How To Get Rid of Cellulite in 2023: 14 Tips from Dermatologists

How to Get Rid of Cellulite: 14 Tips and Product Recs From Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons
Hi, living, breathing human with cellulite—welcome to the club! Because the majority of adult humans have cellulite, according to dermatologist Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, this is a pretty popular club—and membership is nothing to be ashamed of or feel uncomfortable about.
That said, it's also totally okay to wish you didn't have cellulite and be looking into how to get rid of cellulite. Tech has come a long way (hi, 2023!), and cellulite reduction treatments are offered both in-office and at home with varying results, procedure lengths, and price points. Take a peek below at the options five dermatologists and two plastic surgeons actually recommend to get rid of cellulite, along with info on what cellulite actually is and what actually works to smooth it. Keep reading, and get ready to take notes. But first, a few favorites you can try at home:
Try a coffee-based scrub
Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
Dry brush to promote lymphatic drainage
Joanna Vargas Ritual Brush
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is the name for the dimpled or lumpy skin that’s commonly found the thighs, butts, stomachs, hips, and arms. Cellulite forms when fat cells beneath your skin push up against your skin’s connective tissues—known as fibrous bands, or septa—causing the skin to dimple or pucker, explains board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. It’s important to note that everyone has these fat cells, regardless of what you eat or how frequently you exercise, and that cellulite is completely harmless and extremely common, says Dr. Ip.
Though everyone and anyone can get cellulite, it’s especially common in women because their fat cells are contained in “chamber-like structures that favor the expansion of fat tissue into the dermis,” says Dr. King. Meanwhile, men have criss-crossing connective tissue structures, making it more difficult for fat to push through and create dimpling.
Still, your body’s structure only plays a role in whether or not you develop cellulite. The other determining factors include hormones, genetics, age, weight, eating habits, pregnancy, activity, and how much collagen and estrogen you naturally have in your skin. Which, again, is why cellulite is so common in humans.
How to get rid of cellulite:
Here’s a rundown from the dermatologists and plastic surgeons on the best ways to get rid of cellulite, from temporary at-home options to semi-permanent in-office treatments.
Pros
Cons
There's no quick way to get rid of cellulite, but applying some self-tanner can help disguise your dimples a little bit and make your skin look more smooth and glowy. I'm a huge fan of Loving Tan's Bronzing Mousse because it comes in a variety of shades that work for a handful of skin tones (see: medium for fair to light skin, dark for light to medium skin, ultra dark for medium to tan skin, and platinum for tan to deep skin). It gives me an opaque color that isn't streaky or sticky—I just massage it in with a mit, let it sit overnight, and then rinse in the morning. My cellulite looks a bit less noticeable, and my glow is un-freakin'-matched.
THE REVIEWS: "I am so impressed that this tanning mousse, because it doesn’t leave a sticky feeling or a strong odor like the rest of them," one reviewer writes. "The color lasts for about a week, and I’ve noticed that it looks much more natural than some of the others I’ve tried. I love that I can sleep in it without feeling like I’m sticking to the sheets! Very happy with this product, and I will continue to purchase."
U Beauty The Sculpt Arm Compound
Pros
Cons
Even though creams and lotions won’t make your cellulite disappear, they can help temporarily smooth and tighten your skin—especially if you pick a formula that’s spiked with caffeine, which slightly “dehydrates fat cells, making them less visible,” says Dr. King.
So if you can’t swing a professional treatment, try massaging this cream wherever you have cellulite. Just note: “It needs to be applied daily,” says Dr. King, “and the effect will be modest at best.” Basically, don’t expect miracles, but you may see a temporary, more-even look on your skin. FWIW, I massage this cream all over my thighs and arms every morning, and I've noticed my skin is so much firmer, which has helped my dimpling look less prominent.
MY REVIEW: I use this cream all over my legs just before special events. It makes my skin look smoother and firmer as soon as I massage it on, but it doesn’t feel sticky when I’m ready to get dressed. This was so great before beach and pool days when I wanted a little boost to feel more confident.
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Pros
Cons
Board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, also suggests incorporating a retinol body lotion or cream into your cellulite-minimizing routine, like this non-greasy, antioxidant-rich formula from Paula’s Choice. As Dr. Ip explains, “Retinol helps increase collagen and thicken your skin,” working to plump and smooth your skin every time you use it. Massage this cream on your cellulite at night, and make sure to layer on sunscreen in the morning (retinoids increase your sensitivity to the sun).
THE REVIEWS: “I have purchased three bottles of this over the past year, and I have seen a difference in the appearance in cellulite on the back of my legs,” writes one reviewer. “Obviously, for anyone buying, be aware I had better results because I was also dieting and working to not add to the problem. But I think my skin is firmer, and I am happy with this lotion.”
Try QWO to minimize cellulite
Try QWO to minimize cellulite
One of the most popular cellulite treatments to date is Qwo, an injectable enzyme that “breaks down the septa bands that contribute to cellulite,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Alexis Parcells, MD. You’ll feel a slight pinch (similar to a Botox injection or a shot in general) and might experience some bruising, swelling, and soreness in the area for up to a week.
You’ll likely need about three sessions to see full results, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1,000 per treatment. Doctors can’t say with 100 percent certainty that your cellulite will never come back (thanks to genetics and weight fluctuations), but you can expect it to last significantly longer—think: years—than, say, Botox or face fillers.
Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
Pros
Cons
If you don’t have time to massage a cream on every night, add a caffeine-filled body scrub to your shower. When used topically, a ground-coffee exfoliant can temporarily minimize the appearance of cellulite, thanks to the fact that coffee contains caffeine, which temporarily tightens and plumps your skin. “Caffeine can also dehydrate fat cells so they deflate, which then makes your cellulite look a little less obvious,” says Dr. Gohara.
Just remember: Anything that touches your skin for a few seconds (see: cleansers and body washes) don’t have a ton of efficacy, so don’t rely on this scrub alone for your cellulite-smoothing goals. Instead, incorporate this scrub into your routine for a little extra oomph.
THE REVIEWS: “This did a great job of smoothing my skin without drying it, and caffeine has firming properties that help reduce puffiness and the look of cellulite,” one tester writes. “A little goes a long way with this product. The coffee coconut fragrance is divine.”
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Look into Avéli for cellulite
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The newest procedure to get rid of cellulite is Avéli, a professional treatment in which a long probe is inserted into your skin to cut the connective bands that are causing the cellulite dimple. “It’s the only cellulite device that allows us to identify which of the septa under the skin are the culprits causing the dimple,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Camille Cash, MD, using a light on the end of the probe that allows your provider to see each band that's causing the dimpling.
You only need one hour-long treatment for your skin to look immediately smoother (and don’t worry, you’ll be numbed with local anesthetic), but it’s not cheap: You can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000, depending on your location and the provider you see. You might also experience some bruising and swelling afterward—and potentially some pain in the first 24 hours—but you should be able to resume normal activities within a week, says Dr. Cash.
Just note that the treatment is so new that it isn’t widely available yet, so use the Avéli website to find a provider in your area.
Joanna Vargas Ritual Brush
Pros
Cons
You know those wooden dry brushes you’ve always considered buying? Some pros say they help the appearance of your cellulite. “Daily body brushing and massaging can jumpstart your lymphatic drainage,” says board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, which can potentially lead to smoother, less puffy skin. But, Dr. King says, it’s important to remember that dry-brushing “won’t change the anatomy that is creating cellulite.”
THE REVIEWS: “I love this sturdy brush,” one review reads. “And the head is detachable from the stick if you want to detach it to scrub! I would recommend it!”
8
Consider Cellfina
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The cellulite technology that dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD, recommends? Cellfina, a minimally invasive treatment that microscopically severs the septa that weave throughout the fat in your thighs and buttocks. “First, the dimple is numbed with a tiny needle,” says Dr. Akhavan, “then a microscopic device goes in and cuts or shatters the connective cord, so the fibrous bands can’t find each other again.”
“The good thing about this procedure is you’ll only need to do it once—it’s considered semi-permanent because the results show in as little as three days and are still visible in three years,” says Dr. Arkahavan. Know that this procedure definitely isn’t cheap though—Dr. Akhavan suggests talking to your dermatologist or going to a plastic surgeon for a consultation, since the treatment can cost upwards of $5,000, depending on where you live.
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Tighten your skin with Emtone
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Emtone is a professional device that combines radiofrequency (which internally heats your skin to encourage collagen production) with acoustic waves (which boosts circulation and aids in lymphatic drainage) to help thicken and tone your skin, making cellulite less noticeable.
Treatments are quick—roughly 20 minutes for the procedure itself—and you’ll only need four treatments (which cost about $1,000 to $1,500 each) spaced a week apart. And, unlike most of the other cellulite treatments, Emtone also has the ability to slightly tighten and firm your skin if you’re dealing with laxity too, such as from weight fluctuations or age.
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10
Try laser treatments
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If you want to get rid of cellulite and help firm your skin at the same time, opt for a laser treatment like Cellulaze. It uses a laser fiber (that’s inserted directly beneath your skin) to heat up and break the bands surrounding fat cells, while also triggering collagen production for tighter, more elastic skin. You only need one treatment to start seeing results (!), but it’ll cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on your location and the provider.
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Freeze fat cells with CoolSculpting
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While CoolSculpting, aka ​​cryolipolysis, isn’t the first pick from dermatologists for getting rid of cellulite, it can still be beneficial, because it helps reduce the number of fat cells in an area, making cellulite less noticeable over time. The procedure utilizes “very cold temperatures to break down fat cells just beneath the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Will Kirby, MD. “When these fat cells freeze, they die and are then eliminated through your body’s natural processes over the course of weeks to months following your treatment.”
You’ll need one to three treatments that can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,7000, but your provider may also choose to combine treatments for better results, like utilizing CoolSculpting to spot-reduce fat on the thighs, while targeting the individual cellulite dimples with Cellfina or Avéli.
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Check your salt intake
Anna Blazhuk//Getty Images
Remember: Your eating habits aren't solely responsible for whether or not you develop cellulite—though loading up on nutrition-rich foods definitely won't hurt if you're trying to smooth your cellulite, says Dr. Engelman. She suggests watching your sodium intake, which can lead to puffiness and water retention, and eating plenty of fiber and whole grain foods (think: bran and oat cereals) that improves circulation. Don’t forget to load up on fruits and veggies too.
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13
Drink plenty of water
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“You want to stay adequately hydrated, since cellulite can appear worse in a dehydrated state,” says Dr. Engelman. “Dehydration can cause the skin to become thinner and weaken, and when the skin is thin, it tends to show more cellulite.” So consider investing in a water bottle you’ll actually want to use (like one with a built-in straw, or one with a time table on the side to keep you on track).
14
Develop an exercise routine
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Exercise alone won’t completely get rid of cellulite or even prevent it, but it can decrease overall body fat percentage and lead to smoother skin, says Dr. King. So whether you hit the gym a few times a week, take a yoga class when you can, or switch up your commute by jogging or walking, it’s a smart idea to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle, not only for your skin, but for your health in general.
Is it possible to get rid of cellulite?
Yes, it’s possible to get rid of cellulite with in-office treatments, according to dermatologists and plastic surgeons. “Think of your cellulite like a button creating a pucker on a couch cushion,” says Dr. Gohara. “To get rid of the pucker, you have to go deeper and cut the cords.” Which, obviously, you can’t do at home.
That said, there are a handful of tips and tricks you can use to help temporarily lessen the appearance of cellulite (ahem, see: everything above), and as long as you go into the process with realistic expectations, they’re not a bad place to start. But, of course, remember: Cellulite is super common and natural, and there’s no shame in wanting to keep yours or get rid of yours. Bodies are bodies, and you decide what you want to do with your own.
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Can you really get rid of cellulite with exercise?
No, you can't get rid of cellulite with exercise, because you can't "tone" or target a specific muscle. For your thighs to look tighter, you'll need to lose body fat, which happens all over your body. Sure, losing fat and gaining some muscle might make your dimpling look less prominent or noticeable, but it'll take major consistency and an overall lifestyle change rather than a few simple exercises, and even then, this still won't entirely "get rid of" cellulite.
How do I get rid of cellulite naturally?
There are no ways to naturally get rid of cellulite at home, and it’s not possible to get rid of cellulite using only natural, topical ingredients, either. Body creams and body scrubs that contain caffeine can make your skin look temporarily smoother, while retinol body lotions can help exfoliate your skin over time—but neither is going to truly get rid of your cellulite, and neither will be clean and natural, either. If you really want to get rid of cellulite, skip the creams and talk to your dermatologist about an in-office procedure.
Will cellulite go away if I lose weight?
Cellulite could go away if you lose weight, but it often has nothing to do with weight gain or loss. “Anyone can have cellulite regardless of the number on the scale,” says Dr. Ip. Honestly, nothing can truly get rid of cellulite for good, especially at home. “Even if you make the decision to try one of the medical cellulite treatments, it is possible that cellulite may return,” says Dr. Ip, because cellulite is often related to uncontrollable variables, like your genetics, hormones, and inevitable weight fluctuations.
Will Kirby, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, CA. He is also the chief medical officer of LaserAway, which offers CoolSculpting, laser hair removal, and laser skin treatments all over the United States.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from skin barrier and whiteheads. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to cellulite, thanks to asking experts how to get rid of her own for years. She regularly tests and analyzes cellulite treatments for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and plastic surgeons to assess new formulas and brands.
Katherine J. Igoe is a contributing editor at Cosmopolitan, and has eleven years of experience as a freelancer—with nearly five of those years writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, including wrinkle serums and pregnancy-safe sunscreen. Her cellulite treatment picks were based on personal testing and product reviews, along with information from experts.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.