Cellulite

What is it?

Cellulite is the dimpled, uneven texture that commonly appears on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms; often described as an “orange peel” or “cottage cheese” appearance. Though completely harmless and extremely common (affecting up to 90% of women), it can be a source of frustration for many people seeking smoother, more toned-looking skin.

Cellulite occurs when underlying fat deposits push through connective tissue beneath the skin. Several factors contribute to its appearance:

  • Hormonal fluctuations (especially estrogen)

  • Poor circulation and lymphatic stagnation

  • Weak collagen and connective tissue

  • Genetics

  • Inflammation

  • Lifestyle factors like poor diet, inactivity, or chronic stress

At its root, cellulite is a multifactorial condition, which is why a successful treatment plan should address not only the skin surface but also the internal metabolic, hormonal, and circulatory factors that influence it.

What are the best holistic and aesthetic treatment options?

My naturopathic approach to cellulite blends body-focused aesthetic therapies with whole-body wellness support to enhance skin texture, tone, and circulation from the inside out.

Holistic Therapies

  • Lymphatic & Circulatory Support: Herbal remedies, dry brushing, contrast hydrotherapy, and lymphatic massage can all support toxin clearance and reduce fluid retention.

  • Hormonal Balancing: Estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue, or poor liver detoxification can worsen cellulite. Functional hormone testing may be recommended to tailor treatment.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition: Personalized dietary guidance to reduce sugar, processed food, and fluid retention; all of which can aggravate cellulite.

  • Targeted Supplementation: Nutrients like collagen peptides, vitamin C, gotu kola, and omega-3s to support connective tissue integrity and skin firmness.

  • Stress & Sleep Support: Chronic stress impacts cortisol and fluid balance, both of which play a role in the appearance of cellulite.

Aesthetic Treatments

  • Microneedling with Firming Serums: Helps tighten the skin, stimulate collagen, and improve elasticity in dimpled areas.

  • Radiofrequency (RF) or Laser Skin Tightening: Non-invasive thermal treatments that heat the deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen production and improve texture over time.

  • Cupping or Vacuum-Assisted Therapy: Enhances circulation, breaks up fibrous tissue, and improves lymphatic drainage.

  • Body Sculpting Massage Techniques: Manual or device-assisted treatments that smooth fascia and enhance lymphatic flow for visible improvements in skin texture.

  • Topical Firming Treatments: Botanically enhanced medical-grade creams that include caffeine, retinol, or peptides to firm skin and reduce the appearance of dimpling over time.