Cellulite severity

Balz Schürmann

About the author: Balz Schürmann (CEO)
Balz Schürmann is the founder of skin689 and shares his in-depth knowledge about effective skincare for cellulite in our journal. As the developer of the innovative active ingredient CHacoll®, he brings many years of experience in formulating highly effective cosmetic products "Made in Switzerland." His expertise is based on a deep understanding of the causes of visible skin changes—and how to effectively address them.

The four cellulite severity levels

To accurately determine the individual progression of cellulite, dermatologists and cosmeticians distinguish between four different degrees of severity:

Severity level 0:

The skin surface on the buttocks and thighs shows no signs of "mattress effect" in either the standing or lying position. Only when pinched do wrinkles appear, but there are virtually no dimples. (Often, grade 0 is not considered cellulite, which is why many models only list 3 grades.)

Severity level 1:

If you pinch the skin on your thigh, the typical dimples of cellulite become visible. Cellulite is not visible when standing or lying down.

Severity level 2:

Even when standing, clearly visible dents appear (spontaneously, without a pinch test), which disappear again when lying down.

Severity level 3:

Cellulite is visible without a pinch test, both when standing and lying down.

At what level of pain should a doctor be consulted?

Occasionally, women with grade 2 and/or 3 report tenderness or even pain in the affected area. However, from a dermatological perspective, this cannot be attributed to the underlying cause. Cellulite These symptoms should not be attributed to any specific condition, but rather point to other illnesses. Women who experience such symptoms should therefore ideally discuss this pain with a doctor.

Veröffentlicht am: 18. December 2025
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