A Comprehensive & Honest Guide To Cellulite

It’s Incredibly Common

“First, it’s important to know how common it is for women to get cellulite. On average, 90% of us do or will, and this can be explained based on the architecture of our skin’s connective texture. For women, this is arranged very closely to the skin’s surface, and in rectangular compartments, so consequently, the surface appearance of the skin does become modified over time.” – Flavia Morellato, lymphatic drainage expert

“Everything from genetics to the amount of fat you have on your body and thickness of your skin can determine how much cellulite you have, and how visible it is. There are so many variables. As we age, the skin naturally loses some of its elasticity and this can make cellulite appear more prominent. Up to 90% of women will be affected by cellulite, compared to just 10% of men. This is mainly because the structure of connective tissue men have is much smaller.” – Dr Natalie Geary, The Light Touch Clinic & founder of Dr Go Figure

There Are Many Causes

“Cellulite is mostly known for its bumpy/dimple-like appearance, which typically crops up on areas like the thighs and buttocks. As it sits under our connective tissues – which are close to the upper layer of our skin – it can be very visible. It’s not commonly known why it forms – there can be various reasons – but recent studies have found that it can appear when fibrous bands connecting your skin to underlying muscles irregularly tighten. This tightening pulls down on your skin and the layer of fat underneath is forced upwards. Diet is also a huge contributor to cellulite. Maintaining a balanced diet that isn’t high in sugar or fat will help keep your body fit and healthy, and therefore reduce the appearance of cellulite. Generally speaking, genetics and ageing remain the biggest causes of cellulite mainly because fat builds up and collagen depletes as we get older.” – Natalie

“Smoking is another key cause of cellulite. Those that smoke regularly will find their blood circulation is the first thing affected. It can negatively impact your body’s lymphatic drainage, which contributes to the deterioration of collagen and elastin, causing cellulite to appear worse. Likewise, you need a good detoxifying system. So basic things like drinking plenty of water and consuming a fibrous diet will help get rid of toxins and prevent them from interfering with your cells – something that’s known to degenerate your skin tissue and cause uneven tone.” – Flavia

Self-Massage & Dry Brushing Can Help

“Contrary to popular belief, self-massage can really help because it stimulates circulation, and when combined with lymphatic drainage, it can help to control the inflammatory process and eliminate metabolic waste and water retention – both of which cause cellulite. While it’s not the only way to get rid of bumpy skin, it’s a great way to support the detoxification process. A good dry body brush is worth picking up. Regular use will control inflammation and prevent further cellulite from forming.” – Flavia

“Self-massage can really disperse any inflammation and get the muscles working. However, you would probably require a deep tissue massage designed for cellulite breakdown to really see a difference. We can’t really provide the same force as a professional and you’d have to do it regularly to see a noticeable effect – but if you’re inclined to really invest time and effort, you will see results.” – Natalie

The Right Skincare Is Worth A Try

“There are so many skincare products on the market that claim to ‘beat cellulite’, and some are better than others. The key is to look out for the ingredients which are proven to stimulate the skin and increase circulation. These include: 

• Caffeine: It’s thought to increase circulation and promote lipolysis of fat cells. While drinking too much coffee is bad for cellulite development (it can dehydrate you), used topically, it can be very beneficial.
• Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A, retinol does a lot of great things for your skin. Around for the last 40 years or so, clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of retinol cream on wrinkles and ageing skin. As a cellulite treatment, a 0.3% concentration applied twice a day for six months has been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite. It works by increasing blood flow and thickening the skin’s dermis.
• Vitamin C: Studies suggest this important vitamin is crucial to collagen synthesis and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Fisetin & Frambione: These two ingredients, derived from strawberries and raspberries, have been shown to aid in lipolysis (fat burning). They also have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
• Centella Asiatica: This has been shown to increase blood flow and allow for better absorption of nutrients. Interestingly, injured tigers rub ag