Dermatologists Recommend These Cellulite Creams And Treatments

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We all have our unique quirks on our bodies—after all, it's what makes us human. And cellulite, a common skin condition that's readily recognized by texture that is lumpy or rippled in appearance, is just another part of that mix. According to dermatologist Jennifer Chwalek, MD, cellulite 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. Surprisingly, up to 90 percent of females experience cellulite in areas such as the thighs, buttocks, and hips. So, if you've spotted a few dimples here and there, you're definitely not alone. In fact, cellulite is completely normal and—shocker—harmless.

Best Cellulite Treatments

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But if it's something that bothers you, there are skin-tightening creams that can make your cellulite look less obvious—and for a lot less than pricey procedures. Although cellulite creams are not miracles in a bottle—i.e. they won't completely get rid of your cellulite—there is some evidence that they promote lipolysis, stimulate collagen, and increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage to make things look smoother," says Dr. Chwalek.

With insights from Dr. Chwalek and three other dermatologists, we've compiled a list of the most popular topical and in-office cellulite treatments. From there, our team sought anonymous product testers to provide honest feedback, highlighting the pros and cons of each option. So, are you interested in learning more about the best cellulite treatments yet? Dive into our guide below to find your perfect match.

What to consider

Price

Before shopping for a cellulite treatment, it's important to consider what you're willing to spend. As mentioned, there is no permanent fix for cellulite, but the most effective way to reduce its appearance is through non-invasive cosmetic procedures like Thermage and VelaShape (more on these, below), says dermatologist Michele Green, MD. However, these can get pricey—I'm talkin' up to $6,000—so keep this in mind before going into a doctor's office.

But what if you don't have the budget for these treatments or simply want to test out a cellulite cream first? "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.

Key ingredients

"Most cellulite creams contain active ingredients like caffeine or retinol, and they work by thickening the outer layer of skin or decreasing the water content of fat cells, resulting in an overall smoother texture," Dr. Green explains, adding that the efficacy of cellulite creams largely depends on the severity of the cellulite.

Unfortunately, topical treatments are ineffective against moderate to severe cellulite, but they may be useful for temporarily improving the appearance of superficial cellulite, she continues. "They're also a great way to enhance the results of in-office treatment options, which are more effective and much longer-lasting."

How we chose

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner, researched and tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated cellulite treatments, evaluating thousands of customer reviews and ratings. Our team also consulted three dermatologists for their top picks and sought anonymous product testers to offer their first-hand reviews on the products.

Now, the moment you've been waiting for: a chance to paruse the 17 best cellulite treatments, carefully curated for both in-office and at-home use, for your smoothest skin yet.

The Creams

You don't have to break the bank on a solid firming cream, and this affordable option proves it. Although it's super lightweight, it houses some pretty hard-hitting ingredients—think firming lotus extract, anti-aging L-Cartinine and antioxidant-rich coenzyme Q10—to smooth and plump the skin. Worried about its effectiveness? Just peep the 27,000 Amazon reviews for first-hand reviews, 17,000 of which have garnered a solid five stars.

Described as “heaven in a bottle” by one of our testers 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. It's made with a blend of coconut oil, açaí oil, and cupuaçu butter, the last of which is said to work specifically to retain moisture and improve elasticity on areas with cellulite. It even comes in a mini size, so you can pack it in a travel bag for a boost of firmness on vacation.

And, because our tester loved the scent so much, she also gave the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’62 Bum Bum Hair & Body Fragrance Mist a try, which she says pairs perfectly with the cream and amps-up that sultry scent even more.

Read More: Best-Smelling Body Lotions

This powerfully hydrating cream is a bestseller for a reason. It houses shea butter, botanicals, shitake mushroom extract, caffeine, squalane, vitamin B5, and sodium hyaluronate, all which offer deep hydration, skin stimulation, and a reduction in loss of firmness.

Our tester, a 51 year-old fitness professional, has fluctuated in weight all her life. However, with regular use of this cream and daily exercise, she's noticed her body has a very smooth, toned, and glossy look. While it hasn't completely banished her stretch marks and cellulite, she says it definitely helps them appear smoother. Plus, she adds that it's well worth the price.

This treatment is one of the priciest options on this list, but our testers found it to be one of the most effective for visibly firming and tightening cellulite. Made with peptides, hydrolyzed rice protein, and yeast extract, it encourages younger-looking skin and helps it feel firm and taut. Many of our testers were recommended this pick from their dermatologists or plastic surgeons, who claim that it can enhance and maintain in-office cellulite treatments post-procedure.

When it comes to smoothing out the skin, not everyone is looking for a reduction in cellulite and stretch marks. Some are looking to combat discoloration, restore resilience, and diminish the appearance of an uneven skin tone. But, this cream does it all with help from retinol and vitamins C and E. It's also made without any artificial fragrances, so you don't have to worry about any irritation from unwanted fragrance.

Testers love that this formula soaks into the skin super fast and doesn't leave behind an unwanted residue. However, they did note that they have to use the product sparingly because there's not a whole lot of product in the container.

Sugarcane-derived squalane, niacinamide, and green coffee bean-sourced caffeine combine to give this nourishing cream a subtle sculpting and toning effect and deliver intense hydration. Testers rave about its super lightweight formulation, which absorbs into the skin almost immediately. And, of course, its sculpting abilities are no joke. One tester with very dry, loose skin notes that her skin tone is much firmer and more even after using this cream for multiple weeks.

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 promote detoxification and reveal noticeably smoother skin. This formula also includes apricot kernel oil, organic jojoba seed oil, and wheat germ to deeply nourish.

Although our tester didn't love the pump mechanism of this product, she loves how soft it makes her skin feel and how luxurious it smells. She uses it right after the shower and mixes it in with her lotion for best results.

Read More: The Best Body Oils

Post-shower, use this collagen-infused moisturizer to firm up your 'bod and add a touch of fool-the-eye luminosity anywhere you need an extra boost. Testers love how big this bottle is—it legit lasts them months—and how just one or two pumps provides lasting hydration, thanks to the brand's Hydralucence blend, which is jam-packed with moisturizing agents. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, this cream's light, fresh scent is enough to keep you coming back.

Despite its higher price, this beloved cream from Augustinus Bader has earned its spot as a top seller. Formulated with a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and skin-friendly molecules, it kickstarts the body's natural repair process. The infusion of Brazilian candeia oil adds a touch of softness and hydration.

One of our testers swears by this cream, declaring it the best they've ever used for their body. They praise its hydrating and firming qualities, noting its smooth application. They've also noticed significant improvements in their skin tone and even a reduction in the appearance of cellulite since adding it to their routine.

Put some pep in your step, literally, with this invigorating peppermint and menthol cooling leg cream. Apply it in upward strokes from your ankles to your thighs for a bit of tingling and temporary tightening. It's perfect for nights where you want your legs to look smooth and mark-free in a dress or a skirt, and testers also say it's awesome for sore muscles because it feels like an ice pack on the skin.While not an everyday essential for most, it's the perfect addition to your routine for those special occasions when you want to flaunt your legs with confidence.

The Treatments

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.

Cellfina

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 -roven 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 and smooth out dimpling. You’ll also have some temporary bruising, but you'll start to see results in about a week, says dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD.

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.

Velashape

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). Dr. Schlessinger says results start to appear after about four treatments, and it's effective on the thighs, butt, abdomen, and love handles.

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

QWO, which typically costs around $1,200, is a prescription injectable 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.

EMTONE

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 tightens skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production while mechanical shockwave therapy is said to break fibrous bands to improve circulation and fat deposition, per the brand. EMTONE is performed in four to five procedures over a two-week period, and it's on the more affordable side (I'm talkin' around $800!).

EMTONE can be combined with proprietary BIOSTIM injectable treatments, like Sculptra or Radiesse, 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.

Thermage

"This skin-tightening treatment uses radiofrequency, which heats up your dermis, 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. ICYDK, it can cost anywhere from $1200 to $4,500.

Vaser

"Vaser 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. However, it can get pretty pricey at around $6,000 or more.

Dry Brushing

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 dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, MD.

What causes cellulite?

Cellulite doesn'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).

Meet the experts

• Jennifer Chwalek, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY

• Michele Green, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY

• Joel Schlessinger, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Omaha, NB

• Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY

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