What causes cellulite?

Author: Rubye Bernier  |  Last update: Saturday, November 1, 2025

As fat cells increase, they push up against the skin. Tough, long connective cords pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling, often referred to as cellulite. Cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen.

What is the main cause of cellulite?

Cellulite forms when fibrous bands connecting your skin to the underlying muscle tighten irregularly. This tightening pulls down on your skin, and the normal layer of fat beneath the skin pushes upward. The result is a puckering appearance to the skin. It's also not known why cellulite is more common in women than men.

Can you get rid of cellulite if you have it?

There's no way to completely eliminate cellulite. Some treatments are available that may reduce its appearance, though.

How can I prevent cellulite from forming?

Eat Healthy

Another way to prevent the formation of cellulite is to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet. Focus on eating lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding excess fat, salt, sugar, and alcohol.

Why do I have cellulite if I'm skinny?

Cellulite (medically termed lipodystrophy) is a disorder of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is formed by the improper distribution and excessive accumulation of fat and water under the skin regardless of body weight. This accumulation results in visible thickening, dimpling and nodules on the skin.

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Are you unhealthy if you have cellulite?

Cellulite is not harmful to your health. Most health care providers consider cellulite a normal condition for many women and some men. Many people seek treatment for cellulite because they are bothered by how it looks. Talk to your provider about treatment options.

Why do models not have cellulite?

Do models have cellulite? Of course some of them do. You may not see it, because they sometimes use body makeup and often use photoshop and all sorts of retouching apps, but many fashion models do have cellulite and skin laxity.

What deficiency causes cellulite?

Estrogen is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and connective tissue health. A deficiency can weaken the connective tissue structures, allowing any remaining fat to push through and create the appearance of cellulite [45].

Will cellulite go away with weight loss?

Losing weight and strengthening the muscles in the legs, buttocks and abdomen may make cellulite less noticeable in those areas, but it won't go away altogether. That is because once a fat cell develops, it is yours for life.

Does dry brushing help cellulite?

The brushing action is believed to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, which may temporarily minimize the dimpled appearance of cellulite. However, experts say it's essential to maintain realistic expectations, as dry brushing alone may not provide a long-term solution for cellulite reduction.

Will cellulite go away if I tone my legs?

According to the Mayo Clinic, losing weight and strengthening the muscles in the legs, buttocks, and abdomen might help reduce cellulite's appearance in those areas. However, it's important to note that cellulite won't disappear altogether; once a fat cell develops, it stays with you for life.

How do celebrities get rid of cellulite?

Celebrities aren't immune to cellulite; they just invest in clinically-proven treatments to help reduce the appearance of their cellulite. There are many treatments on the market for the treatment of cellulite including Avéli, Cellfina, and Cellulaze.

Can cellulite be reversed?

You can't get rid of cellulite at home, but there are ways to improve its appearance, including regular exercise and staying hydrated. You can also try using cellulite massagers and dry brushing to keep your skin feeling smooth and healthy.

What are the worst foods for cellulite?

The worst foods for cellulite: fried food, sugar, excess fat, excess carbs, food with BPA in it
  • anything with sugar in it.
  • anything with fried/hydrogenated oils in it.
  • any food stored in BPA-leaching containers.

Do guys think cellulite is unattractive?

Most men don't mind some cellulite and most men usually not notice it either.

Why did I get cellulite all of a sudden?

Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable, but some lean people have cellulite, as well. It tends to run in families, so genetics might play the biggest role in whether you develop cellulite. An inactive lifestyle also can increase your chances of having cellulite, as can pregnancy.

Why don't athletes have cellulite?

This condition is common among many individuals, regardless of their fitness levels. Athletes often have low body fat and high muscle mass. Therefore, they may experience cellulite even if they are in peak physical condition. The effect of cellulite on their performance is negligible.

Does retinol help with cellulite?

Applying 0.3% retinol cream has been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite. Retinol helps thicken skin, which reduces the dimpling. Such products are applied once or twice a day. Any effect from a retinol cream won't be noticeable for six months or longer.

Who is more prone to cellulite?

Distribution of Fat

And because women naturally have thinner skin than men do and tend to store fat on their thighs and buttocks, women are more likely to suffer from cellulite. Even women who have a low BMI and are overall fit and trim can deal with cellulite.

Which vitamin fights cellulite?

Regarding vitamins, they all have a role to play in cellulite prevention and they can somewhat contribute to its reduction, with perhaps vitamin C (ascorbic acid) being the most important, due to its antioxidant action and its important role on collagen synthesis.

What is the best cellulite treatment?

  • Acoustic Wave Therapy. ...
  • Subcision (e.g., Cellfina™) ...
  • Vacuum-Assisted Precise Tissue Release. ...
  • Radiofrequency Treatments (e.g., Secret RF) ...
  • Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting®) ...
  • Topical Creams and Lotions. ...
  • Massage and Lymphatic Drainage. ...
  • Diet and Exercise.

How does JLO have no cellulite?

Singer Jennifer Lopez has a strong belief in the power of lecithin, a potentially fat-melting fat, so she chooses lecithin-rich foods (especially spinach) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, the singer often flavours salads with flaxseed, which is considered a weight loss aid.

How did Kim K get rid of cellulite?

One of America's most-discussed A-listers, however, opened up about her cellulite journey and even shared her go-to product to get rid of the stubborn dimples. According to a slew of sources, Kim Kardashian praised the Seaweed Bath Co.'s Firming Body Cream on her Snapchat story a few years back.

What ethnicity has the most cellulite?

There is also evidence to support roles for both genetic predisposition and ethnicity: although cellulite is seen in women of all races,4 it tends to be more common in white women.

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