A Cosmetic Dermatologist Shares 3 Natural Tips To Smooth Cellulite

Let's just say this upfront: No treatment will completely get rid of cellulite. It's a deeper skin concern that will require more invasive skin procedures to actually eliminate. And even if you do invest in the in-office route, there's a good chance that cellulite will start to reappear over time1. 

See, "Cellulite is caused by herniation of fat bulges between fibrous bands that connect your skin to the underlying tissue," explains board-certified dermatologist Anna Guanche, M.D., founder and director of Bella Skin Institute. "This tethering pulls down on your skin, causing the normal layer of fat beneath the skin to push upward. The result is a puckering appearance to the skin or skin dimpling." 

And despite its dreaded reputation, hear us loud and clear when we say cellulite is not a bad thing. It's incredibly common, affecting up to 98% of women, and it can be genetic—so you can have cellulite no matter what products you use on your skin, how old you are, or how much you weigh. 

It's the million-dollar question (or, well, billion, considering skin care is a billion-dollar industry): Do "tightening" and "toning" creams really work for cellulite?

According to Guanche, the answer is a resounding it depends. "Contrary to popular opinion, there are some products on the market that can help with the appearance of cellulite," she notes. 

Not every "firming cream" on the market will yield the same results, but she praises formulas specifically with caffeine, which can help tighten the skin superficially2, and pink pepperslim, which has some pre-lipolytic properties (aka, reducing the size of fat deposits) and activates microcirculation. "A great product that I recommend to my patients is MAELYS B-TIGHT, which features both of these ingredients," she shares. "It's also clinically tested, showing incredible results when it comes to the appearance of cellulite." 

On the other hand, a protein-rich diet has been associated with a reduction in cellulite on the thighs: ​​In one study, researchers split 43 women into three groups: One group followed a low-carb diet, the second group ate a high-protein diet, and the third group ate a control diet with a standard amount of macronutrients. The results? Women in group 2 had a lower amount of cellulite on the glutes compared to groups 1 and 3. 

Take it as your sign to load up on high-protein foods. Bonus points if your meals are also rich in collagen, which Guanche notes can "help strengthen skin tissue." 

Research also backs up this claim: In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study4, women who had moderate cellulite took a daily dose of 2½ grams of bioactive collagen peptides, which led to an enhanced skin appearance, with fewer signs of waves and dimples. The theory is that the improved elasticity helps the appearance of cellulite because the fibrous bands are able to stretch more.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and other organs that keeps body fluid in balance. And getting this system moving—be it through exercise or manual massage—can improve circulation and flush out excess fluid, both of which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

"Lymphatic massage, done on a regular basis5, is a noninvasive treatment that can reduce the appearance of cellulite," says Guanche. "This technique helps the body to eliminate excess liquids and thereby minimize the appearance of fat."