Understanding Cellulite

Cellulite is a common condition affecting up to 80–90% of women post puberty. While harmless by nature, the appearance of cellulite motivates many to look for advice, products, and treatments that can help minimise its look. Below we break down what it is and how you might support smoother skin naturally.

Where Cellulite Commonly Appears

The most likely areas that you may experience cellulite are the buttocks, hips and thighs due to greater fat distribution in these areas. Cellulite is commonly seen as dimpling, nodulations and occasionally referred to as ‘orange peel’ or ‘cottage cheese’ skin. It also affects women more than men.

How Cellulite Forms

Cellulite develops when changes occur in both your fat cells and connective tissue (septae). Over time, these connective fibres can weaken and stretch, losing support. As fat cells enlarge or accumulate, they press against this weakened structure, creating the uneven, dimpled appearance seen on the skin’s surface.

What Contributes to Cellulite

Cellulite is influenced by genes and hormones, and lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, and low muscle tone can all have an impact. Maintaining physical activity, balanced nutrition, and healthy habits can help support the look of skin over time. Regular movement, strength training, and a nutrient-rich diet can all contribute to improving skin tone and firmness, which may reduce the visible appearance of cellulite.

Daily Wellness Tips

Dry body brushing
Gentle regular massage
Nourish with a body oil that smooths, hydrates and protects the skin barrier
Choose optional ingredients like caffeine and retinol. Retinol can help boost collagen whilst caffeine may help smooth skin
Exfoliation to increase circulation and improve skin texture
Avoid alcohol, salt, sugar and processed meats
Increase your water intake
Include oily fish, turmeric, ginger, leafy greens and red fruits into your diet
Regular physical activity

Body Contouring Treatments

Body contouring treatments are proving popular for the treatment of cellulite. When seeking professional help, we recommend booking a consultation prior to treatment to discuss treatment options available. Your practitioner will be able to guide you on treatment protocols, number of treatments you may require and any pre or post care required. Some of the most popular and well-known treatments include:

Endermologie: One professional non-invasive modality used to treat cellulite. It uses a positive pressure rolling method with applied negative pressure to the skin. It works on the underlying connective tissue to stimulate blood flow, improve lymphatics and cellular regeneration.

Radio Frequency: Another professional modality that uses heat to break up fat, then metabolising it and releasing it via the lymphatic system.