How To Improve The Appearance Of Cellulite

How much are you willing to pay to get rid of your pesky cellulite? If you’re fighting to accept a less than smooth-looking abdomen or buttocks and it’s gotta be done on a budget, then you might appreciate what these anti-cellulite treatments could potentially do for you.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is also referred to as cottage cheese skin and is caused by the dimpled appearance of fat deposits that are located just below the surface of our skin. This skin condition causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen and is most prevalent in women.

There isn't much known on the exact cause of cellulite. What is known, however, is that when fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin, while the long, tough cords pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling.

Additionally, hormonal factors and genetics determine skin structure, skin texture and body type. Weight and muscle tone may also play a role in whether or not you develop cellulite. Weight gain makes cellulite more noticeable. However, people that are considered fit can also develop it.

As we age, cellulite becomes more common because the skin begins to lose elasticity. An inactive lifestyle can also increase your chances of having cellulite, as well as pregnancy.

What are the symptoms?

Cellulite may be visible at all times or only when you pinch your skin. There are four grades of cellulite:

Grade 0: There isn’t any cellulite on your body.
Grade 1: Your skin is smooth when you stand up, but mild dimpling appears when you sit down.
Grade 2: Your skin has moderate dimples when you stand up or when you sit down.
Grade 3: Your skin has severe dimples when you stand up or sit down. Your skin also features deep peaks and valleys (raised and depressed areas).

There’s no predicting who’ll get it if ever, but we at least know why it appears and there are many ways to fix it. So how do you get rid of cellulite? Here are some tips to try:

1. Use caffeine creams to minimize cellulite

Creams and lotions will not get rid of your cellulite, however, products that contain caffeine can temporarily tighten and smooth your skin.

“Caffeine dehydrates fat cells, making them less visible,” says Hadley King, MD, a New York-based dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. “This needs to be applied daily, and the effect will be modest at best.”

Product Suggestion: BEAUTY BIO THE SCULPTOR WITH LIPOCARE™ CELLULITE SMOOTHING BODY CREAM

This cream comes packed with caffeine and green tea seed oil and is super easy to massage into your skin. After using this cream, you can expect your skin to feel softer and smoother.

2. Try QWO to minimize cellulite

This option is for those looking for something more permanent. QWO is the only FDA-approved injectable that targets dimpling in the buttocks. Talk with your dermatologist about this option. He or she will set up a specific treatment plan based upon the amount and severity of your cellulite. Most people see visible results in about 10 weeks and experience very little downtime. You may experience some bruising and redness in the treatment site post-application.

3. Dry brushing

Some experts suggest wooden brushes may help improve the appearance of your cellulite. “Daily body brushing and massaging can jumpstart lymphatic drainage, which helps to eliminate toxins that can accumulate in the fat layer, leading to inflammation and ultimately more pronounced cellulite,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, is a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City and director of dermatologic surgery at Metropolitan Hospital.

Pro tip: Because dry brushing requires dry skin, the best time to do this is before taking a shower. After your shower, apply a creamy moisturizer.

4. Try a retinol body cream

Mona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor at Yale and dermatologist, suggests incorporating a retinol body cream into your cellulite-minimizing routine. “Retinol helps increase collagen and thicken the skin," according to Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD.

Product suggestion: PAULA'S CHOICE SKIN-SMOOTHING RETINOL BODY TREATMENT

This is a great option packed with collagen that works to plump and smooth your skin every time you use it. Even better, it's non-greasy and antioxidant-rich. Just be sure to accompany this product with a healthy coat of SPF because retinol makes your skin extra sensitive to burns.

Q&A: A Surgery To Remove Cellulite?!

5. Use a coffee scrub

A ground-coffee exfoliant can minimize the short-term appearance of cellulite in two ways:

Massaging the scrub along your skin can help stimulate lymphatic drainage
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.

Product suggestion: FRANK BODY ORIGINAL COFFEE SCRUB

6. Try a serum

Serums and topical creams can help strengthen your skin and make your cellulite a little less noticeable.

Product suggestion: Dr. Engelman recommends Biotherm Celluli Eraser, which is formulated with caffeine and coralline extract, a marine algae extract that helps minimize fat cells.

7. Eat healthy

Although your diet isn't solely responsible for whether or not you develop cellulite, eating healthy doesn't hurt.

Dr. Engelman suggests watching your sodium intake and eating plenty of fiber and whole-grain foods (bran and oat cereals) as well as loading up on fruits and veggies.

8. 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 cellulite more.”

RELATED: Fight Cellulite With Yoga

9. Exercise

Incorporating running, jogging or a yoga class into your routine when you can helps decrease overall body fat percentage. However, contrary to popular belief, it won't eliminate your cellulite.

10. Try an in-office treatment

For those that are really committed to minimizing their cellulite, an in-office treatment is the best option.

Dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD, recommends Cellfina, a minimally invasive, FDA-approved treatment that microscopically severs the connective bands that weave throughout the fat in the thighs and buttocks.

“Once the site of the dimple is numbed using a tiny needle, another microscopic device goes in and cuts or shatters the connective cord, so the fibrous bands can’t find each other again,” says Dr. Akhavan. “The good thing about this procedure is you’ll only need to do it once—it’s considered semi-permanent because the results show in as little as three days and are still visible in three years.”

This treatment isn't cheap though, it can cost upwards of $5,000 depending on where you live. That is why Dr. Akhavan suggests talking to your dermatologist or going to a plastic surgeon for a consultation

Other options include:

Cellulaze: a laser fiber inserted into the skin to break up the bands surrounding fat cells. The heat from the laser causes tightening and thickening of the skin.
Acoustic wave therapy (sound waves): vacuum-assisted precise tissue release (cutting bands with a small bladed device), and carboxytherapy (inserting carbon dioxide gas under the skin)

It is worth noting that “If you make the decision to try one of the medical cellulite treatments, it is possible that cellulite may return.” So go in with that in mind. And, no matter what you do, “try to remember that [cellulite] is very normal—and you are in excellent company,” Dr. Ip and Dr. King explain.

By Ionel Jones | Published February 28, 2022