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how to fix cellulite
  • Beauty

9 Natural Remedies for Cellulite

Katie WellsJul 31, 2019Updated: Jan 3, 2020
Dr Scott Sorries Medical Advisor Wellness Mama
Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD
Reading Time: 6 min

This post contains affiliate links.
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Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » 9 Natural Remedies for Cellulite

Cellulite seems to be one of those problems that plagues many women these days. Based on the number of times cellulite remedies appear in women’s magazines, websites, and blogs, I’m guessing that this is a problem we still haven’t solved.

Most sources agree that the dimpled appearance of cellulite occurs due to problems/imbalance in the connective tissue and fat in a person’s body, but there are many theories about what may cause this imbalance. It seems that hormones, diet, lifestyle, and genetics all play a role but are not absolutes. While those who are overweight tend to have a higher chance of getting cellulite, many thin women complain of it as well.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite (Naturally)

Below are natural remedies I’ve either tried myself or had trusted sources recommend. They should all help balance the connective tissue/fat in the body and address the many possible causes. Either way, these things are beneficial for other reasons too so they are worth a try!

1. Dry Brushing

This is one remedy that there may not be any scientific evidence that it works but that there is a lot of anecdotal support for. Either way, it feels great and helps stimulate blood and lymph flow in the body. Here are some specifics:

How often: Dry skin brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is something you can — and should — be doing daily, even twice a day. Your skin should be dry, so the ideal time is in the shower before you turn on the water. Just a reminder, don’t get the brush wet.

Direction: You should only brush towards the heart. Making long sweeps, avoid back and forth, scrubbing and circular motions. Start at your feet, moving up the legs on both sides, then work from the arms toward your chest. On your stomach, direct the brush counterclockwise. And, don’t brush too hard: Skin should be stimulated and invigorated but not irritated or red.

Type of brush: The bristles should be natural, not synthetic, and preferably vegetable-derived. The bristles themselves should be somewhat stiff, though not too hard. Look for one that has an attachable handle for hard-to-reach spots, if necessary.

Benefits: In addition to sloughing away dry skin on areas like knees, elbows and ankles, body brushing promotes tighter skin, cell renewal and blood flow. This also helps the lymphatic system release toxins and aids in digestion and kidney function. You’ll also notice a glowy, smooth complexion.

It seems that a natural bristle semi-firm brush with a handle (like this one) is best and I keep mine in the shower to use daily right before showering. Here is a tutorial video that explains the specifics:

2. Consuming Gelatin

Gelatin is largely composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many people don’t consume in adequate amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals and as a population, we don’t consume these parts as much anymore. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth but for optimal immune function and weight regulation!

According to many sources (which I go over in this post), the various health benefits to gelatin include:

  • Supports skin, hair and nail growth
  • Good for joints and can help joint recovery
  • Can help tighten loose skin (like the kind you get after having four babies in five years…)
  • Can improve digestion since it naturally binds to water and helps food move more easily through the digestive tract
  • Rumored to help improve cellulite
  • Great source of dietary collagen (side note: collagen is too large to be absorbed by the skin, so those skin creams are pretty useless… get it internally and use coconut oil for lotion!)
  • Source of protein (though not a spectacular one) but its specific amino acids can help build muscle.

One theory is that the decline of gelatin containing foods in our diets has led to an increase in cellulite as we don’t have the needed building blocks for healthy connective tissue. Either way, it is another remedy that is good for other reasons and worth a try.

This is a brand of gelatin powder I love and use, among several.

3. Myofascial Massage

One theory is that cellulite forms in the superficial fascia, a layer of connective tissue below the skin that contains fat cells. Superficial fascia is fibrous and due to inactivity, injuries, and improper exercise, adhesions (scar tissue) in the fascia can form contributing to the bunched-up or rippled look of the skin. Not only does the superficial fascia become more fibrous, thickened and coarse, less flexible, but it can also adhere to underlying structures that it normally slides over.

Some therapists are able to perform a type of massage called myofascial massage or myofascial release, which smoothes this layer of connective tissue and can apparently also help with some types of muscle and joint problems that are related to imbalances in the fascia.

For those of us who don’t have access to a regular massage, it seems that using a deep tissue foam roller (like this one) regularly can greatly help as well. My favorite tool is the Myobuddy, a percussive handheld massager, and I use it several times a week for deep tissue massage.

4. Coffee Scrub

Coffee scrubs can be beneficial in reducing cellulite as well. The massage and exfoliation benefits skin by stimulating blood/lymph flow and the caffeine in the coffee has a tightening effect. Pinterest is speckled with accounts of coffee scrubs and wraps working for reducing cellulite and loose skin, and like the other remedies, it is at least worth a try. If nothing else, coffee smells great and this scrub will exfoliate skin:

You will need:

  • 1/4 cup coffee grounds
  • 3 TBS sugar or brown sugar
  • 2-3 TBS of melted coconut oil

What to do:
Combine the ingredients to create a paste-like consistency (note that it will harden if cooled if you are using unrefined coconut oil). Store in a glass jar.

To Use:
Massage into skin for several minutes using firm pressure and wash as usual. Use 2-3 times a week. Results should be visible within a couple of weeks.

5. Kettlebells

Kettlebells are one of my favorite ways to work out and they are especially good for the hips/thighs/buttocks/stomach areas (don’t believe me? do one kettlebell workout and let me know how your thighs feel the next day!)

Increasing blood flow to these areas can help remove cellulite and kettlebells are one of the most effective ways to build muscle and burn fat (both which help minimize the appearance of cellulite). They aren’t expensive (I use these) and don’t take up much room to store. Admittedly, you do have to make sure there are no kids nearby when you use them!

6. Omega-3s

Another theory is that consumption of the wrong kinds of fats leads to an imbalance of the fatty acids that the body needs for smooth skin and tissue. There is some evidence that consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins will help reduce cellulite over time. Either way, omega-3s, and fat-soluble vitamins are important for many other functions in the body, so it won’t hurt to try it!

Personally, I take these fish oil capsules daily for skin health (and for many other reasons).

7. Detox Baths

I love detox baths because they are relaxing, but yet another theory proclaims that toxin build-up in skin and fat tissues lead to cellulite. I couldn’t find any scientific evidence to back the toxin claim, but detox baths can be relaxing and great for the skin in other ways, so they are worth a try!

Here are three of my favorite detox bath recipes.

8. Moisturize Naturally

Just as detox baths may help remove toxins that can lead to skin problems (and maybe cellulite), constantly adding toxins back to the skin in the form of chemical-laden beauty products probably doesn’t help much! If you haven’t already, try using natural options for skincare and moisturizing. Simple coconut oil will work as an all-purpose moisturizer, but if you want to get a little more sophisticated, these are a few of my favorite recipes:

  • Perfect Silk Lotion Bars
  • Three-Ingredient Lotion Bars
  • Homemade Luxurious Lotion

9. Balance Hormones

It seems that many sources agree that hormones play a large part in cellulite formation (one reason that women typically get it and men don’t) and that working toward proper hormone balance can help reduce cellulite. Even if it doesn’t get rid of cellulite, balancing hormones helps in so many other ways that it is worth working on!

Here is my guide to balancing hormones naturally.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

What do you think? Do you have cellulite? Have you been able to get rid of it naturally? Share below!

Cellulite is a problem that plagues women of all ages but these natural remedies address the internal and external causes that will help to get rid of it.

Category: BeautyReviewer: Dr. Scott Soerries, MD

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (85 Comments)

  1. Nick Benson

    March 3, 2014 at 1:53 AM

    Make it a habit to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Water helps in getting rid of the harmful toxic wastes and hydrates the skin to lessen the appearance of cellulite.

    Reply
    • Nicole Bailey

      August 20, 2014 at 1:53 PM

      I agree with Nick. Make it a habit to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily! This is very true and helps a lot.

      Reply
  2. Debrah maina

    January 29, 2014 at 10:55 AM

    What can do to remove dimples on my body and to make my skin smooth again Debby backglands

    Reply
  3. Melissa Locks

    November 5, 2013 at 5:25 PM

    I have lost all of my baby weight from having my 3rd daughter and of course being a 32 year old mother of 3, there can be areas that needa little extra help. I read a review that if you use the Lady Soma Berry Masque on cellulite – it would work. This is a glyolic mask.

    This mask will not replace proper diet and working out. However, in conjunction with, it is excellent. Decided to try the Lady Soma Mask on my stretch marks – I apply it to the area I want to treat and I wrap myself in saran plastic wrap. I see beautiful smooth results. I’ve even noticed a HUGE decrease in the creases on the skin on my neck. Which has been a proble since I was young. Anyway, my BUT is, you have to still work out, eat right and drink lots of h20. Enjoy the results!

    Reply
  4. Eford

    May 30, 2013 at 9:08 PM

    #5… Oh yes, now I believe you. I just got a kettlebell and have done only one 18 minute workout. Nearly 3 days later and buns, thighs, and a bunch of small muscles in my legs that I didn’t realize existed, are still sore. Can’t wait to see what a few months with the kettlebell does for my big ole booty and all that hail damage back there (a.k.a. cellulite).

    Reply
  5. linda

    May 28, 2013 at 11:33 PM

    I’m trying to find the photo of the woman and child in Somalia you posted a few days ago. I can’t find it on your pinterest. Could you tell me where to find it? Thank you

    Reply
  6. Kristen Pressnell

    May 26, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    Great articles!!! Love the one on body brushing.

    Reply
  7. Bridget McCabe

    May 22, 2013 at 6:23 PM

    Slide cupping over the affected area is also effective.

    Reply
    • Kelly

      May 26, 2013 at 6:44 AM

      What is slide cupping? I haven’t heard of that.

      Reply
      • Lisa Wilson

        November 18, 2014 at 11:27 AM

        Therapeutic Cupping is a modality that some massage therapists are trained in.
        You can also buy silicone cups which would be easier to use. Make sure to lift while sliding across the affected area.

        Reply
      • Nicky

        August 5, 2015 at 5:59 AM

        Cupping sorted me out too, i used the Bellabaci Cups, they are made from silicone and don’t make a mess when you drop one of the traditional glass cups! 🙂

        Reply
      • Crystal Bryant

        January 27, 2021 at 8:38 AM

        You can purchase on Amazon which is where I got mine. YouTube cellulite cupping. You can do it in the shower or outside depending on what you use as far as oils. Coconut oil is what I use cooking isle at Walmart in white jars 2 for $10. I rub the oil all over my body and cup each area for 5 min. It’s painful the first 3-4 times, but you get use to it after about 3 weeks your cellulite will be 90% less noticeable. Do it 4-5 times a week.

        Reply
  8. Lina

    May 22, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    I don’t think about cellulite, I think about deadlifting 1.5 times my bodyweight instead 🙂

    Reply
    • Libby Masterman

      June 12, 2014 at 5:33 AM

      Hi I just read your comment & u recommend. Dead lifting. Could you tell me what this Please? And does it help cellulite. I am quite active & walk my dog a lot but I’ve noticed the cellulite becoming more apparent, weirdly round the front of my legs & knees. Thankyou for your comment Libby :0)

      Reply
      • Katie - Wellness Mama

        June 12, 2014 at 10:01 AM

        This will explain what dead-lifting is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadlift

        Reply
  9. Melissa Waldrop

    May 21, 2013 at 12:42 PM

    How much fermented cod liver oil do you take daily? I have the brand you recommend in capsule form and I take two each morning. Just wondering what the best way is to take them (2 in morning, 2 at night or 1 a day or 1 in the morning and 1 at night…) Thank you!

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 21, 2013 at 2:56 PM

      I’m nursing right now, so I take about 4-8 of those capsules around lunch time. I don’t suggest them at night… I found that the vitamin D in them made my body think it was daytime and I had trouble sleeping..

      Reply
  10. Kathleen Quiring

    May 20, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    I’m a naturally-thin woman, but I used to have cellulite. I didn’t like it, but I also didn’t worry too much about it since I don’t bare my body much.

    I eventually I started changing to a more traditional-foods diet and emphasized omega-3’s (taking fish oil supplements) to help me get pregnant (and I did). I was so distracted by the other changes happening in my body I didn’t even pay attention to the cellulite. After I had my baby, though, I noticed it was gone. I don’t have cellulite any more! It’s completely gone. I personally think the good fats, especially the fish oil, helped me get rid of it.

    Like you said, it’s worth a try!

    Reply
    • Kacey

      March 18, 2015 at 9:31 PM

      What kind of fish oil supplements were you taking and what dosage ?

      Reply
      • Stuart Katz, PhD

        April 7, 2016 at 6:12 PM

        Fish oils are more efficiently absorbed in late afternoon and evening hours, which is the peak time that fish absorb solar energy… Flax seed oil is best in the a.m. and early afternoon.

        Reply
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