Suppose cellulite is an entirely natural phenomenon, which has no impact on health. In that case, it is still an ordeal for many women for aesthetic reasons: orange peel appearance, dimples, even pain to the touch … In this post, we tell you how to massage cellulite to reduce it.

Focus on cellulite

Cellulite is a phenomenon that affects 90% of women. It is located mainly on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and even on the upper arms.

Where does cellulite come from?

Cellulite is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the deepest layer of the skin. This layer is composed of 3 layers :

    – the epidermis, which is the surface of the skin;

    – the dermis, which is located just underneath;

    – the hypodermis, the thickest layer, is located in the adipocytes, the cells that store fat.

Orange skin and poor circulation

When adipocytes have to store a lot of fat, their size increases, and their shape is reflected in the upper layers of the skin, forming an orange peel appearance on its surface. Also, when fat cells are too large, the blood and lymph vessels that run through the dermis are compressed, resulting in poor circulation.

Regular anti-cellulite massage helps to remove fat from the adipocytes, boost blood and lymphatic circulation, and tone up the tissues.

Good to know: cellulite is not dangerous for your health; it is uncomfortable and can be a source of embarrassment for aesthetic reasons.

Choose a cream adapted to your cellulite.

Commercial products…

To optimize the effects of the anti-cellulite massage, apply a cream, gel, or oil concentrated in active ingredients adapted to your needs every day. In the shops, choose :

    – to burn fat: a gel or oil with caffeine, guarana, geranium, or green tea;

    – to activate drainage and fight against water retention: a cream or oil rich in caffeine, horse chestnut, red vine, or juniper;

    – to firm the skin: a gel or oil-based on ivy, which reduces the orange peel effect by tightening the skin, or sea fennel.

Good to know: oil is ideal for massaging cellulite, but it penetrates less quickly than gel, for example. As for the cream, it offers the advantage of moisturizing the skin and its specific action on cellulite.

… or homemade anti-cellulite oil

You can also apply a homemade anti-cellulite oil daily. The recipe is simple, but be careful to respect the doses. Essential oils should be handled and used with care.

For a 50 ml bottle of anti-cellulite oil, mix:

    – 50 ml of vegetable oil, preferably organic;

    – 30 drops of essential oil, adapted to your type of cellulite. You can mix several essential oils; in this case, divide the doses (15 drops of each for 2 essential oils, for example) :

        ◦ against excess fat: Atlas cedar, lemongrass, sage, lemon, or rosemary;

        ◦ against water retention: the cedar of the Atlas, juniper, grapefruit, and cypress always green;

        ◦ against skin slackening: geranium, sage, grapefruit, or sea fennel.

Important: lemon and grapefruit essential oils are photosensitizing, do not expose yourself to the sun after application. Essential oils are not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Option 1: massage cellulite with the palpate-roll technique

Palpating and rolling is the manual technique par excellence used by professionals, notably physiotherapists and beauticians, to eliminate cellulite. This anti-cellulite massage technique involves rolling the skin and kneading the skin tissues to release fat and activate blood and lymphatic circulation. It is adapted to cellulite on the thighs and stomach.

For an effective palpate-roll:

    – Apply anti-cellulite massage oil in small amounts. The skin should not be too oily. Otherwise, you will have difficulty rolling it.

    – Pinch a fold of skin between your thumbs and other fingers.

    – Lift the fold slightly and roll the skin between your fingers, pushing with your thumbs.

    – Repeat, making lines:

        ◦ for the thighs: from the middle of the thigh to the outside, then from the middle of the thigh to the inside;

        ◦ for the belly: start on one side, from under the ribs to the bottom of the stomach, and make lines to the other side.

    – Perform the palpate-roll 2 to 3 times a week for at least 2 weeks to start seeing a significant result.

Note: In fibrous cellulite, which has often been present for a long time, the palpate-roll can be very painful during the first sessions. It is, therefore, best to consult a professional.

Option 2: knead the skin for an anti-cellulite massage

Skin kneading is an anti-cellulite massage technique that restores suppleness and elasticity to your skin. You can easily practice it at home, several times a week, on your thighs and hips.

    – Apply an anti-cellulite oil or cream to the area to be massaged.

    Grab the skin with both hands and knead it with your fingers, alternating the two hands using deep and wide movements.

    – Move your hands over the area to be massaged and start kneading again.

Good to know: this anti-cellulite massage is also suitable for the arm, but it will be more convenient to ask a partner to massage you.

Option 3: use a brush to massage cellulite

Finally, you can use a brush to massage cellulite on the buttocks, thighs, and hips. It is usually made of wood, with round-tipped rubber pins. Massaging cellulite with a brush helps to firm the tissues and improves blood and lymphatic circulation.

    – Morning and evening (preferably after showering), make circular movements on the skin.

    – Do not press too hard, especially during the first few sessions.

    – Make the movements from the bottom to the top.

    – To be effective, the massage with an anti-cellulite brush should last at least 10 minutes.