6 Best Cellulite Solutions for Smoother and Firmer Skin

Chances are, you think about your complexion year round. But with summer right around the corner, you’re probably also turning your attention to other parts of your body—and for many, that means dealing with cellulite.

“Cellulite is the herniation of fat between bands of fibrous connective tissue. This appears as skin dimpling and lumpiness,” says Dr. Suzanne Friedler, board-certified dermatologist at New York-based Advanced Dermatology PC. “It is most common on the thighs, hips and buttocks but can appear in other areas as well,” she adds.

Cellulite is an extremely common condition—and while it can technically affect anyone, it’s much more prevalent in females. “Cellulite occurs in up to 90% of post-pubescent women,” says Friedler. “Cellulite begins after puberty and tends to [become more prevalent] with age,” she explains.

Where Does Cellulite Come From?

Even though cellulite is extremely common, there’s not a definitive answer on what causes it—but many experts think that hormones and genetic makeup may play a factor. “The cause [of cellulite] is unknown, but since it appears almost exclusively in females, it is pressed to be due to hormones, although no one is really sure,” says Dr. Andrew B. Menkes, dermatologist at The Menkes Clinic in Mountain View, California. “Genetic factors are also important because some females have more cellulite than others,” he adds.

Common Myths About Cellulite 

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about cellulite—which can make prevention and treatment a challenge. Some common cellulite myths include:

• Cellulite is connected to weight. One of the most common myths about cellulite is that it only happens to people who are overweight. But that’s not true; it doesn’t matter what number you see on the scale—cellulite can happen to anyone. “[Cellulite] is not related to the person’s weight since even thin women can develop cellulite,” says Menkes.
• Liposuction is an effective treatment for cellulite. While there are many treatments that can be effective in treating cellulite, liposuction is not one of them. Liposuction can cause fat in the treated areas to be distributed unevenly—which can actually make the appearance of cellulite worse.
• Spot training can get rid of cellulite. Embracing a healthy lifestyle can help manage cellulite. “[An] active lifestyle can make a difference,” says Friedler. But you can’t spot-train your way out of cellulite. While you can build muscle in areas where you have cellulite (like your thighs or buttocks), you also need to burn fat—and there’s no way to limit fat burning to a single area of the body.

What Works Best for Cellulite

Okay, so now that you understand what cellulite is, let’s talk about what works best for tackling cellulite. And the first question is—can you prevent it? While there are certainly steps you can take to keep your body in good shape (like staying hydrated and having a regular cardio and strength training regimen), if you’re genetically predisposed to cellulite, prevention might not be an option. “It is almost impossible to prevent cellulite if you're so genetically inclined,” says Menkes.

But just because prevention can be a challenge doesn’t mean you can’t treat it! While there’s currently no way to get rid of cellulite completely, there are a number of ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite, whether you work with a dermatologist or with products you can use at home.

Best In-Office Treatment Options for Cellulite

“In order to treat cellulite effectively you must break through the fibrous bands that are binding the fat and causing the lumpiness,” says Friedler. She adds, the appearance of cellulite can be improved through a number of in-office treatments. “This can be done with surgical procedures, lasers and less effectively, with vigorous massage,” Friedler notes.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to cellulite treatment; if you’re struggling with severe cellulite and you’re not sure which treatment is best for you, talk to your doctor. “Therapies are getting better and better. See a dermatologist to determine which treatment is right for you,” says Friedler.

Best At-Home Cellulite Treatments

If you want to tackle cellulite on your own, you have options! Let’s take a look at some of the best at-home treatments and products for reducing the appearance of cellulite.

2. SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate (5 fl. oz.)

SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate (5 fl. oz.)

41 reviews

$90.00

COMING SOON

Specifically formulated for use on cellulite-prone areas (like the abdomen, buttocks and thighs), this body-tightening fluid helps support your skin’s structure with lifting and firming ingredients like hydrolyzed rice protein and tripeptide. Unlike more temporary cellulite treatments, this product continues to firm skin over time for a smoother, more toned appearance. Reviews say: “This cream smells delicious, goes on smoothly, and delivers visibly tighter and fresher looking skin after a couple of applications!”

3. Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Contouring Body Cream 5 fl. oz

Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Contouring Body Cream 5 fl. oz

Eminence Organic Skin Care Full Size Gift

7 reviews

$68.00

QUICK BUY

If you want to reduce the appearance of cellulite, you need to attack it from all angles. This luxurious contouring cream, which is definitely a contender for one of the best products for cellulite removal, is packed with powerhouse ingredients like coffee and microalgae extract to tighten and tone problem areas and smooth out the appearance of cellulite. It also delivers a potent dose of hydration thanks to jojoba oil, shea butter and stone crop, which can improve the overall appearance of skin.

4. Nurse Jamie Uplift Body (1 piece)

Nurse Jamie Uplift Body (1 piece)

4 reviews

$159.00

COMING SOON

Some at-home treatments can be intimidating—but Nurse Jamie’s Uplift Body makes treating cellulite simple and painless. This easy-to-use device delivers a high-frequency sonic vibration that temporarily “uplifts” the skin, improving the appearance of cellulite. The results are temporary, but because it’s safe to use every day, this device is a great option to smooth out skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

5. Kayo Body Care Concentrated Firming Serum (4 fl. oz.)

Kayo Body Care Concentrated Firming Serum (4 fl. oz.)

18 reviews

$38.00

COMING SOON

One way to reduce the look of cellulite? Work on giving the skin a firmer and tightened appearance. This serum is packed with skin-firming ingredients like witch hazel and caffeine, which will give the skin a more toned appearance. This firming serum also contains hyaluronic acid, which binds moisture to the skin, giving it a more plump, smooth appearance—perfect for fighting cellulite. Reviews say: “I have purchased the entire line of Kayo products and the Firming Serum is hands down my favorite. The consistency is perfect! It absorbs nicely, and it smells great. I use it on my glutes and thighs. My skin in that area looks tighter than it ever has.”

6. The Organic Pharmacy Detox Cellulite Body Oil (100 ml.)

The Organic Pharmacy Detox Cellulite Body Oil (100 ml.)

9 reviews

$68.00

COMING SOON

If you’re looking for a more natural cellulite treatment, this body oil is infused with a rich blend of herbal extracts (including juniper, grapefruit and rosemary) to flush the body of toxins and smooth out skin. Combined with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba, this body oil is one of the best holistic-based approaches to cellulite available. Reviews say: “This is truly an amazing body oil. I use it every day after my shower and it's just the most luxurious treatment for my dry skin. Love the smell, love how it makes my skin feel and even though I've only been using this for 1 month I can tell it's helping maintain hydration levels and firmness. Will definitely repurchase this!”