5 Ways to Make Cellulite Less Obvious

Ahhhh, cellulite. Defined as the dimpling of your skin around the leg and butt area due to underlying fat deposits, cellulite attacks us all. Contrary to popular belief, its onset isn't caused by the number on the scale but rather by hormones and genetics.

Problem is, it’s really hard to get rid of. Since the root of the problem is deep in the subcutaneous layer of tissue (mainly fat) underneath your skin, any topical creams or treatments applied usually don't penetrate that far. However, there are things you can do to reduce the appearance of cellulite:

Dry Body Brush

Ildi Pekar, aesthetician to celebs like Miranda Kerr and the Victoria’s Secret girls (so yes, she knows what she’s talking about), names dry body brushing as the best way to smooth out signs of cellulite. “It helps to better your skin’s circulation [to improve lymphatic drainage and remove toxins],” she says. Try using a 100% natural bristle body brush daily on dry skin before showering.

Natural Bristle Body Brush, $10.95, Amazon

Scrub It out

Pekar also says caffeine can help rev up the blood flow in your skin. “It can reduce the size of cellulite fat cells by 17 percent,” she claims.

Make your own scrub by mixing brown sugar, almond or coconut oil and organic coffee grinds together and applying daily by massaging in upwards strokes for 15 to 20 minutes.

Viva Labs Organic Coconut Oil, $10.79, Amazon

The Organic Coffee Company Coffee Grinds, $9.79, Amazon

Rework Your Diet

A good diet helps to avoid the appearance of cellulite, says Pekar. “Drink plenty of water to get your body circulating fluid, as well as avoiding saturated fats, sugar, and salt.”

KOR Delta BPA Free Water Bottle, $15, Amazon

Go Hardcore Removal

“Try a detox body treatment, which is a great way to get rid of all the unwanted toxins that are lingering in your skin cells,” Pekar says. “A radio frequency machine can be used to shrink fat cells: it’s a big hit with my models!” The gold standard in cellulite control right now, radio frequency uses massage and heating of the skin to attack fat cells and stimulate new collagen production.

Try An Underwater Approach

Exercise is also tauted as one of the best ways to tighten skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. The underwater spin classes becoming popular in New York City have been said to rid their devotees of thigh dimples (due to an increase in circulation).

Image: Fotolia