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Cellulite Is Beyond The Obvious: Causes, Grades, Myths
Updated on May 2, 2026
There are perhaps not many things as frustrating and disconcerting as cellulite.
“Orange peel”, “cottage cheese,” and the slightly bemusing “mattress phenomenon” are just some of the common and unflattering terms used to describe its appearance.
Here’s a read on what cellulite is about to help you better understand the condition and take either preventive or remedial action, depending on your current state.
Cellulite causes
A key contributing factor to cellulite is poor blood flow [1].
The reasons behind this are plenty, and they include:
The above does not need further elaboration, but the interesting point is that a deskbound job constitutes a “sedentary lifestyle”.
So do remember to get up from your seat, move around and massage your legs to promote better circulation.
As far as ageing is concerned - even though it is a natural process - you can adopt healthy skincare practices, good dietary habits, and a lifestyle that includes physical activity (and mental exercises).
These can help reduce its harsh effects, not only on cellulite but also on your overall well-being.
Cellulite grades
According to the clinical presentation, the scale used to classify cellulite is proposed by Nürnberger and Müller and consists of four grades [6].
Zero: No changes
Grade I: Visible changes in muscle contraction
Grade II: Visible changes when there is no manipulation
Grade III: Visible changes associated with nodulations
Cellulite myths
There is a copious amount of myths surrounding cellulite. Some of which include:
It only happens to women
Men do get cellulite.
The only (slight) difference is that women are more affected because they carry more fat around the thighs and hips.
Women have less connective tissue, and these, together with the fat cells, are arranged vertically rather than in a criss-cross pattern like in men.
Only overweight individuals are affected
People who are not overweight are affected by cellulite.
It’s just that overweight individuals carry more fat, especially under the skin, resulting in more visible cellulite.
Cellulite brush (dry brushing), lotions, and topical skin-firming creams are effective
As for lotions and topical creams, those that contain retinol provide temporary “camouflage” (that’s what they essentially do), but that’s about it. It’s not a long-term solution.
Cellulite is harmful
No, cellulite is not a medical condition; it is a cosmetic concern. It is one of the most common lipodystrophy syndromes [7]. It poses no health risks; however, it may affect one's self-esteem.
Cellulite cannot be prevented
While it may not be possible to completely prevent cellulite, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help minimise its appearance. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can be beneficial.
There are no effective treatments available for cellulite
Various treatments claim to reduce cellulite [8], including:
- Topical creams: Some creams may temporarily improve the skin's appearance.
- Massage therapy: This can help improve circulation and skin texture.
- Laser treatments: These may improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
- Liposuction and other surgical options: These procedures are more invasive and vary in effectiveness [9].
Home remedies will work for cellulite
Some people find success with home remedies such as dry brushing, coffee scrubs, or regular exfoliation. However, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited.
Cellulite can occur in teenagers
This is not a myth, per se. Cellulite can develop at any age, but it is more commonly seen in women as they get older, often appearing in their 20s and beyond.
Weight loss will reduce cellulite
Weight loss may help reduce the visibility of cellulite, but it does not guarantee its complete disappearance [10]. Even thin individuals can have cellulite.
Reference
- Kravitz, L., & Achenbach, N. J. (2010). Cellulite: a review of its anatomy, physiology and treatment. IDEA Fit J, 7, 36-43.
- Khan, M. H., Victor, F., Rao, B., & Sadick, N. S. (2010). Treatment of cellulite: part I. Pathophysiology. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 62(3), 361-370.
- Adamidis, N., Papalexis, P., & Adamidis, S. (2024). Exploring the link between metabolic syndrome and cellulite. Cureus, 16(6).
- Marques, N. C., Soares, J. L. M., Guadanhim, L. R. S., Picosse, F. R., Yarak, S., & Bagatin, E. (2016). Does a Controlled Diet Improve Cellulite?. International Journal of Nutrition, 2(1), 25-37.
- Ortonne, J. P., Zartarian, M., Verschoore, M., Queille‐Roussel, C., & Duteil, L. (2008). Cellulite and skin ageing: is there any interaction?. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 22(7), 827-834.
- Friedmann, D. P., Vick, G. L., & Mishra, V. (2017). Cellulite: a review with a focus on subcision. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 17-23.
- Tokarska, K., Tokarski, S., Woźniacka, A., Sysa-Jędrzejowska, A., & Bogaczewicz, J. (2018). Cellulite: a cosmetic or systemic issue? Contemporary views on the etiopathogenesis of cellulite. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 35(5), 442-446.
- Zerini, I., Sisti, A., Cuomo, R., Ciappi, S., Russo, F., Brandi, C., ... & Nisi, G. (2015). Cellulite treatment: a comprehensive literature review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 14(3), 224-240.
- Sadick, N. (2019). Treatment for cellulite. International journal of women's dermatology, 5(1), 68-72.
- Carlos Oscar Uebel, Pedro Salomao Piccinini, Alessandra Martinelli, Daniela Feijó Aguiar, Renato Franz Matta Ramos, Cellulite: A Surgical Treatment Approach, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 38, Issue 10, October 2018, Pages 1099–1114, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjy028
- Smalls, L. K., Hicks, M., Passeretti, D., Gersin, K., Kitzmiller, W. J., Bakhsh, A., ... & Visscher, M. O. (2006). Effect of weight loss on cellulite: gynoid lypodystrophy. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 118(2), 510-516.
