Cellulite: Why It Happens & 4 Ways to Reduce Its Appearance
Cellulite is incredibly common. In fact, most women will develop some degree of cellulite at some point, regardless of their weight, fitness level or body type. Those familiar dimples commonly appear on the thighs, buttocks, hips and abdomen, and while cellulite is completely normal, you may still wish your skin looked a little smoother and firmer.
The good news? While there isn’t a magic solution that permanently eliminates cellulite, there are things you can do to improve skin texture, support firmer-looking skin and reduce the visible appearance of cellulite.
First, What Actually Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite develops when fat beneath the skin pushes upward while fibrous connective bands pull downward. This combination creates the uneven, dimpled appearance we recognize as cellulite.
Several factors can influence how noticeable it becomes, including:
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Age
- Skin thickness and elasticity
- Changes in collagen
- Body composition
- Circulation
- Lifestyle factors
This is also why cellulite isn’t simply a “weight problem.” Very fit and lean people can have cellulite too. As we age, declining collagen and changes in skin elasticity can make cellulite more noticeable because the skin covering the underlying tissue becomes thinner and less firm. So what can you do about it?
How to Reduce Cellulite: 4 Ways
1. Build Muscle With Strength Training
Exercise can’t directly remove cellulite, but building muscle underneath areas prone to cellulite can help create a firmer, more toned appearance. Strength exercises targeting the lower body can be especially helpful.
Think:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Glute bridges
- Step-ups
- Deadlifts
- Resistance-band exercises
Regular movement also supports healthy circulation and overall body composition. You don’t need to spend hours in the gym. Consistency matters far more than trying to find one “perfect” cellulite exercise.
2. Support Your Skin From the Inside
Healthy-looking skin starts with your everyday habits. Staying hydrated helps support normal skin function, while eating a balanced diet containing adequate protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats provides nutrients your body needs to maintain healthy skin.
Protein is particularly important because your body requires amino acids to produce structural proteins such as collagen. Vitamin C is another important nutrient involved in normal collagen formation. While changing your diet won’t make cellulite disappear, supporting your skin and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to its overall appearance.
3. Massage, Exfoliation & At-Home Skin Care
At-home treatments can be a great addition to your body-care routine. Massage and dry brushing may temporarily improve the appearance of the skin by increasing surface circulation and providing gentle exfoliation.
You can also look for body-care products containing ingredients such as:
- Retinol
- Caffeine
- Peptides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizing ingredients
Keeping the skin well moisturized can make it appear smoother and more supple. Just keep expectations realistic: creams, scrubs and massage generally won’t change the underlying structure responsible for cellulite, but they can help improve the way the surface of your skin looks and feels.
4. Consider Professional Cellulite Treatments
If you’re looking for a more targeted approach, professional body treatments can address several of the factors that contribute to the appearance of cellulite. At Forever Young Beauty in Grande Prairie, one of the treatments we offer for cellulite and skin tightening is VelaShape-style radio frequency body contouring.
How Does VelaShape Help With Cellulite?
VelaShape combines technologies designed to target the tissue beneath the skin and improve the appearance of areas affected by cellulite. Our treatment incorporates:
- Radio Frequency (RF) to heat the deeper tissue and support collagen remodeling
- Vacuum technology to manipulate the tissue and target the dimpled appearance associated with cellulite
- Additional energy-based technology to complement the treatment
The goal is not simply fat reduction. We’re also focusing on the texture and firmness of the skin, which can play an important role in how visible cellulite appears.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Cellulite and skin-tightening treatments can be particularly helpful for areas such as:
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Abdomen
- Arms
Treatment recommendations will depend on your individual concerns, the area being treated and your goals.
Can Cellulite Be Completely Eliminated?
This is an important question because there are a lot of unrealistic promises surrounding cellulite. There is currently no treatment that can guarantee cellulite will disappear permanently. Instead, the goal should be improvement.
Depending on the treatment and your individual body, you may notice improvements in:
- Skin smoothness
- Firmness
- Texture
- The depth or visibility of dimpling
- Overall appearance of the treatment area
Results vary from person to person, and a series of treatments is often recommended rather than expecting dramatic results from a single session.
