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 in-depth knowledge about effective skin care for cellulite and loose skin in our journal. His expertise is based on a deep practical understanding of the causes of visible skin changes - and how to deal with them effectively.

How does cellulite develop?

There are many causes that cause cellulite in women: Being very overweight, for example, can be the cause of cellulite in women . The reason for this is that the connective tissue becomes weaker after the age of 30. If the collagen fiber network in the subcutaneous tissue loses its elasticity, cellulite also appears in slim women.

However, the higher the body weight, the greater the severity of the cellulite. Weight loss alone does not reduce cellulite. At the same time, the skin's elasticity must also be restored so that the dents do not become more noticeable due to the reduced padding.

You can find out what other causes of cellulite and how it can be treated here.

What are the causes of cellulite in women?

The female hormone estrogen, among other things, is 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 freak of nature. The much more supple skin in women is due to this.

From a biological point of view, this is needed as an energy store in order to prepare women for the changes in their body during and after pregnancy. The severity of cellulite is often similar within the family. In addition to this genetic disposition (predisposition), there are other causes of cellulite.

Smoking promotes the formation of cellulite

Nicotine constricts the blood vessels in the skin. This disrupts the metabolism, the existing collagen fibers degenerate, and the connective tissue no longer produces enough new collagen fibers. Smoking can therefore be identified as one of the causes of cellulite.

If you want to improve the appearance of your skin, you should reduce your smoking or, ideally, avoid nicotine completely. This means you cannot prevent the development of cellulite, but you can eliminate a risk factor.

No exercise can lead to dents in the skin

Trained people have more muscle mass than people who don't like sports. Fat cells have less room to expand in the trained body. In this way, the skin becomes more elastic again and the visible cellulite is reduced.

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

Unfavorable diet & obesity as a cause of cellulite in women

The combination of a high-fat and high-carbohydrate diet leads to enlarged fat cells and thus also promotes Cellulite. On the other hand, foods containing potassium such as nuts, spinach, bananas and tomatoes have a positive effect. They drain and firm the subcutaneous tissue.

With an unhealthy diet you can promote cellulite. It is therefore better to rely on a balanced diet. This can have a positive effect on the surface of the skin and help you fight cellulite.

Too much estrogen in the contraceptive pill promotes cellulite

Taking the contraceptive pill can lead to an excess of estrogen in the body, which in turn is considered a “driver” of cellulite. Venous diseases and circulatory disorders can also promote cellulite: They also hinder blood flow and metabolism and thus the natural strengthening of the connective tissue.

Massages, contrast showers and creams: How can you get rid of cellulite?

Cellulite occurs when the connective tissue of the skin is weak and the fatty tissue of the subcutaneous tissue penetrates into the upper layers of the skin. If the skin was previously tight, unsightly dents appear, which represent a cosmetic problem for many women. However, there is also good news: Even if you have a predisposition to cellulite, you can reduce the appearance of the dimples.

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

To promote blood circulation, you can also use contrast showers. Always end with cold water. Massages can also help to significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite and break down water retention.

Another recommendation for any type of cellulite are the creams from skin689. Our Anti-Cellulite Cream was developed by us to reduce unsightly dents and smooth the skin. Our patented active ingredient CHacoll penetrates into the subcutaneous tissue and develops its effect there. Within 4 to 12 weeks, the cream can successfully reduce cellulite and minimize dimples on the skin.

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

"These results are impressive! 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 stores."
– Prof. Dr. Sven Gohla, University of Zurich

It doesn't matter whether you have weak connective tissue, are getting older or have accumulated fat pads for genetic reasons - the products from skin689, such as Firm Skin Tummy & Hips and Firm Skin Décolleté & Neck, can achieve a significant improvement in cellulite thanks to their exclusive active ingredients. Feel free to take a look at our creams:

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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.