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Tighter skin is on the way. Machine Epilation Laser Diode
Baby got back—and if you’re like most human women, that back’s got some cellulite. "By some estimates, up to 90 percent of all women have cellulite," says Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC. So you’re not alone if you’ve noticed a few dimples on your butt, thighs, or stomach. Cellulite is completely normal and harmless.
Meet our experts: Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC; Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, chief medical officer and founder of PFRANKMD, and author of The Pro-Aging Playbook; Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC
But if it's something that bothers you, there are topical formulas that can make your cellulite look less obvious—and for a lot less than pricey procedures. "There is some evidence they work by promoting lipolysis, stimulating collagen, and increasing blood flow and lymphatic drainage," says Dr. Chwalek. That being said, don’t expect a miracle in a bottle—the effects are typically temporary and fairly subtle.
Here’s what you need to know about cellulite creams, oils, and more.
There’s a lot to love about this non-greasy gel formula, from its lightweight texture to its claim to firm and tighten the skin on your stomach, thighs, and butt in just two weeks’ time with twice-daily use. Don’t expect a drastic difference—but for a find that's under $10, you can’t go wrong with this hydrating moisturizer.
Described as “heaven in a bottle” by one Sephora reviewer for its sweet vanilla scent, Sol de Janeiro’s cream has become something of a gold standard in cellulite-diminishing formulas for the butt and legs, thanks to its blend of coconut oil, açaí oil, and cupuaçu butter, the last of which is said to work specifically to retain moisture and improve elasticity. It even comes in a mini size, so you can pack it in a travel bag for a firmness boost on vacation.
If you prefer to hydrate with oil-based products versus creams or lotions, consider Weleda’s Cellulite Body Oil a perfect match. Massage the vegan, citrusy oil into damp skin using circular motions, and let its birch extract and rosemary soothe and smooth the spots where you put it.
Sugarcane-derived squalane, niacinamide, and green coffee bean-sourced caffeine combine to give this nourishing cream a subtle sculpting effect. Reviewers note how it effortlessly melts into the skin and love that it comes in an unscented formula for those sensitive to fragrance.
Post-shower, use this collagen-infused moisturizer to add a little fool-the-eye luminosity to your legs, trunk, arms, and backside. This bottle is so big, it’ll last you months.
This fragrance-free, cooling serum targets saggy skin with the aim of lifting and tightening via hydrolyzed rice protein and peptides. Derms and plastic surgeons often recommend this product to enhance and maintain in-office cellulite treatments post-procedure.
Try subtly tightening up skin on the neck, chest, and under arms with this fragrance-free lotion. The retinol in the formula is said to trigger cell turnover, perhaps helping with body acne, if that’s a concern.
This tub of body butter features coffee oil, which the brand says tones and tightens, and kola nut and horse chestnut which they say may increase circulation. The avocado oil in the formula provides a nice finishing touch.
Target stubborn problem areas with this tingly gel cream that's said to boost circulation with caffeine to provide a temporary tightening effect. Organic spirulina, rosemary, and lemon may work to smooth out dimples and tiny bumps, too.
Contouring has been a big trend in makeup, and now your hips and thighs can get in on the action, too. Instead of using light and shadow to sculpt, this gel’s powered by quince leaf extract, celosia extract, hazelnut, and horse chestnut. Follow Clarins self-massage application for best results.
Organic bladderwrack seaweed teams up with green coffee bean extract, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid for a rich, regenerative lotion. Try it as an all-over moisturizer or as a spot treatment. Choose from “Awaken,” a minty fresh scent, or “Enlighten,” a lemongrass fragrance.
You’re not going to get washboard abs from this cream, but softer, smoother skin with less noticeable dimples is a possibility. Like other toning creams, it packs caffeine and a bunch of botanical ingredients. Shiitake mushroom extract just might be the difference-maker though when it comes to improved elasticity with consistent use.
Known for its use during and post-pregnancy to help with stretch marks, this cult-favorite drugstore cream has a formula featuring the coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, an antioxidant that’s said to improve skin wrinkles and elasticity. It still has that characteristic cocoa butter scent and is enriched with vitamin E for all-over softness.
Enriched with actives like antioxidants, vitamins, and omega fatty acids, this aromatic body oil has the right consistency to pair with your favorite massage technique.
Despite its steep price tag, this luxurious cream from cult favorite brand Augustinus Bader has become a best-seller for a reason. A proprietary blend of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules that naturally occur in the skin, are said to work together to trigger the body repair process while Brazilian candeia oil purportedly softens and hydrates.
This tube of gel travels well, making it an excellent pick for a gym bag or a weekend trip. You’ll love the cooling effect you’ll feel from this super-light formula that packs caffeine, seaweed, and other Dead Sea-sourced nutrients said to energize and brighten body skin.
With plankton extract, caffeine, coenzyme A, and carnitine, this multifaceted formula attempts to go to work on the visible signs of cellulite on the butt, legs, and thighs.
Designated as an Amazon’s Choice product, reviewers can’t get enough of this skin-smoothing lotion that you can use really anywhere from the neck down. The key ingredient here again is retinol, which encourages cell turnover for firmer, more supple skin.
Specifically targeting your posterior, this wallet-friendly find positions itself as a butt lift in a jar. It won’t have a profound effect like that, but reviewers loved the sweet scent and do say consistent use yields a little bit of tightness and smoothness.
For another oil option, consider Elemis’ blend of active ingredients. Lemon essential oil provides a nice, citrusy scent while also purportedly promoting lymphatic decongestion, which may lead to a leaner look for the buttocks, abs, and thighs.
This essential oil-packed lotion features a mild apple melon fragrance and is a good match for more mature skin.
Put some pep in your step, literally, with this invigorating peppermint and menthol cooling leg cream. Apply in upstrokes from your ankles to your thighs for a bit of tingling and temporary tightening.
If you’re looking for more high-impact results, you might want to consider one of these derm- and aesthetician-administered treatments, or even give dry brushing a try.
You have to go to your physician's office to get this treatment (which can cost around $4,000), but Cellfina is said to be the first and only FDA-cleared minimally invasive treatment that is clinically proven to improve the appearance of cellulite for at least three years.
The treatment uses a needle-sized device to cut some of the fibrous tissues to smooth out dimpling. You’ll also have some temporary bruising but will start to see results in about a week, says Joel Schlessinger, MD, a dermatologist in Omaha, Nebraska.
If you have a few specific spots that you'd like to treat, this might be for you. "It's designed to target individual dimples in the skin," says Dr. Chwalek.
This handheld device uses infrared light, radiofrequency, and massage with suction to increase lymphatic drainage (making the area less puffy), while purportedly reducing the actual size of the fat cells and fat chambers.
It's FDA-cleared and considered a non-invasive treatment (meaning it doesn't require injections or cuts). Results start to appear after about four treatments, they say. It's effective on the thighs, back of the thighs, butt, abdomen, and love handles, says Dr. Schlessinger.
At around $1,000, it's cheaper than Cellfina, but you have to keep going back about every three months in order to see a real difference. “This is perfect for those with slight dimpling and who want a slimmer silhouette in the treated areas,” adds Dr. Schlessinger.
QWO is a prescription medication used for candidates that have stubborn cellulite with a dimpling or cottage cheese-like appearance.
When injected into the treatment area, QWO is said to destroy those fibrous septae which cause skin dimpling. The enzyme injected purportedly specifically targets Types 1 and 3 collagen, which is said to break down old collagen particles and help make new ones where the cellulite dimples are. This breakdown mechanism is said to result in smoothing of the skin and an improved appearance of cellulite.
Cleared by the FDA for the treatment of cellulite and loss of skin tone, EMTONE combines two technologies from the worlds of aesthetic and rehabilitation medicine. Thermal radiofrequency purportedly tightens skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production while mechanical shockwave therapy is said to break fibrous bands to improve circulation and fat deposition. EMTONE is performed in four to five procedures over a two-week period.
EMTONE can be combined with proprietary BIOSTIM injectable treatments for removing cellulite and tightening dimpled skin anywhere on the body. The treatment is performed with topical anesthesia, and patients can return to their daily activities immediately. This works best for moderate to severe cases of cellulite on the buttocks, thighs, knees, inner arms, and chest.
"This skin-tightening treatment uses radiofrequency, which heats up your dermis [skin] to stimulate collagen production and improve blood flow," says Dr. Chwalek. This is said to result in a smoother skin surface.
Thermage is non-invasive, and takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the body part you're treating. But don't be surprised if you leave the treatment looking like you did when you walked in. These tightening results should slowly develop over a six-month period.
"It uses a combination of ultrasound, which warms up the tissue, and vacuum-assisted lymphatic massage to promote metabolism and drainage of toxins and fats," explains Dr. Chwalek. Basically, it's said to suck out fat and tighten your skin at the same time, and it's much more gentle than traditional liposuction.
This natural approach involves scrubbing a stiff-bristled brush against skin. The technique focuses on brushing cellulite-ridden areas with upward strokes. This movement is said to stimulate the lymphatic system and boost circulation, which may temporarily result in the appearance of smoother skin, says Dr. Chwalek.
The downside: When it comes to treating cellulite, you'll need to do this every day. "It can help, but they will not yield effective long-term results," says Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, chief medical officer and founder of PFRANKMD, and author of The Pro-Aging Playbook.
This common skin condition that's readily recognized by texture that is lumpy, dimpled, or rippled in appearance. This is caused by tension between an accumulation of bulging fat cells and the fibrous bands that connect the skin’s surface to the underlying muscle, says Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC.
These marks don't discriminate based on size or weight—weight gain may exacerbate the appearance of cellulite, but it can develop in individuals of any weight—but hormones, like estrogen, do play a role in the development of cellulite. This may be why cellulite often worsens during pregnancy, says Dr. Chwalek. It's also why it's uncommon to see it in men (except men in an androgen-deficient state, adds Dr. Chwalek).
It's important to note: "There is no permanent cure for cellulite, says Dr. Green. "However, it is possible to reduce the appearance of cellulite through non-invasive cosmetic procedures, like Themage and VelaShape."
But what if you don't have the budget for these treatments or simply want to test out a cellulite cream first? Do they really work? "There are a variety of topical cellulite creams available over the counter that can potentially help tighten the skin, temporarily improving the appearance of superficial cellulite," says Dr. Green.
"Most cellulite creams contain active ingredients like caffeine or retinol, and work by thickening the outer layer of skin or decreasing the water content of fat cells, resulting in an overall smoother texture," she explains. "The efficacy of cellulite creams largely depends on the severity of the cellulite." Unfortunately, topical treatments are ineffective against moderate to severe cellulite, but may be useful for temporarily improving the appearance of superficial cellulite—they're also a great way to enhance the results of in-office treatment options, which are more effective and much longer-lasting, says Dr. Green.
Maddie Aberman is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has been covering skincare, makeup, hair, and wellness for more than five years. When she's not thinking about beauty, she's dreaming of getting a puppy (all dog mom advice is welcome).
Danielle Blundell is a New York City-based lifestyle writer and editor who has written on topics ranging from home to health for a variety of publications including Rachael Ray Every Day, Redbook, Family Circle, This Old House, Elle Decor, Esquire, Domino, and Apartment Therapy. She's a graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism and has appeared as an on-air expert on Today, The Doctors, The Celebrity Page, and other local news programs. Website: https://danielleblundell.myportfolio.com/
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