The Truth About Cellulite: What Actually Works

Cellulite is the dimpled look that fat beneath the skin can create, and it is far more common than most people realize. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that most women, even very fit women, have it, and MedlinePlus says it is not harmful to your health. In short, it is a normal cosmetic feature rather than a problem, although many people understandably want their skin to look smoother. This guide explains what cellulite is, what may and may not change how it looks, and where the body contouring sessions at BZ Esthetics Studio in Copley, Ohio fit in: as a cosmetic and relaxation service, not a promise to remove dimples.

What You Need to Know About Cellulite

• It is very common. Cleveland Clinic reports that between 80% and 90% of women who have gone through puberty have cellulite, so it is often simply part of having a body.
• It is not a health problem. Cleveland Clinic says it does not affect your overall physical health, and it does not hurt.
• Thin people can have it too. MedlinePlus notes that everyone has layers of fat under the skin, so even thin people can have cellulite.
• Changes in how it looks are usually short lived. A review in PubMed Central reports that improvements in the appearance of cellulite are short lived.
• Our sessions are relaxing, not a fix. Skin may look and feel smoother for a short time afterward, but we never promise that dimples will go away.
• Before you book, if you are pregnant, take medications or have a health or skin condition, check with your healthcare provider first.

What Is Cellulite, Really?

MedlinePlus describes cellulite as fat that collects in pockets just below the surface of the skin. Cleveland Clinic explains that it forms when fibrous bands connecting your skin to the underlying muscle tighten irregularly, and MedlinePlus adds that the collagen fibers that connect fat to the skin may stretch, break down or pull tight. That tugging is one reason the skin can look dimpled.

It tends to show up in particular places. A review in PubMed Central describes it as occurring mostly on the thighs, buttocks and hips. It is also not a sign of poor fitness, because Cleveland Clinic notes it is not uncommon for very lean people to notice the appearance of cellulite.

Why Cellulite Is More Common in Women

The PubMed Central review describes cellulite as a condition that predominantly affects postpubertal females. The reasons are not fully settled. Cleveland Clinic says it is not known why cellulite is more common in women than in men, though one theory is that higher amounts of the hormone estrogen may play a role.

What May Contribute to Cellulite

No single cause explains it. Reputable sources point to several factors that can work together:

• Genes. MedlinePlus says your genes may play a part in whether or not you have cellulite.
• Sex, age, body fat and skin thickness. Cleveland Clinic lists genetics, sex, age, the amount of fat on your body and your skin's thickness as factors that can shape how much cellulite you have.
• Food habits. Cleveland Clinic notes that a high-calorie diet with a lot of carbohydrates, fats, preservatives and salt may contribute.
• No sure way to prevent it. According to Cleveland Clinic, nothing you do is certain to keep cellulite from appearing, which is another reason to keep your expectations kind and grounded.

What Does Not Work the Way Ads Suggest

Creams and Lotions Alone

Marketing often suggests that a cream can erase dimples. The American Academy of Dermatology says researchers have found that some creams and lotions may have an effect on cellulite, but that you would have to apply the product every day to maintain any result. Cleveland Clinic states plainly that you cannot completely get rid of cellulite, although there are ways to improve its appearance.

Dry Brushing, Rollers and Quick Fixes

Cleveland Clinic explains that after dry brushing, cellulite appears to go away, but the change is likely a temporary reduction because your skin has puffed up. The American Academy of Dermatology makes a similar point about a spa-style massage device, noting that cellulite tends to return within one month of stopping. Any claim of a one-session fix deserves a skeptical look.

What May Help Dimpled Skin Look Smoother for a While

Movement and Strength

Cleveland Clinic says exercise can help improve the appearance of cellulite, and it advises talking to your healthcare provider before you start any exercise program. Choose movement you enjoy and can keep up, because consistency matters more than intensity.

Massage and Wood Therapy

A review in PubMed Central describes massage as one of the oldest methods used for cellulite, working by stimulating lymphatic drainage. The same review notes that improvements in appearance are typically temporary, so we describe wood therapy as a firm, relaxing massage that may leave skin looking and feeling smoother for a short time, and we do not describe it as a remedy.

Radio Frequency Warmth

The American Academy of Dermatology describes radio frequency as an in-office option that uses heat, and it notes that recent studies suggest some patients see a little less cellulite. It adds that the result is short lived and that several sessions are needed. The optional radio frequency add-on at our studio is a gentler, spa-style warming step, so we present it as a cosmetic extra and do not expect it to match those devices.

In-Office Options From a Dermatology Provider

For people who want a stronger change, the American Academy of Dermatology describes several in-office options. For example, it says studies show that acoustic wave therapy can reduce the appearance of cellulite, with several sessions needed. MedlinePlus advises you to talk with your provider about options and to be sure you understand the risks and benefits of any choice. We do not offer these procedures, and a dermatology provider is the right person to discuss them.

Where Our Body Contouring Sessions Fit

At BZ Esthetics Studio, body contouring is a cosmetic and relaxation service. Each area session pairs wood therapy with LED light therapy, and the abdomen, legs, glutes and back sessions also include manual lymphatic massage. A radio frequency add-on is available for each area. You can browse every option in our body contouring services.

Clients commonly notice a deeply relaxed feeling and skin that looks and feels smoother for a short time. We never promise that dimples will go away, and results vary from person to person. If you would like to learn more about a specific piece, these guides go into detail:

• Wood Therapy (Maderoterapia): A Complete Guide to the Body Contouring Massage covers the tools and how a session feels.
• Body Contouring Options: How to Choose Your Areas and Add-Ons compares the areas and add-ons.
• Radio Frequency Skin Tightening: What to Expect From an RF Add-On explains the warming add-on.
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Benefits and What to Expect describes the lighter-touch service.

A Practical Plan

• Step 1: Start from acceptance. Because cellulite is so common, as Cleveland Clinic reports, there is nothing to be ashamed of, and your skin does not need to look like an edited photo. A calmer view can often make the rest of the plan easier.
• Step 2: Build a foundation of movement. Pick activity you enjoy, and check with your healthcare provider first if you are unsure what suits you.
• Step 3: Book services for the right reason. Choose massage because you enjoy how it feels and want time to relax, not because you expect dimples to vanish.
• Step 4: Ask questions about any procedure. MedlinePlus recommends understanding the risks and benefits of any option for cellulite before you decide.
• Step 5: Keep your expectations short term. Any smoother look from massage may be temporary, so think of sessions as self-care rather than a one-time project. Our aftercare tips and preparation guide can help you plan.

Who Should Check With a Healthcare Provider First

Body contouring involves firm pressure and, with the add-on, gentle warmth, so please check with your healthcare provider before booking if any of the following applies to you:

• You are pregnant, may be pregnant or are nursing.
• You take medications, including anything that affects how your skin reacts to pressure or warmth.
• You have a health condition, a recent injury or a recent surgery in or near the area.
• You have a skin condition, irritation, a rash or sunburn in the area.
• You have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device, or metal implants in the area, which matters for the radio frequency add-on.

Whatever your situation, tell your esthetician before your session begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cellulite be removed completely?

Probably not. Cleveland Clinic says you cannot completely get rid of cellulite, but there are ways to improve its appearance, and the American Academy of Dermatology describes many options as temporary. That is why we focus on comfort and relaxation rather than promises.

Does wood therapy get rid of cellulite?

No. Wood therapy is a firm, relaxing massage. A review in PubMed Central reports that improvements in the appearance of cellulite from most options are short lived, so any smoother look after a session is best thought of as temporary.

Does being thin or fit prevent cellulite?

Not necessarily. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that even very fit women commonly have cellulite, and MedlinePlus says even thin people can have it.

Does cellulite mean something is wrong with my health?

No. MedlinePlus states that cellulite is not harmful to your health, and it often needs no action at all. If you have a new lump, pain or swelling, contact your healthcare provider.

Can I book a session if I am pregnant or take medications?

Please check with your healthcare provider first. Pregnancy, medications and certain health or skin conditions can affect whether firm massage or warmth is appropriate, and we want you to be comfortable and well cared for.

Book Your Body Contouring Session in Copley

If you would like a calm, honest hour of body care, choose an area and pick a time. You can book a body contouring appointment online, or contact the studio with any questions first. We welcome clients from Copley, Fairlawn, Akron, Bath Township and across Summit County, and we are glad to talk through the right starting point with you.

Results vary from person to person, and this article is general information, not medical advice.