What is Cellulite? Causes, Treatments & Expert Advice

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Cellulite is one of the most common skin concerns in women—and one of the most misunderstood. Often referred to as “cottage cheese thighs” or skin dimpling, cellulite affects up to 90% of women at some point in their lives. It is not a disease, nor is it a sign of poor health. Instead, it’s a structural change beneath the skin that can make certain areas appear uneven or textured.

While cellulite can’t be completely erased, there are ways to soften its appearance and feel more confident in your skin. This guide unpacks the causes, treatments, and expert strategies for managing cellulite.

Key Summary

• Cellulite is not fat—it’s a structural condition where fat pushes against connective tissue, creating dimples.
  

• It’s extremely common in women due to differences in skin structure and fat distribution.
  

• Lifestyle choices, hormones, ageing, and genetics all play roles in how visible cellulite becomes.
  

• There’s no permanent cure, but both lifestyle adjustments and advanced treatments can reduce its appearance.
  

• Professional solutions like lasers, radiofrequency, and microneedling are among the most effective.
  
  

What is Cellulite?

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Cellulite is the term used to describe the uneven, dimpled skin texture that often appears on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and sometimes arms. It’s caused by fat cells pushing against connective tissue beneath the skin, resulting in surface irregularities.

It’s important to clarify: cellulite is not a health problem. Instead, it’s a cosmetic concern—and an extremely common one.

Symptoms and How Cellulite Looks

• Mild cellulite: faint dimpling, visible only when the skin is pinched.
  

• Moderate cellulite: “orange peel” texture, noticeable even when relaxed.
  

• Severe cellulite: deep depressions or lumpiness, sometimes described as “mattress-like” skin.
  

Cellulite most often appears on the thighs, bum, stomach, and sometimes the upper arms, areas where the skin naturally stores more fat.

Is Cellulite Fat?

No—cellulite is not the same thing as fat. While it involves fat cells, it’s the interaction between fat, skin, and connective tissue that creates the dimpled look. Even people with low body fat can experience cellulite, proving it’s not just about weight.

What Causes Cellulite?

Several factors influence whether cellulite develops and how visible it becomes:

• Genetics – Your DNA plays a major role in skin thickness, fat distribution, and metabolism—all of which influence cellulite.
  

• Hormones – Estrogen, insulin, and thyroid hormones all affect how connective tissue and fat interact.
  

• Collagen Breakdown – As collagen weakens with age, skin loses firmness, making cellulite more pronounced.
  

• Lifestyle Habits – Poor diet, lack of movement, smoking, and dehydration all exacerbate the look of cellulite.

Lifestyle & External Factors Affecting Cellulite

• Diet 

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What you eat directly affects the structure and health of your skin. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and excess salt can increase inflammation and cause your body to hold onto fluids, which may exaggerate the uneven texture of cellulite. On the other hand, nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids support collagen production and healthy circulation, helping skin look firmer and smoother.

• Alcohol 

Image by Freepik

Regular alcohol intake can worsen cellulite in several ways. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, making it appear thinner and less elastic. It also dilates blood vessels, disrupting circulation, and increases the breakdown of collagen and elastin — proteins that keep skin firm. Over time, these changes make cellulite dimples appear deeper and more prominent. Learn more about the effects of alcohol on skin.

• Dehydration

Adequate hydration keeps skin cells plump and resilient. When you don’t drink enough water, the skin becomes less elastic and loses its natural “cushion,” which accentuates the lumpy appearance of cellulite. Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy circulation, supports lymphatic drainage, and enhances skin’s overall texture, making dimpling less noticeable.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite (What Really Works)

First, honesty: there is no permanent cure for cellulite. However, you can significantly reduce its appearance with the right combination of self-care and professional treatments.

1. Adapt a Healthy Lifestyle

• Hydrate daily: Aim for 2+ liters of water for skin elasticity.
  

• Balanced diet: Prioritise antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
  

• Regular workouts: Strength training and low-impact cardio can firm muscles under the skin, improving tone.

Read More: How Lifestyle Affects Skin: Daily Habits That Hurt or Heal

2. Consider Professional Treatments

Modern skin technology has created effective options for tackling stubborn cellulite:

• Microneedling & Radiofrequency – Devices that stimulate collagen while tightening skin. Explore the benefits of radiofrequency for tighter skin.
  

• TriLift with Radiofrequency – Combines lifting and firming in one treatment. Book a consultation for Skin to Heart's Tri Lift (with radiofrequency technology).
  

• Laser-Based Treatments – Target fat, stimulate collagen, and improve circulation. Book a consultation for Skin to Heart's Curated Laser Treatment.

3. Dry Brushing

A centuries-old ritual, dry brushing may temporarily boost circulation and improve skin texture. While results are subtle, it can be a beneficial addition to a holistic routine.

Is Cellulite More Common in Women?

Yes—up to 90% of women experience cellulite, compared to 10% of men. This difference comes down to fat distribution and skin structure: women’s connective tissue forms vertical chambers, which makes dimpling more visible, whereas men’s connective tissue is structured in a crisscross pattern.

Can Men Get Cellulite?

Yes, but it’s much less common. When men do develop cellulite, it’s usually linked to hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, or low testosterone levels.

Does Cellulite Get Worse with Age or Weight Changes?

• Age: As collagen and elastin decline, skin thins, and cellulite becomes more noticeable.
  

• Weight changes: Both rapid gain and weight loss can accentuate cellulite. Even after slimming down, some may notice cellulite after weight loss due to looser skin.

Cellulite After Pregnancy – What to Expect

During pregnancy, hormonal changes, increased fat storage, and fluid retention often cause temporary cellulite, especially around the thighs and buttocks. For many women, it improves postpartum with time, healthy lifestyle habits, and professional support.

Relationship of Cellulite & Exercise

Exercise strengthens muscles and reduces overall fat—but it does not directly remove cellulite. In some cases, women notice cellulite looking worse when they first start exercising due to muscle growth beneath existing fat. Over time, consistency in workouts helps firm the body and reduce its visibility.

Your Next Step to Smoother Skin Starts Here

Cellulite is normal, natural, and common—but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to refine your skin’s texture. At Skin to Heart, we combine expert knowledge with advanced technology to help you achieve confidence in your skin. Whether through lifestyle advice, radiofrequency for tighter skin, or laser treatments, our tailored approach ensures results that feel personal and lasting.

Ready to explore your options? Book a consultation for Skin to Heart's Tri Lift (with radiofrequency technology) or Book a consultation for Skin to Heart's Curated Laser Treatment today.

FAQs About Cellulite

What is the main cause of cellulite?

Cellulite is caused by the interaction between fat, skin, and connective tissue. Genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors also play major roles.

Can you get rid of cellulite—or is it permanent?

Cellulite is permanent in the sense that the structure won’t disappear entirely, but its visibility can be dramatically reduced.

Does weight loss or exercise help reduce cellulite?

They can help improve tone and reduce fat stores, but they won’t completely eliminate cellulite.

Do hormones affect cellulite?

Yes—estrogen and other hormones influence collagen, circulation, and fat storage, all linked to cellulite formation.

Is cellulite harmful to your health?

No—cellulite is purely cosmetic and poses no health risks.

Are cellulitis and cellulite the same thing?

No. Cellulite is cosmetic skin dimpling, while cellulitis is a bacterial infection that requires medical treatment. If you’re unsure, always book a consultation with our team.