Beat Cellulite Naturally: Top Remedies for Smoother Skin

| Modified on Feb 29, 2024
Essential Oil.

Cellulite, often characterized by its dimpled, cottage cheese-like appearance, is a common concern affecting a significant portion of the population, especially women. While it's natural, many seek ways to reduce its appearance. This article delves into effective natural remedies for cellulite, offering safe and practical solutions to improve skin texture and health.

Understanding Cellulite

Before exploring remedies, it's crucial to understand cellulite. It occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin. Factors like hormones, genetics, diet, and lifestyle play a role in its development.

Natural Remedies for Cellulite

Collagen

Collagen is a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity. Supplementing with collagen may improve skin texture and elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing with a natural-bristle brush stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage, potentially diminishing cellulite.

Hydration

Hydration is essential in cellulite reduction. Drinking ample water helps flush toxins from the body, improving skin elasticity and reducing the puckered appearance of cellulite.

Gelatin

Gelatin, a collagen-rich substance, strengthens the connective tissue, making skin firmer and potentially reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Coffee Scrub

Coffee grounds are an excellent exfoliant and contain caffeine, which may enhance fat metabolism. Regular use of coffee scrubs can improve blood flow and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, nuts, and seeds enhance skin elasticity and overall health, aiding in cellulite reduction.

Massage

Regular massage, mainly using techniques that target cellulite-prone areas, can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing cellulite.

Gotu Kola

This herb is believed to improve blood circulation and has been traditionally used for skin health. It may help strengthen the connective tissue and reduce cellulite appearance.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. A higher Vitamin C intake can help maintain skin elasticity and might aid in reducing cellulite.

MSM

MSM is believed to strengthen connective tissue and reduce inflammation, which could help treat cellulite.

B Vitamins

These vitamins are essential for skin health and may aid in improving the overall appearance of the skin, indirectly impacting cellulite visibility.

Green Tea Extract

Rich in antioxidants, green tea extract can aid in fat metabolism and might benefit cellulite by reducing fat deposition and improving skin health.

Essential Oils

Essential oils like juniper and rosemary, blended with carrier oils, offer a natural solution for tightening skin and lessening cellulite.

Conclusion

Natural remedies like gelatin, omega-3, massage, and gotu kola, hydration, dry brushing, coffee scrubs, essential oils, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, offer a comprehensive approach to cellulite reduction. Embrace these methods for improved skin health and appearance.

Keep reading below to find more ways to get rid of stubborn cellulite using natural methods suggested by our readers!




Apple Cider Vinegar

3 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  67%
1 star (1) 
  33%

Posted by Page (Los Angeles, CA) on 05/31/2008
★★★★★

In 1972 my father was in his late 40's. Being from Wisconsin his diet included quite a bit of fatty food. Most of his weight was in his belly. Not uncommon in Wisconsin. At that time, I don't know where he found it, but he came home one day and announced that he was going to cut out 25% of the fat in his diet and drink 8 oz of luke warm water every night with 1 Tbsp of Cider Vinegar and 1 Tbsp of Honey. I was still very young, and had a problem with bed wetting. He gave me his mixture one night before bed and told me that I would never wet the bed again, I didn't.

I now suggest organic for both and Raw Honey. In a matter of two months, all of his belly weight had disappeared.

To add to that what I have learned over the years...

I am not Jewish, but NOT mixing milk products with meat is also very helpful since it it easier to digest out food.
What Western medical doctors won't tell us also is that when we combine our protein and carbs they turn into fat in our bodies immediately. We do need carbs, but complex carbs rather than all of the processed white flour and white sugar. Processed food is poison more than anything. We really can't trust the FDA. They allow chemicals to be put in our food. I believe that so many health problems are caused by chemicals that our bodies just don't agree with. Western doctors will just keep treating the symptoms.

Try Oatmeal and sprouted grain breads and pastas, you'll be surprised at how quickly you get use to them.
Lean protein and vegetables together.
Don't get on the scale every day, you'll just frustrate yourselves.
When I got pregnant with my son I weighed 125 pounds. I ate like a foodball player during my pregnancy. I gained over 100 pounds! He was a big beautiful 10 lb baby, lol. After nursing for a year and continuing to eat well I lost it all.
Look at the size of your bone structure and don't pressure yourself. Not all of us are meant to be skinny, just healthy and in proportion. Consider your genetic background.

I believe that Cider Vinegar is an amazing remedy for just naturally cleansing out our bodies, not just breaking down fat. Bath in it too. Try a full cup in a bath and massage cellulite. You will need to increase your water intake. I weigh 140 pounds now and I drink almost a gallon of water a day.

I just started Oil Pulling for my overall health and dental since I don't have a fortune to spend on my teeth. Bless all of you and your health. You can do it!

Replied by Yvonne
(Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica)
07/09/2011
★☆☆☆☆

I have been using apple cider viniger for 3 months on my cellulites and there is little or no changes. Help anyone or advise?

Tea
(New Zealand)
06/27/2018

Are you drinking it? 3-4 times a day in water 2 tbsp.

Replied by Francisca
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
07/10/2011

I am sorry but I still find cellulitis and cellulite very confusing! Do you have the goose bumps on your legs women suffer from nowadays or the more complicated illness which is not related in the least? I mixed up both names a while ago and now I have found the explanation for that. Well, two explanations, not only both names are very similar but on the top of that, in Dutch, cellulite is often referred to as cellulitis. As I speak Dutch when I lived there I always heard people talking about cellulitis and read quite a bit about it as I happen to have quite a bit on my legs. Now I don't live there anymore I had completely forgotten about the word till I read it on this site and immediately connected it to the under skin problem, not to something more complicated.

My question is, is it wise to have two conditions with such similar names? And on the top of everything else have an illness with a name which is exactly the same as a skin problem in another language. This will lead to a lot of confusion! Therefore I couldn't understand why a lady here was so worried about her cellulitis..... well, she didn't mean an unsightly problem but a severe illness but how is one to know? Weird to say the least.....

Replied by Linda A
(Los Angeles, Ca)
07/10/2011

Cellulite is when your thighs look dimpley caused by fat under the skin. Cellulitis is a deep skin infection.

Replied by Debbie
(Melbourne, Australia)
07/11/2011

Anything with the word itis at the end usually mean "inflammation". Vitamin C in mega doses usually will clear up an infection.

Replied by Francisca
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
07/11/2011

Sorry but I think that you missed my point, Linda. I was not talking about the difference between both problems, at least that wasn't my main goal, my question was whether it was wise to have two very different problems with almost similar names which will provoke a lot of confusion! To make things worse at least in Dutch Cellulite is called Cellulitis and that can't be changed as I believe that Cellulite /Cellulitis was here long before Cellulitis as an illness appeared (at least I had never heard of it till recently). I just don't manage to believe how the two problems got to have such similar names, after all there are so many names to chose from when you name an illness.... As someone else said here recently she two got confused the first time she heard the word Cellulitis!

Pepper
(Naperville, Illinois, Usa)
07/11/2011

To Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France - I agree that the words cellulitis and cellulite are very similar and that can be quite confusing. However, any word ending in "itis" means inflammation, I. E. , bronchitis, arthritis, tonsililitis. Cellulitis is a severe inflammation of the cells (derma) brought on by bacteria that needs immediate medical attention. Hope this helps clear up the confusion. I always enjoy your informative posts and book reviews.

Replied by Jay
(Forestville, Ca)
06/21/2013

Hi - I'm late to this discussion but goose bumps on skin might be keratosis pilaris. This is to the person from Alsace, France. Maybe this is why you have no results.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lisa (Newton, MA) on 08/09/2007
★★★★★

I have been using ACV for just under 2 weeks and I cannot believe, my cellulite thighs are toning up! I am 60 lbs over weight and cellulite has been an issue forever despite exercise and nutrition. Since I started the ACV, I notice the dimples in my thighs are disappearing! I cannot believe it but it is true!

Replied by Maeryn
(Calgary, Ab, Canada)
09/15/2011

I am allergic to apple juice. Have been since I was a baby, so there is no getting around it. Doesn't matter if it is organic or not, I still get a rash at the base of my neck. (the allergy is very bizzare because I can eat apples without a problem and juice them at home) I used diluted ACV on my face. It really helps to close the pores on my nose, but it seemed to make my forehead more inflammed. I have combo skin. Dry cheeks and oily t-zone.
For cellulite, would I ingest the acv, or rub it on alternately with coconut oil?


Baking Soda

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Dorthy (United States) on 08/15/2014
★★★★★

Baking soda if scrubbed on the skin helps to remove any toxins and dead skin.


Coconut Oil

5 User Reviews
5 star (5) 
  100%

Posted by Sophe (West Hollywood, Los Angeles) on 03/27/2010
★★★★★

Organic coconut oil and dry brushing which is very popular in Europe for circulation and for eliminating cellulite. I have a nice brush with a handle on it that I purchased from the spa. My massuese mentioned to me you always brush in the direction of the lymphatic system so that it can circulate it out of the system quickly also increase you water intake before beginning the dry brush massage this help the system elminate toxin. For problem areas I used to spend at least ten minutes total and followed by a hot shower and I step out of the hot shower and while my pores are still open I put coconut oil all over my body and have noticed a dramatic decrease very close to eliminating all the cellulite. So it does work.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Mary (Newport News, VA) on 04/08/2008
★★★★★

Wow! Where do I start. I have been obsessed with your website for a couple of months now. It started when I was looking for an alternative to visiting a Dr. yet again for recurring UTI's and yeast infections. Well, that was easy. I started using Borax, Sea Salt, and I started oil pulling. These of course gave me more benefits than just no UTI's, or yeast infections. This has been an expensive venture. I am constantly browsing natural food stores, and have used several other remedies. My sinuses are amazingly better, and I think one of my favorite discoveries here is VCO. I am a youthful looking 49 year old. But I have always had very oily skin and have fought acne my entire life. I started washing with Baking Soda, using a ACV toner and following with VCO. No more acne. NONE! I bathe in Borax and Epsom Salt and use VCO as a moisturizer. My cellulite is going away. And, the rest of my skin seems to be doing an age reversal. I have a lot of sun damage for years in the sun in my youth in California. And the main reason I am praising this site; after having such amazing results from all I have listed so far. I was given the courage to stop taking my antidepressants. I have clinical depression. One of those things that runs in the family. I was convinced that I would be on antidepressants for the rest of my life. There was no way I was going to risk feeling like I remember feeling. I started lowering my dosages (I was taking Wellbutrin and Zoloft without any noticable side effects). I purchased some Rhdiola, and just waited to see what would happen when I stopped completely. Keeping the Rhodiola handy for when/if I needed it. Last night I was really edgy. I was very crabby with my kids (I got a late start here and have three at home, ages 15, 13 & 8) until one of them asked me about my medications, and I realized where I was. Later I found myself on the verge of tears for no good reason. I took my first Rhodiola this morning, and within a few hours knew I was feeling better. I took another one before lunch, and I cannot believe how good I feel. IT WORKS! I never would have believed anyone would get me off my medications. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU! And I'm sure my kids thank you. Now I will be looking for the 5htp

Replied by Shasha
(Marlboro, Ma, Usa)
07/10/2012

How much borax and Epsom salt? Pour directly in bath water?? How has it been for you? Thanks for the help!

Replied by Angel
(Westminster, Co)
06/25/2016

Thank you so much, for the lady with the extensive post on washing with baking soda, using organic apple cider vinegar, for toner, and coconut oil for moisture. Also her other tips with borax, etc. The most helpful tips ever, and I am 55, and have studied holistic health for 25 years. I have made a friend in the Philipines, snd she can find these too. God Bless you, Earth Clinic posters, Never stop this site!!!! Forever grateful! :-)

Replied by Bilja
(Toronto, Canada)
09/09/2018

Hi Sasha, I started using borax for hair wash and in bathtub too, few months ago. As for bathtub, I read online that ppl use 1/2 cup on average, some upto a cap of borax, with 1cup of epsom salts. I also add vitamin c 1gr powder as well, for water filter effect.

I started soaking my hair first at the end of the bath, before washing hair with baby shampoo. later on, I stopped using baby shampoo, but just mixed some baking soda and borax handful and rub into my scalp. then it happened to run out of baking soda, so just used borax alone, rubbed and let it sit for 5 min then rinse. I feel this procedure suits me, will see overtime if effective as detox. however, my skin moles are flaring up a bit if I stay longer with borax. not sure yet if good or bad sign, but it reminds me of times when I tried to get rid of them, area irritated due to applying some Apple Cider Vinegar or similar.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Veronika ( Frankfurt, Germany) on 04/07/2008
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I just want to quickly join this wonderful post and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sharing your experiences. Recently, I started to use coconut oil internally and also as a moisturizer due to my dry skin and slight cellulite on my thighs. The cellulite disappeared within 2-3 weeks. What a joy! However, I got very ill. From your experiences I know now that the coconut was detoxifying my digestive system. I was miserable for two weeks, not knowing what was happening to me. I realize now how much I needed it. I salute to the coconut oil.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Renee (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/29/2007
★★★★★

I've been taking the evco for about 1 month now. I took it because I heard I might lose weight. When I first started the oil, I had diary for about 2 days. But, that stopped. As of now, the following conditions have cleared. The most important first:

1) No more bleeding hemmoroids. I was bleeding 2 or 3 times a week. I was going to go to the dr. but I started the oil and 1 week later, no more blood.
2) No more athletes foot. No more body odor or foot odor, or bad breath.
3) No more yeast infections.
4) Not one pimple on my face. I would get at least 1 pimples per week. I have now soft shiny skin and hair, my wrinkles have gone.
5) No more PMS symptoms: puffiness, mood swings, headaches.
6) And yes. I got into my size 6's which I haven't been able to in 5 years! My stomach is gone! No more cellulite. And I still kept all my muscle. Only the fat is gone. I started at 160 lbs and now, about 150. What more can I say?

Replied by El
(Washington, DC)
02/29/2024

Was she saying she kept a diary for the first two days or ate dairy for the first two days?


Coconut Oil
Posted by J (USA) on 12/05/2006
★★★★★

Coconut Oil for Cellulite

I saw a reduction (though not a total elimination) of the cellulite I've had on the back of my legs since I was 18 (I'm 28 now). I ate a very poor diet high in refined flours and no amount of high-intensity cardio and rigorous dieting would reduce the rolls on the backs of my legs. I saw results in about a month. I also used it on the tiny red bumps on my arms and saw results in a week. I just this week started using it as a moisturizer on my face -- I have painful cysts around my chin. I had been using Proactiv, which worked for about a year, but the cysts came back. Also, I was concerned about what I was hearing about benzoyl peroxide damaging the skin. So I've been applying a thin coat of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to my skin morning and night. So far, the results have been... bad. I've had about a dozen tiny pimples and several old spots that I thought had healed flared back up. I'm not sure if my skin is healing itself and getting all sorts of junk out, or if I'm just clogging up my pores. I'm going to try to stick it out for another week or so and will update if it improves. I'm wondering which is worse... a few painful cysts around my chin or numerous tiny pimples all over my forehead and chin? Hmmm.

Replied by Alicia
(Toronto, Ontario)
05/28/2012

Coconut oil will clog your pores. Its not great for the face. Try hazelnut, jojoba or sunflower oil. And you can mix in a little tea tree or lavendar essential oils for the bacteria.

Replied by Theresa
(Tacoma)
05/14/2018

Alicia, you are right on with comment about Tea Tree. It sounds like she may have Rosacea, and Tea Tree will take care of that (give it a few months)

Replied by Rebecca
(NC)
07/30/2023

For myself, coconut oil is wonderful... but not on my face, or areas which might be prone to breakouts. Some cleansers and facial care products which might include coconut oil, but only amongst other ingredients, are sometimes fine for my face.

I can relate to your experience!


Coconut, Grapefruit and Castor Oils

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Sarah (Ottawa, Ontario) on 07/23/2015
★★★★★

Coconut Oil, Castor Oil and Grapefruit essential oil mix for Cellulite.

I read about this on another web site and tried, today is the 5th day and I'm happy to report that very bad cellulite on my upper legs reduced significantly.

Here's what I do, mix about 1 tbs each of Coconut Oil and Castor Oil and 5 drops of Grapefruit essential oil in a glass jar.

Take a teaspoon of the mix in my hand and rub my hands together to melt coconut and create heat since castor oil works best with heat. Then massage wherever is needed, fast to create heat.

I did this morning and at night, twice a day.


Coffee Grounds

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Iil0veeeyou (Webster, Mass.) on 06/23/2010
★★★★★

Coffee is the ultimate weapon against cellulite!

I am 18 years old and due to a small weight gain i noticed i was getting cellulite on my legs. Ive always had some but its gotten alot more visible. I hated wearing shorts and skirts that showed my legs. So one day i read about using used coffee grounds on your cellulite trouble spots. I decided to give it a try i had nothing to lose except cellulite. So i took the used coffee grounds from my coffee maker mixed it with lotion to give it a consistency that will make the coffee cling to my legs. You can also use oils such as coconut oil or olive oil. Whatever floats your boat. (: I applied it, left it on for about 10 mins and then massaged my legs (with the coffee still on them), rinsed it off, looked in the mirror and instantly the skin on my legs looked "firmer" and there was alot less cellulite "indents" hah. It absolutely works. However remember, the appearance of cellulite can be reduced for a certain time period. It does come back eventually. I suggest do the coffee treatment 2 or 3 times a week. Do not overdo it especially if you have sensitive skin because you will break out in little red spots, nothing too serious however. Goes away with a little application of ACV or on its own in a few days. Combine with exercise and overall reduction of body fat (if necessary) and you will have the smooth even looking legs every female wants.


Coffee Grounds
Posted by Marie (Huntington, WV) on 03/28/2009
★★★★★

I have found that the what works best for me is to massage my thighs using pressure and kneading motion for about 10 minutes on each thigh. You can use an intense moisturizer or the best that I've found contains seaweed extract in it, it's contents seem to help firm the skin. Do this everyday it will help break up the cellulite to give you a smoother look.

I have also done research and experimented on myself the use of caffeine (coffee grounds) on my thighs and you can almost see an instant result. I moistened the regular coffee grounds, then applied them all over my thighs. Next I massaged for about 5 min each thigh and reapplied so my thighs were covered. I wrapped my legs with cling wrap and placed warm towels around my legs and kept doing so for about 10 minutes. The caffeine tightens your skin almost instantly however this method needs to be repeated hourly it's more for an instant effect.


Collagen, Gotu Kola

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Nicole (Melbourne) on 10/02/2015
★★★★★

Hi there,

I had very bad cellulite on my stomach legs, thighs, buttocks and arms, this made me very depressed. I take 2 large tbs of powder collagen supplements, I should take another 2 tbs at night but I get lazy. I also take 2 capsules of 475mg of Gotu Kola in the morning. And I use a sulux wash cloth in the shower which is supposed to help with cellulite. My cellulite is 90% gone, I feel much better about it and can wear shorts again, the cellulite on my arms and stomach are gone. I'm also going to try and eat healthier and exercise maybe that will completely get rid of it from my legs.

Good luck, everyone.


Cut Carbs

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Gloria (Brentwood, Ny) on 12/11/2011
★★★★★

In Spanish, the word for describing the dimples in your tighs is celulitis too. It's a consequence of eating simply carbs like bread, pasta, rice and potatos. As soon as you avoid those, like 72 hours laters you start to see a great improvement in that condition. I have learned that eliminating those from my diet, I immediatly start losing weight, improving my mental clarity, stop and release water retention, etc. I really believe our organisms are not meant to digest grains. They all come with a hard shell that we have to get rid of (bran) or soaked them in water before cooking them, like beans and chick peas. It's nature trying to tell us something here? In the wild no animal eat them, they eat other species or plants. Those are my conclusions.


Magnesium Citrate

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Nicole (Melbourne) on 07/25/2017
★★★★★

I have now found the best treatment for cellulite is magnesium citrate, I take a lot because it helps me with constipation, I take 3 capsules 3 times a day and it has severely reduced my cellulite, I might try and take 4 capsules 3 times a day and let you know how I go.


Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Nicole (Melbourne) on 07/25/2017
★★★★★

Magnesium Citrate I take 3 capsules 3 times a day and it has almost completely rid me of cellulite. I may start to take 4 capsules 3 times a day to get better results and I will let you know.

Replied by Cathy
(Mt)
02/20/2018

Hi Nicole,

Can you give us an update on using magnesium citrate for cellulite? Thanks!

Replied by Leanne
(Australia)
11/09/2020

How many mg per day and how long before you saw results?



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