10 Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of Cellulite on Your Legs

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on getting rid of cellulite from your legs naturally! If you’re frustrated with those stubborn dimples and bumps, rest assured, you’re not alone. Cellulite affects many of us, but the good news is there are effective natural remedies to help reduce its appearance without resorting to invasive treatments. In this blog, we’ll explore how to get rid of cellulite on your legs using gentle, natural approaches that prioritize your skin’s health and vitality. Plus, we’ll discuss the role of CoolSculpting and other aesthetic treatments and non-invasive alternatives for those seeking additional help. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Cellulite:

Before we delve into remedies, let’s take a moment to understand what cellulite is and why it appears on our legs. Cellulite occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin, resulting in a dimpled or lumpy appearance. It’s a common concern for many individuals, irrespective of age or body type.

Usually, cellulite appears to worsen as fat cells that lie under the skin (also called the dermis) are enlarged, putting pressure on the connective tissue and causing dimpling of the skin.

diagram showing the formation of cellulite and comparing normal tissue with orange pee tissue

For some, those connective bands become fibrotic, or thick and hardened,  over time due to the pressure on them. 

By decreasing the size of the fat cells and the fat layer depth with weight loss, along with increasing healthy collagen and elastin production, we can impact the appearance of cellulite formation in the long term. Additionally, increasing muscle tone and definition is the best long-term way to fight off the appearance of cellulite. Without intervention where the fibrous bands are cut or loosened, there’s not much you can do to permanently get rid of cellulite, but there are some short term remedies.

Now that we have a clearer understanding of what cellulite is and why it occurs, let’s explore those natural remedies that can help address its appearance on your legs in the short term. While cellulite can be a persistent concern, these gentle and holistic approaches prioritize the health and vitality of your skin, offering a proactive solution to reduce its visibility.

Natural Remedies for Cellulite on Legs:

  • Dry Brushing: Start your day by gently brushing your legs with a dry brush before showering. This practice stimulates circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, and helps break down fat deposits over time. Women’s Health Magazine had a helpful article on how dry brushing can help with cellulite, citing that dry brushing coaxes blood flow to be more energetic, helping with the stress on the connective tissue. 

  • Coffee Scrubs: Harness the power of caffeine with DIY coffee scrubs. Mix coffee grounds with a bit of coconut oil and massage onto your legs in circular motions. The caffeine helps tighten the skin while the scrub exfoliates, leaving your legs smooth and rejuvenated. Dermatologist Mona Gohara states in this Good Housekeeping article that, “caffeine stimulates dilation while the scrubbing motion increases circulation, plumping up the skin and making cellulite look less obvious… Plus, coffee grounds contain antioxidants, so they can increase collagen production” with results lasting about a week. 

  • Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration keeps your skin healthy and plump, which can impact the appearance of cellulite. By staying properly hydrated, you can flush out the toxins that hide in the fat layer underneath the skin, according to this publication

  • Healthy Diet: Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals into your diet to support skin health. Opt for fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while minimizing processed foods and sugary treats. Proper antioxidant intake can help stimulate collagen production at the dermis, ultimately helping with the amount or intensity of dimpling, but not impacting the connective cords that cause cellulite.

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity not only helps tone your muscles but also improves circulation and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Focus on exercises that target your legs, such as squats, lunges, and cycling. Want to amplify your exercise routines? Consider CoolTone treatments as well.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is believed to help with weight loss and cellulite reduction when applied topically or consumed orally. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and massage onto the affected areas or add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink daily. Apple cider vinegar is loaded with minerals, including potassium, magnesium and calcium, all of which can help flush out excess toxins and help regulate water retention, according to this Leology blog.

  • Seaweed Wraps: Seaweed contains minerals and vitamins that can help detoxify the body and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Apply a seaweed wrap to your legs, leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Repeat regularly for best results. Guam Beauty sells seaweed wraps which tout the ability to, “improve blood flow to the affected areas, [dissolve] fat deposits under the skin, and [remove] toxins from the cells, while tightening skin on your body and recovering its elasticity. 

  • Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera has skin-tightening properties and can help improve circulation, making it an effective remedy for cellulite. Apply pure aloe vera gel to your legs and massage gently in circular motions. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with water. Aloe Vera, like many of the other topical options mentioned above, is high in antioxidants, specifically vitamins A and C. But the real star for Aloe is its high protein quality, which gives it a great ability to create collagen, according to this article

  • Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs like gotu kola, ginkgo biloba, and horse chestnut are thought to improve circulation and reduce cellulite when taken as supplements. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal regimen.

  • Massage Tools: Using massage tools like foam rollers, cellulite brushes, or handheld massagers can help improve circulation in the affected areas. Incorporate massage into your daily routine to reduce the appearance of cellulite over time.

woman using dry brush for natural cellulite treatment

Non-Surgical Cellulite Treatments:

When it comes to getting rid of cellulite, several non-surgical treatments are available, each with its own benefits and considerations:

  • Injectables (Qwo): This injection, composed of collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes, was first FDA-approved in 2021 for cellulite treatment. However, the manufacturer has since stopped production due to concerns about excessive bruising and skin staining. While still FDA-cleared, Qwo may not be widely available.

  • Subcision (Cellfina and Aveli): Cellfina and Aveli are in-office medical procedures that deliver long-lasting results when it comes to getting rid of cellulite. They work by using a microblade technique to break the connective cord responsible for cellulite dimpling. Both treatments offer minimal downtime and have been shown to provide significant improvement in cellulite appearance.

  • Acoustic Wave Therapy: Acoustic wave therapy is a promising treatment option currently being researched for cellulite reduction. This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to penetrate the skin and sever the fibrous septae responsible for cellulite dimpling. While still in development, acoustic wave therapy shows potential as an effective and convenient option for getting rid of cellulite appearance. Sign up to be the first to know when this treatment becomes available.

  • Laser Treatments (Cellulaze): Cellulaze is a more invasive option that uses a laser to melt underlying fat and cut the fibrous septae. While effective, this treatment requires a longer healing period and may not be suitable for everyone.

  • CoolSculpting for Cellulite: While CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared for targeting fat in the thigh area, it’s important to note that its primary purpose is not to get rid of cellulite directly. Many clients come to us seeking solutions for stubborn thigh fat, but cellulite texture improvement is often the true goal. Although some individuals may experience improved cellulite appearance with CoolSculpting thigh treatments, this outcome is incidental rather than its intended use. CoolSculpting is specifically designed to target fat pockets in areas like the inner thigh, outer thigh, and the region beneath the buttock, known as the banana roll. By reducing the fat cell layer in these targeted areas, some clients may notice an enhancement in thigh texture. For a better understanding of the results achieved with CoolSculpting for legs and thighs, take a look at the before and after photos below or click here to Learn More About CoolSculpting for Legs and Thighs.

before and after photo of CoolSculpting thigh results
outer thigh coolsculpting results

Importance of Consulting with a Trained Body Contouring Specialist:

While natural remedies and non-surgical treatments can be effective, it’s essential to consult with a trained body contouring specialist for personalized advice and recommendations. These specialists have the expertise to assess your unique needs and recommend the most suitable treatments for cellulite reduction. Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about CoolSculpting Legs and Thighs

customizable templates used during coolsculpting treatment

At Element Body Lab, we understand the importance of individualized care and offer the most up-to-date, proven technologies for fat reduction and muscle tone. Our practice is dedicated to providing safe, effective solutions that prioritize your well-being and deliver long-lasting results.

Body Contouring Specialists at Element Body Lab

Element Body Lab is a premier body contouring practice located in Dallas and Southlake, Texas. We specialize in offering the latest advancements in non-invasive treatments, including CoolSculpting Elite for fat reduction and CoolTone for muscle tone. Our highly trained team of specialists is committed to helping you achieve your desired body goals with personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. We prioritize safety, efficacy, and client satisfaction, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care throughout your journey to a more confident, sculpted physique.

Learn More About CoolSculpting for Legs and Thighs

coolsculpting provider sitting in blue chair working on laptop

Answering Common Questions:

  • What is the best treatment for cellulite on your legs? While various treatments exist, as of February 2024, Aveli and Cellfina are the most proven non-surgical interventions. The most effective natural approach for reducing cellulite is to increase lean muscle tone. Acoustic Sound Wave Therapy shows promising potential, but is not currently available. 

  • What is the best home remedy for cellulite? Natural remedies like dry brushing, coffee scrubs, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help minimize the appearance of cellulite. The best long-term home remedy is to increase muscle tone in the thighs and legs and address excess fat with weight loss.

  • How do you get rid of cellulite on your thighs fast? While there’s no overnight solution, combining natural remedies with treatments like CoolSculpting or other non-surgical options can yield noticeable results over time.

  • Can massage or lasers break down cellulite? Massage and laser treatments can help improve circulation and skin texture, but they may not eliminate cellulite completely or permanently.

Embrace your journey to smoother, firmer legs with these natural remedies and explore the option of non-surgical treatments for additional support in getting rid of cellulite. Remember, consistency is key, so incorporate these practices into your daily routine and celebrate the progress along the way. Here’s to naturally beautiful legs!

Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. Consult with a qualified professional to determine the best approach for your unique needs.

As always, feel free to reach out to us for personalized advice and recommendations. We’re here to support you on your wellness journey!

Ready to get started in Dallas, Texas? The first step is a consultation with us.