What makes cellulite worse?

Author: Fausto Haag  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

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.

What aggravates cellulite?

Smoking causes connective tissues to become stretched and damaged, allowing underlying fat to push its way to the surface. Gaining weight or becoming obese. An increase in body weight will lead to an increase in fat tissue, making cellulite more pronounced. Wearing tight underwear.

How do you stop cellulite from getting worse?

Exercise can help improve the appearance of cellulite. Regular exercise increases your muscle mass, which flattens cellulite. It also increases blood flow to certain areas of your body, which speeds up fat loss.

Why is my cellulite suddenly worse?

Too much sugar expands fat cells because it gets deposited there. Too much salt can make the appearance of cellulite worse because it causes you to retain fluids. Fad diets and quick weight loss can make your skin looser and actually make cellulite appear — even though you've lost body fat.

What foods make cellulitis worse?

Aim to avoid fast foods like burgers, Chinese, McDonalds and Ice Cream. But also be aware of margarine and highly processed fats and oils, BBQ sauces and other condiments high in sugar, unhealthy fats and salt. Say no to fizzy drinks, pasta, chocolate and white bread as these can make cellulite worse.

9 Foods That Fight Cellulite and 4 That Make It Worse

What flares up cellulitis?

Risk factors for cellulitis include:
  • Cracks or peeling skin between the toes.
  • History of peripheral vascular disease.
  • Injury or trauma with a break in the skin (skin wounds)
  • Insect bites and stings, animal bites, or human bites.
  • Ulcers from certain diseases, including diabetes and vascular disease.

What not to eat to get rid of cellulite?

Fried or Processed Foods

Fried and processed foods are often loaded with unhealthy fats which can contribute to cellulite formation. It's essential to understand that fat isn't necessarily the enemy; in fact, good fats like those from avocados, nuts, and olive oil can benefit our skin and overall health.

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].

Why does my cellulite look worse some days?

Dehydration: Without enough water, toxins accumulate in fat cells, making cellulite more pronounced. Leaky Gut: When the gut lining is compromised, toxins escape into tissues, which the body stores in fat pockets, worsening cellulite.

How to get rid of cellulite in 2 weeks?

That said, there are a few things you can do to help shrink cellulite in 2 weeks:
  1. Dry brush your skin daily. ...
  2. Exercise regularly. ...
  3. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  4. Drink plenty of water. ...
  5. Massage the affected area. ...
  6. Apply a topical cream or lotion.

Does anything break up cellulite?

Cellulite can be flattened from regular exercise and muscle gain. Exercising doesn't get rid of cellulite, but it can improve the skin's texture and improve the look of it. Dry brushing involves the use of a stiff-bristled brush to massage the skin, which temporarily causes skin swelling from elevated blood flow.

What vitamins help with cellulite?

To supercharge this treatment, add vitamin C, which helps to build collagen. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that reduces the presence of free radicals responsible for the breakdown of collagen. Retinol helps maintain skin smoothness and makes cellulite bulges less visible.

How do I get rid of cellulite on my legs asap?

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate cellulite, a few products and lifestyle changes may help reduce its appearance, including:
  1. Staying hydrated. ...
  2. Maintaining a healthy weight. ...
  3. Using creams or lotions. ...
  4. Taking collagen peptides. ...
  5. Trying massage.

What is the biggest contributor to cellulite?

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.

Can cellulite be reversed?

There's no way to completely eliminate cellulite. Some treatments are available that may reduce its appearance, though. To achieve the best results, work with a reputable health care provider to decide which therapies may be right for you.

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.

Why do I suddenly have cellulite on my legs?

It may be because of a hormone imbalance. It isn't widely known, but female hormones such as estrogen, insulin, prolactin, noradrenaline and thyroid hormones all have an impact on the hip and thigh region of the female body and thus, contribute to the development of cellulite.

Do changing rooms make cellulite look worse?

Lighting changes how cellulite shows up in a photo - but it doesn't need to impact how we show up to our life. SOFT LIGHT, like sunrises or window light, minimises the appearance of lumps, bumps, and wiggles. HARD LIGHT does the opposite. This is your midday sun, your changing room lights.

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.

Does taking collagen help with cellulite?

While the evidence on this subject is limited, one study on 105 women aged 24-50 demonstrated that regular use of 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides, over a period of 6 months, led to a clear improvement of the skin appearance in women suffering from moderate cellulite.

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.

How can I increase circulation to reduce cellulite?

Lifestyle changes: Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing can help improve blood circulation and prevent cellulite from forming.

Can drinking water help get rid of cellulite?

In order to get rid of cellulite, the following guidelines are recommended: Drink at least two litres of water a day to help remove excess liquids and toxins. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Self-massage the area.

How do you flush cellulite from your body?

Best results according to research studies
  1. Laser treatment. Different types of laser treatments are used to treat cellulite. ...
  2. Subcision. ...
  3. Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release. ...
  4. Carboxytherapy. ...
  5. endermologie® ...
  6. Ionithermie cellulite reduction treatments. ...
  7. Radiofrequency. ...
  8. Laser-assisted liposuction.

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