Diseases and Conditions

Cellulite

Lifestyle and home remedies

Self-care can make a big difference in improving the appearance of your skin.

  • Medicated creams. Applying 0.3% retinol cream has been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite. Retinol helps thicken skin, which reduces the dimpling. Such products are applied once or twice a day. Any effect from a retinol cream won't be noticeable for six months or longer.
  • Weight loss. If you're carrying extra weight, losing pounds and toning muscles may help improve the appearance of dimpled skin.
  • Physical activity. Activities that tone muscles may help improve the appearance of dimpled skin. They also help with circulation and lymphatic drainage. Find one or more activities that you enjoy and can fit into your routine, such as yoga, Pilates, swimming, walking, biking, stair climbing and dancing.
  • Detoxification diet. This diet involves consuming less alcohol, caffeine, refined food, carbohydrates and saturated fat, and avoiding smoking, diet pills, sleeping pills, laxatives and diuretics. It encourages a diet based on fresh vegetables and fruits, water, whole-grain foods, fiber-rich foods, and essential nutrients and fatty acids. This diet alone won't cure your cellulite, but it might help.
  • Anti-cellulite creams. Various creams and other topical treatments are promoted as capable of reducing the skin dimpling of cellulite by improving skin texture and plumping the skin. The effect of applying these creams to the affected skin is likely indirect and short-lived. If you want to try such creams, look for products that include caffeine, retinol, and alpha hydroxy acids and aminophylline.