get rid of your cellulite, and neither will be clean and natural, either. If you really want to get rid of cellulite, skip the creams and talk to your dermatologist about an in-office procedure.
Will cellulite go away if I lose weight?
Cellulite could go away if you lose weight, but it often has nothing to do with weight gain or loss. “Anyone can have cellulite regardless of the number on the scale,” says Dr. Ip. Honestly, nothing can truly get rid of cellulite for good, especially at home. “Even if you make the decision to try one of the medical cellulite treatments, it is possible that cellulite may return,” says Dr. Ip, because cellulite is often related to uncontrollable variables, like your genetics, hormones, and inevitable weight fluctuations.
Meet the experts:
- Camille G. Cash, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Camille Cash, M.D. in Houston, TX. She has expertise in body contouring and reconstructive surgery.
- Alexis Parcells, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Parcells Plastic Surgery in Eatontown, NJ and New York, NY, and a clinical instructor at RWJ Barnabas Health in New Jersey. Dr. Parcells is also the founder of Sunnie, a topical medical-grade skincare line that consists of cleansers, scar-reducing treatments, lash and brow serums, and acne products.
- Will Kirby, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, CA. He is also the chief medical officer of LaserAway, which offers CoolSculpting, laser hair removal, and laser skin treatments all over the United States.
- Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the CEO of Vibrant Dermatology and Skin Bar MD Boston, MA.
- Hadley King, MD, is a New York–based board-certified dermatologist at Dr. Hadley King Dermatology in New York, NY who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, CT. Dr. Gohara is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and treating skin of color.
- Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and director of dermatologic surgery at Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York, NY.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from skin barrier and whiteheads. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to cellulite, thanks to asking experts how to get rid of her own for years. She regularly tests and analyzes cellulite treatments for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and plastic surgeons to assess new formulas and brands.
Katherine J. Igoe is a contributing editor at Cosmopolitan, and has eleven years of experience as a freelancer—with nearly five of those years writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, including wrinkle serums and pregnancy-safe sunscreen. Her cellulite treatment picks were based on personal testing and product reviews, along with information from experts.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
Contributor
Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she’s obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She’s been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
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