Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Cellulite

Cellulite is one of the great equalizers. Most people have it, and it's a perfectly normal part of life. In fact, the majority of women — 90% to be exact — have cellulite, and according to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons (ASDS), it's impossible to prevent it.

Common as it is, that doesn't always translate to there being accurate information about what causes cellulite and, if you so choose, how to treat it. There are still plenty of misconceptions out there, like cellulite is a matter of fat (it's not). And any quick Google search will pull up supposed remedies such as dry brushing, body creams, caffeine, foam rolling, and endless at-home devices that may or may not actually work. So, we teamed up with Endo Aesthetics and their Really Cellulite program to bring you the truth about what causes cellulite (and what doesn't), along with the best ways to minimize its appearance for those who wish to do so.

What actually causes cellulite?

Let’s start by dispelling one of the biggest mistakes out there: Cellulite is not caused by fat. Rather, fibrous bands under skin cause cellulite. These stretch vertically below the skin’s surface and thicken over time, creating dimpling.

Here's an easy way to think about it: Imagine tufting a sofa cushion. The taut buttons are like the thick fibrous bands pulling skin down, whereas your fat cells (which are exactly where they're supposed to be, by the way) are the cushions that puff up around them. So, cellulite's not an issue of fat so much as those collagen-packed bands.

That said, fat can contribute to cellulite, so the blame isn't totally misplaced. Weight gain can lead to fat cells getting bigger between the fibrous bands, thus leading to an all-around bumpier appearance.

Is cellulite preventable?

Nope. Because things like hormones and genetics (among many other factors) contribute to cellulite — all of which are largely out of your control, according to the ASDS — there's not much you can do to stop its development.

Can nutritious eating and regular exercise help minimize cellulite?

While both of those are definitely good ideas no matter what, they won't exactly make cellulite disappear. That said, a balanced diet may help reduce the size of fat cells, and toned muscles can help skin look smoother and firmer, but neither will do anything about the fibrous bands that are causing the telltale dimples.

If you're eating nutrient-dense foods and working out regularly for the purpose of weight loss, it's pretty much the same deal: Weight loss may help reduce the look of cellulite just by shrinking the size of fat cells between the fibrous bands, but it won't get rid of it entirely. That said, it can also lead to loose or lax skin, which can actually make cellulite look worse.

Is it possible to improve the appearance of cellulite at home?

Yes, it's possible, but getting rid of it forever? Not just yet. Per the American Academy of Dermatology, creams and lotions with ingredients like caffeine and retinol may help, but they require daily use — and their results are only temporary.

The effects of massage are similarly fleeting. One study found that after three types of massages, the appearance of cellulite was reduced. But it didn't specify how long that effect lasted, and anyway, a daily lymphatic drainage massage isn't always easy to keep at the top of a to-do list. As for foam rolling, the American Council of Exercise debunked using that type of manual massage to treat cellulite.

Can you get rid of cellulite forever?

Forever is a lot to ask for, but certain treatments can nix cellulite for years. If you're in the getting-rid-of-cellulite business, the doctor's office is the place to be. Certain in-office procedures, such as laser treatment (which uses laser energy to break up the fibrous bands), subcision (in which a needle breaks them up), vacuum-assisted precise tissue release (which manually snips them), and injections have evidence to back up their efficacy according to the AAD; and they offer more long-term results in the range of six months to a few years. The downsides? They can be pricey and invasive, meaning you're looking at some discomfort and recovery time.

Still, we've got some good news: there are less invasive ways to treat cellulite both more effectively and with similarly long-lasting results, so there are even more options on the way. We recommend talking to your doctor about options. In the meantime, stick with healthy habits, like stocking up on fruits and veggies and getting in a daily walk. Your cellulite may still be there, but you might just feel better about it.

*References: ReallyCellulite.com

This post is sponsored by Really Cellulite. For more information, visit ReallyCellulite.com.