Causes of cellulite: These factors promote cellulite and orange peel skin

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.

How does cellulite develop?

There are many causes of cellulite in women: For example, being significantly overweight can... Cause of cellulite in women This is because connective tissue weakens from the age of 30. When the collagen fiber network in the subcutaneous tissue loses its elasticity, cellulite appears even in slim women.

However, it's also true that the higher the body weight, the more pronounced the cellulite usually is. Weight loss alone doesn't reduce cellulite. At the same time, the skin's elasticity must also be restored so that the reduced padding doesn't make the dimples even more noticeable.

Here you can find out about other causes of cellulite and how it can be treated.

What are the causes of cellulite in women?

The female hormone estrogen is partly responsible for the deposition of fat cells in the thighs and buttocks. It also ensures that the fat-storing cells (lipocytes) located there are larger than in men. This mechanism is anything but a nasty quirk of nature. Indeed, the significantly smoother skin of women is also largely attributable to this.

From a biological perspective, cellulite is needed as an energy reserve to prepare women for the bodily changes during and after pregnancy. The severity of cellulite is often similar within families. Besides this genetic predisposition, there are other causes of cellulite.

Smoking promotes the formation of cellulite.

Nicotine constricts the blood vessels in the skin. This disrupts metabolism, causes existing collagen fibers to degenerate, and prevents the connective tissue from producing enough new collagen fibers. Therefore, smoking can be identified as one of the causes of cellulite.

If you want to improve your skin's appearance, you should reduce smoking or, ideally, quit nicotine altogether. While this won't prevent cellulite from developing, it will eliminate a risk factor.

No sport can cause cellulite.

People who exercise regularly have more muscle mass than those who don't. In a fit body, fat cells have less space to expand. This makes the skin more elastic and reduces the appearance of cellulite.

Those who want to combat cellulite should exercise regularly. Muscle mass can help with existing cellulite and improve its appearance. At the same time, exercise can also have a preventative effect on the tissue.

Poor diet and excess weight as a cause of cellulite in women

The combination of a diet high in fat and high in carbohydrates leads to enlarged fat cells and thus also promotes Cellulite . Potassium-rich foods such as nuts, spinach, bananas, and tomatoes have a positive effect. They drain excess water and firm the subcutaneous tissue.

An unhealthy diet can contribute to cellulite. Therefore, it's best to focus on a balanced diet. This can have a positive effect on the skin's surface and help you combat cellulite.

Too much estrogen in the birth control pill promotes cellulite.

Taking birth control pills can lead to an excess of estrogen in the body, which is considered a "driver" of cellulite. Venous disorders and circulatory problems can also contribute to cellulite: they too impede blood flow and metabolism, thus hindering the natural firming of connective tissue.

Massages, alternating hot and cold showers and creams: How can you get rid of cellulite?

Cellulite develops when the skin's connective tissue is weak and subcutaneous fat penetrates the upper layers of the skin. If the skin was previously firm, unsightly dimples then appear, which are a cosmetic concern for many women. However, there is also good news: Even if you have a predisposition to cellulite, you can reduce its appearance.

To improve cellulite, you can exercise. A combination of strength training and endurance sports is best. Strengthened muscles can make the skin appear smoother and thus improve the symptoms of cellulite.

To promote blood circulation, you can also try alternating hot and cold showers. Always end with cold water. Massages can also help to significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite and decrease water retention.

Another recommendation for all types of cellulite are the creams from skin689. Our Anti-cellulite cream Our product was developed to reduce unsightly dimples and smooth the skin. Our patented active ingredient, CHacoll, penetrates deep into the subcutaneous tissue and takes effect there. Within 4 to 12 weeks, the cream can successfully reduce cellulite and minimize the appearance of dimples on the skin.

Scientist Prof. Dr. Sven Gohla from the University of Zurich can only confirm this:

"These results are remarkable! The Tummy and Hips cream stimulates collagen synthesis, strengthens the dermal/epidermal connection, significantly reduces lipogenesis (new fat formation) and reduces the differentiation of fat cells into fat storage sites."

Whether you have weak connective tissue, are getting older, or have genetically predisposed fat deposits – skin689 products, such as Firm Skin Tummy & Hips and Firm Skin Decolleté & Neck , can significantly improve the appearance of cellulite thanks to their exclusive active ingredients. Feel free to browse our creams:


Anti-cellulite cream

Anti-cellulite cream


Firm Skin Tummy & Hips

Firm Skin Tummy & Hips


Firm Skin Décolleté & Neck

Firm Skin Décolleté & Neck

Sources:
health-lexicon.com/Skin-Hair-Nails/Cellulite-Orange Peel Skin/Causes ,
pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/ausgabe-032010/neue-methoden-gegen-cellulite/
hautzentrumwien.at/cellulite-woher-kommt-sie-und-gibt-es-eine-loesung/
link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12634-023-2380-8

Veröffentlicht am: 18. December 2025
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Frequently asked questions about the treatment of cellulite

Can cellulite disappear?

Yes, cellulite can diminish. If dimples are visible, strength training can help tighten the skin and combat cellulite. Massages and alternating hot and cold showers are also said to help. We also recommend the anti-cellulite cream from skin689: its exclusive active ingredients penetrate deep into the subcutaneous fat tissue and take effect there.

Which foods should I avoid if I have cellulite?

If you have cellulite, you should avoid foods high in salt and sugar. Very fatty foods can also worsen cellulite on the hips and thighs. Furthermore, abstain from alcohol and nicotine. Instead, drink at least two liters of water a day.

Will cellulite disappear if I lose weight?

Yes, losing weight can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, for most women, cellulite doesn't disappear completely as a result. This is because many sufferers have a genetic predisposition for cellulite. In this case, we recommend our anti-cellulite cream: After regular use, the skin appears firmer and more elastic.