Cellulite Treatment: Professional Therapies & Home Remedies

Cellulite treatment involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as following a balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, and engaging in regular physical activity. These habits help stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation while also supporting weight loss.

There are also several professional cellulite treatment options available, including anti-cellulite creams, lymphatic drainage, and other aesthetic procedures that can deliver great results.

Cellulite occurs when fat accumulates beneath the skin, creating a dimpled or “orange peel” appearance. It can range in severity depending on how visible it is. A dermatologist can recommend the most appropriate cellulite treatment based on its grade and intensity.

Main treatments

The main cellulite treatments include:

1. Eating a balanced diet

To help reduce cellulite, it’s essential to follow a healthy diet by avoiding foods high in fat and sugar and focusing on nutrient-rich options such as vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, and fresh fruits. Meals should be prepared simply, without processed sauces or dressings.

Because every person has different calorie, protein, vitamin, and mineral needs, consulting a registered dietitian can help tailor a meal plan to meet individual goals and preferences.

2. Drinking more fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help reduce bloating and improve the skin’s appearance. When the body is well hydrated, it retains less water and flushes out excess fluids and toxins through the urine, which can improve the look of cellulite.

It’s generally recommended to drink between 2 and 3 liters (about 8 to 12 cups) of fluids daily, although this can vary depending on each person’s needs.

Green tea is also a good option for cellulite treatment because it contains caffeine and catechins, which speed up metabolism, promote fat breakdown, and support weight loss. Learn more about green tea for weight loss.

3. Physical exercise

Regular exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, water aerobics, or cycling, helps improve blood and lymphatic circulation, prevents fluid retention, and aids in weight loss. All of these benefits contribute to smoother, firmer skin and less visible cellulite.

Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate to high-intensity aerobic activity daily or at least three times a week to help improve circulation and tone the body.

4. Anti-cellulite creams

Anti-cellulite creams that contain around 5% caffeine can help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and enhance skin texture. These creams are especially effective for mild cellulite (grade 1), which only appears when the skin is pinched.

Examples of caffeine-based creams include Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream (contains Q10 and L-carnitine), Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert, and Bliss Fabgirl Firm Body Firming Cream.

Apply the cream to areas such as the thighs or buttocks once or twice a day, massaging gently to promote absorption and improve results.

5. Lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique that stimulates both lymphatic and blood circulation. It helps reduce swelling, remove toxins, and improve the appearance of cellulite.

This treatment can be done on the legs, thighs, buttocks, arms, or abdomen and is suitable for all stages of cellulite. Read more about lymphatic drainage massage.

6. Ultrasonic cavitation

Ultrasonic cavitation, also known as lipo cavitation, is a noninvasive aesthetic treatment that uses ultrasound waves to break down fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body. It’s an excellent cellulite treatment option for more advanced cases (grade 3), where dimpling is visible even when standing.

This procedure can be performed on the abdomen, thighs, flanks, buttocks, legs, and back.

7. High-intensity ultrasound therapy

High-intensity ultrasound therapy is an advanced aesthetic treatment that uses powerful ultrasound energy to target fat cells, stimulate lymphatic circulation, and promote muscle toning. This procedure helps improve the appearance of cellulite and reduce localized fat.

This treatment is typically recommended for grade 3 cellulite and is usually performed about twice a week, with visible results appearing after around 10 sessions. It is often combined with lymphatic drainage to enhance fat elimination and improve overall results.

8. Electrolipolysis

Electrolipolysis is usually recommended for severe cellulite (grade 4), which can be seen even through clothing.

During this procedure, low-frequency electrical currents are applied through fine acupuncture-like needles inserted into the skin, helping to break down fat cells and reduce cellulite.

9. Russian current therapy

Russian current therapy is another cellulite treatment for advanced cases (grade 4). It uses electrodes to stimulate involuntary muscle contractions, strengthening and toning the muscles beneath the skin. This helps improve firmness, reduce fat accumulation, and minimize sagging.

10. Carboxytherapy

Carboxytherapy involves injecting small amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) under the skin to boost local blood circulation, oxygenate tissues, and stimulate collagen production. This process tightens the skin, promotes fat breakdown, and helps smooth out cellulite.

Lymphatic drainage and regular exercise are often recommended alongside carboxytherapy to enhance fat elimination and improve treatment results.

Home remedies

Certain home remedies can complement professional cellulite treatments and help improve results. These include:

1. Coffee scrub

A weekly coffee scrub can help exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation. Mix coffee grounds with a small amount of liquid soap and massage onto areas affected by cellulite using quick, circular motions.

You can also use a cellulite massager, such as the Beurer cellulite massager, to enhance circulation and improve skin texture.

2. Massage

Massage helps reduce swelling, boost circulation, and stimulate lymphatic flow, all of which can improve the skin’s overall appearance.

To perform a massage, use upward strokes from the feet toward the heart. Applying an anti-cellulite cream such as Nivea Goodbye Cellulite or Savre Cellulite Reduction Cream can further enhance the effects of the massage.

3. At-home exercises

If you don’t have time to go to the gym, simple activities like cycling, skating, walking, or jogging can help burn fat and improve circulation, contributing to cellulite reduction.

You can also try these at-home exercises:

• Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees as if sitting in a chair. Slowly return to the starting position while tightening your glutes. Do this for 1 minute, rest for 30 seconds, and repeat once. Read more about the benefits of squats.

• Pelvic lifts: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips as high as possible while keeping your feet grounded, squeezing your glutes. Hold for a few seconds, lower slowly, and repeat for 1 minute. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat once more.

A personal trainer can design a customized exercise plan to target cellulite-prone areas, while a physical therapist specialized in dermato-functional therapy can recommend the most effective professional cellulite treatment for each individual.