Did you know it’s estimated that over 90% of women have cellulite? Yup, we’ve all been led to believe that cellulite is an issue that needs to be fixed, but it’s entirely natural and common. Of course, you can try to reduce the appearance of cellulite if you want to, or you can leave it alone – there’s no shame either way.
For those who wish to minimise the look of cellulite, we’ve done the legwork for you. Ahead, we’ll share the different ways to treat cellulite, but before we do, let’s find out what causes it via a quick biology lesson!
What causes cellulite?
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Fibrous bands run from our skin to our muscles, and when they start pulling downward, the fat cells between them start to bulge up, creating that dimpled appearance in our skin.
As our skin’s elasticity and collagen weaken, the fat can also start to protrude. This is why cellulite becomes more noticeable as we age. It can also be caused by anything, from weight gain to genetics.
Estrogen, one of the two main sex hormones that women have, plays a huge role too, because this hormone creates fat. That is why cellulite often pops up in areas where we have more fat reserves, such as the hips, thighs, butt, and stomach.
How to get rid of cellulite
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The truth is, there is no quick fix for cellulite. However, there are certain methods that can help reduce its appearance. Plus, some of these home remedies can be used as part of your self-care routine.
Massage
Having increased circulation from massages causes vasodilation – that’s when your capillaries widen, causing an increased amount of blood flow in the area. This will cause a temporary plumping up of the skin, making your cellulite appear less visible.
When done regularly, a massage can also help to gently dissolve cellulite by breaking up fat deposits. It prevents new cellulite from forming as massaging can improve the circulation of the lymph areas that store toxins and excess fluid.
Topical products
Cellulite is a complex structural process that happens deep within the skin’s tissue, and it’s difficult to treat topically. That being said, cellulite creams and lotions can improve the look of your skin and somewhat reduce the appearance of cellulite, particularly if you’re diligent about using them.
A common ingredient in topical cellulite products is caffeine, which increases blood flow to the area and works as a diuretic. That can change the water content of the fat, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Products that contain a small percentage of retinol may also reduce the appearance of cellulite by thickening the outer layer of skin. You’ll have to use the product daily for six months or longer to see results.
But a word of caution: retinol can cause skin sensitivities, such as dryness, redness, and peeling. Plus, it can make you sensitive to the sun, so remember to slather on the sunscreen or wear UPF clothing during the day.
Cellulite treatments
Besides massages, laser and radiofrequency treatments can help minimise the look of cellulite. These medical therapies use deep tissue massage alongside radiofrequency technology, infrared light, or diode lasers to treat our dimples. Heat and suctioning may also be incorporated in these treatments.
Improvements are typically visible after a few sessions and the results can last up to six months or longer. To discover the latest cellulite treatments with special deals, keep reading!
Weight loss
For those who are overweight or obese, weight loss can help as shedding excess body fat naturally reduces the appearance of cellulite. Of course, anyone at any weight can have cellulite – it isn’t restricted to those who are overweight or obese.
If you want to lose weight or tone your muscles, you may find a healthy diet and regular exercise helpful. To tighten the skin around the thigh region, try incorporating certain leg and glute exercises into your fitness routine, such as squats, step-ups, and side lunges.
Lifestyle changes
A balanced diet doesn’t just help to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but it can also help you maintain a healthy weight. Reduce processed and sugary foods that can lead to the storage of toxins and fats in the body, and up your soluble and insoluble fibre intake. By doing so, your gut microbiome will start to thrive too.
Increasing your water intake is a low-cost option that can help with cellulite, especially if you aren’t drinking enough water at the moment. It keeps you hydrated and encourages overall circulation and lymphatic flow.
By reducing stored toxins, you’ll also be able to minimise the look of cellulite. Try to cut down on or stop smoking and drinking – these are the top two culprits that can really put your body through the wringer.
Products that help reduce the appearance of cellulite
Looking for some of the best cellulite creams to diminish the look of dimples? We can help. Here are the top 10 favourites from reviewers all around the globe.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Most popular!
Relying on traditional Brazilian ingredients, Sol de Janeiro’s cheeky Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is infused with guaraná, an Amazonian plant that bears fruit packed with caffeine – and we mean packed. It contains four times more caffeine compared to coffee!
As you now know, caffeine is a great choice for stimulating circulation and promoting the look of smoother, firmer skin. Combine that with hydrating cupuaçu butter, coconut oil, and antioxidant-rich acai, and you’ve got yourself the perfect cellulite cream for the whole body, not just your bottom.
We hear reviewers are addicted to its delectable pistachio-caramel fragrance too.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream retails for S$61.30 at Revolve.
Body Merry Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream
Body Merry’s Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream contains some of the best ingredients out there for improving circulation and firmness and smoothening the skin. Seaweed, cayenne, and retinol can all be found in this cream, and they team up caffeine to address problem areas around the thighs and butt.
It also has a tinge of peppermint oil for that refreshing sensation – a much welcome relief for folks who live in humid Singapore.
Body Merry Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream retails for S$37.14 at Amazon.sg.
Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment
While this buzzy ingredient is more commonly found in facial products, seeking out retinol in a cellulite cream is a good idea, as it can improve skin elasticity to reduce the look of cellulite.
This key ingredient helps to stimulate cell turnover, firming up the skin and improving its overall appearance. In Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment, it’s joined by protective antioxidants, nourishing plant butters, and moisturising oils for smooth, soft skin.
Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment retails for S$48 at Paula’s Choice Singapore.
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel-Cream Most affordable!
An oldie but a goodie, Nivea’s Skin Firming & Toning Gel-Cream remains a go-to drugstore pick for plenty of customers. It gets major points for the affordable price tag and also for its efficacy, thanks to firming ingredients such as coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine. The lightweight, refreshing, and fast-absorbing gel texture is a bonus in our book.
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel-Cream retails for S$19.20 on iHerb.
ELEMIS Cellutox Active Body Oil
Combat the buildup of toxins with this luxurious, body-balancing oil from ELEMIS. Detoxifying juniper stimulates sluggish systems while sea buckthorn smooths the appearance of cellulite for smoother, toned skin. The uplifting, zesty scent of the softening oil will leave both your body and mind refreshed.
ELEMIS Cellutox Active Body Oil retails for S$82 at ELEMIS.
InstaNatural Crepe Skin Firming Cream
InstaNatural’s Crepe Skin Firming Cream has been lauded for the inclusion of both caffeine and collagen, which provide a firming effect to the skin. Along with that, it also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and gently exfoliating glycolic acid to improve the overall texture and tone of your skin.
InstaNatural Crepe Skin Firming Cream retails for S$43.05 on Amazon.sg.
SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate Best for post-procedure!
If you’re opting for in-office, body tightening and contouring treatments, using the right products afterwards, like this option from SkinCeuticals, can really help to maximise your results.
Peptides and hydrolysed rice protein in the formula help lift, tighten, and firm. Plus, the texture is also cooling and refreshing. While it’s ideal to use post-procedure, it also works well on its own.
SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate retails for S$149 at Zalora.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion
While it’s priced affordably, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion boasts many of the same star ingredients as its pricier counterparts. Collagen and elastin help firm and tone, while antioxidant-rich CoQ10 and vitamin E soften and smooth the skin.
Satisfied customers also noticed that it was great at reducing the look of stretch marks too.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion retails for S$19.87 at Watsons.
Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert Most luxurious!
This correcting formula from Clarins works to refine the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of cellulite. It’ll keep hard-to-tone body parts like the hips, thighs, and buttocks looking smooth, thanks to its key ingredient: quince leaf extract. It targets the three main factors responsible for the appearance of cellulite as it lifts and contours the body.
https://www.clarins.com.sg/skincare/body-care-300/body-fit-80027874.html
Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert retails for S$152 at Clarins.
The Seaweed Bath Co. Awaken Detox Firming Body Cream
Seaweed stimulates blood flow and aids the body in shedding excess fluids, which is why The Seaweed Bath Co. has tapped into its benefits to treat cellulite. Nutrient-rich bladderwrack seaweed detoxifies the skin, while green coffee beans, green tea, and hyaluronic acid protect, replenish, and hydrate the skin for softer, firmer-looking skin.
The Seaweed Bath Co. Awaken Detox Firming Body Cream retails for S$21.02 on iHerb.
Treatments that help reduce the appearance of cellulite
If slathering on a cellulite-busting cream is too much of a daily commitment, why not try a weekly or monthly treatment instead?
Facebar N Skin Lymphatic Drainage Legs Moxibustion (Aijiu) Treatment
Lymphatic drainage is a manual massage technique that works on our lymphatic system, encouraging it to remove the accumulated liquid between cells and their catabolic (a.k.a. breakdown of) residues.
The rate of fluid flow slows down with age and changes in lifestyle, which could result in more cellulite in the legs – areas that are furthest away from the heart.
This is why Facebar N Skin created their Lymphatic Drainage Legs Moxibustion (Aijiu) Treatment, which treats cellulite, spider veins, swelling, and dry skin all at once. You’ll achieve smoother, firmer skin in no time.
Get the Facebar N Skin Lymphatic Drainage Legs Moxibustion (Aijiu) Treatment for S$38 instead of S$288 on Salon Finder.
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Address: 360 Orchard Road, #05-03, International Building, Singapore 238869
Opening hours: 11.30am – 9pm (Tue to Fri) | 10am – 7pm (Sat) | Closed on Mon & Sun
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Beauty Collection SORISA IMPRESS-240 Body Slimming Treatment
This slimming treatment from Beauty Collection treats cellulite as it contours your body by increasing overall circulation. The SORISA IMPRESS-240 targets the adipose tissues and dermal collagen fibres of the abdomen to firm the skin.
Get the Beauty Collection SORISA IMPRESS-240 Body Slimming Treatment for S$168.
Address: 90 Hougang Avenue 10, #03-08 Hougang Mall, Singapore 538766
Opening hours: 11am – 8.30pm (Mon to Fri) | 11am – 7.30pm (Sat & Sun)
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Mary Chia Beauty & Slimming Specialist Body Contouring Program
Achieve a slender physique with Mary Chia’s Body Contouring Program. The treatment uses vibration and pulsation actions to break down fatty deposits and cellulite in the body. It’s also coupled with a luxurious thermal essence body masque, which further stimulates your body’s metabolism to smooth cellulite and firm the skin.
Get the Mary Chia Beauty & Slimming Specialist Body Contouring Program for S$197.95.
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KGlow SkinLab Body Contour Redefine
This non-invasive and painless option from KGlow SkinLab taps onto radiofrequency technology and infrared therapy, which improve lymphatic circulation. It does so by penetrating deeper layers of the tissues and muscles to reduce free fatty acids, thereby increasing skin elasticity.
The result? Smoother, more contoured skin with reduced cellulite.
Get the KGlow SkinLab Body Contour Redefine at S$289.
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-23 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon to Sun)
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W.O.W Wellness Oneness Wonders INDIBA® Slim Body Treatment (2 sessions)
As far as radiofrequency treatments go, INDIBA® is still the market leader. This treatment from W.O.W Wellness Oneness Wonders accelerates your body’s natural recovery process, restoring its vitality quicker.
The Proionic System® increases cellular metabolism and rebalances cells during the session, which is why it’s perfect for tackling cellulite and reducing pockets of fat.
Get two sessions of W.O.W Wellness Oneness Wonders INDIBA® Slim Body Treatment for S$136 instead of S$776 on Salon Finder.
Address: 50 East Coast Road, #01-109/102 Roxy Square, Singapore 428769
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon to Fri) | 10am – 7pm (Sat & Sun)
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