What is cellulite?

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.

What is cellulite? What you need to know about the causes and treatment of orange peel skin.

Almost every woman is affected by cellulite at some point in her life. Unsightly dimples form on the skin that don't disappear even with exercise and weight loss. Cellulite can have many different causes and is often even genetically determined. Therefore, it's often difficult to improve the skin's appearance through exercise alone. In this article, we summarize all the important information about cellulite for you. You'll learn what causes it, which areas of the body are particularly affected, and what treatment options are available. We also explain how the various treatments work. Anti-cellulite cream from skin689 before.

The most important points in brief:

  • What is cellulite? Cellulite manifests as dimples on the skin's surface – it mainly affects women.
  • Overview of the causes of cellulite: Cellulite can be caused by genetic predisposition, lack of exercise and smoking – there are many other causes.
  • Cellulite on the thighs and buttocks: Fat deposits and poor blood circulation can promote cellulite on the thighs and buttocks – the hips can also be affected.

1. What is cellulite?

Cellulite is a dimpled appearance of the skin's surface. Because this skin texture resembles the surface of an orange, cellulite is often called orange peel skin ("peau d'orange"). It is most commonly found on the thighs and buttocks, but can also affect other areas of the body such as the upper arms, abdomen, or breasts.

Cellulite does not directly affect health and is not considered a symptom of illness. However, those affected often suffer psychologically from this cosmetic phenomenon. The fact that exercise and a healthy diet often fail to improve the skin's appearance adds to the distress for those affected.

In fact, cellulite isn't solely a women's problem, as men can also have it. Since the cosmetic issue is less common in men, the burden of cellulite is often even greater than for women.

Why does cellulite primarily affect women?
Men are less frequently affected by cellulite because their upper subcutaneous layer (hypodermis) is thinner, and the fat cell compartments in their connective tissue are held together more compactly. Put simply, in women, the collagen fibers are arranged parallel to each other. Men, on the other hand, have a lattice-like network of collagen fibers. Therefore, the fat cell compartments in male skin generally cannot be moved during the pinch test. Wrinkles may appear, but not dimples, and thus no orange peel skin. This is also due to the fact that men have more elastic dermis (corium) than women. If the pinch test reveals orange peel skin in men, this often indicates an androgen deficiency, i.e., a lack of male sex hormones.

Overview of the causes of cellulite

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, fat reserves are needed as an energy store to prepare women for the bodily changes during and after pregnancy. The severity of cellulite is often similar within families. In addition to this genetic predisposition, there are other influencing factors:

  • Smoking : Nicotine constricts the blood vessels in the skin. This disrupts metabolism, causes existing collagen fibers to degenerate, and prevents the connective tissue from building enough new collagen fibers. This can lead to cellulite.
  • Lack of exercise : People who exercise regularly have more muscle mass than those who don't. This simple fact also means that fat cells have less space to expand in a trained body. As a result, the skin becomes more elastic and the appearance of cellulite is reduced.
  • Unfavorable diet : The combination of a diet high in fat and carbohydrates leads to enlarged fat cells and thus also promotes cellulite. Potassium-rich foods such as nuts, spinach, bananas, and tomatoes, on the other hand, have a positive effect. They help to eliminate excess water and firm the subcutaneous tissue.
  • Birth control pill : Taking it can lead to an excess of estrogen, which in turn is considered a "driver" of cellulite.
  • Venous diseases and circulatory disorders: They also impede blood flow and metabolism. This affects the natural strengthening of connective tissue.

As you can see, various factors can contribute to the development of cellulite. The appearance of orange peel skin and the areas where it occurs can also vary from woman to woman.

Widespread: Cellulite on the thighs and buttocks

Many women who suffer from pronounced cellulite have it on their thighs and at Buttocks . Both areas are considered typical for cellulite. There are numerous reasons for this.

Women naturally store a particularly large amount of fat in the thighs and buttocks. This serves as a reserve for the body in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It should also be taken into account that blood circulation in the thighs and buttocks is comparatively low. This leads to water retention particularly quickly, which in turn can promote cellulite.

Cellulite, combined with genetic factors, estrogen, and weaker connective tissue, quickly leads to the formation of dimples. Besides the thighs and buttocks, many women also experience cellulite on their hips.

What can help you are the anti-cellulite products from skin689. They were specially developed by us to penetrate deep into the skin and combat cellulite. Efficacy studies have proven that our creams can penetrate deep into the tissue and tighten the skin there.

Feel free to take a look at the anti-cellulite creams from skin689:


Firm Skin Tummy & Hips

Firm Skin Tummy & Hips


Anti-cellulite cream

Anti-cellulite cream


Firm Skin Upper Arms

Firm Skin Upper Arms

Possible, but rare: cellulite on the calves

Cellulite can also appear on the calves of some people. While this is rather unusual, it is still possible. Due to the unusual location, the level of distress is lower for some. Cellulite on the calves especially high.

It can occur in people with an unfavorable fat distribution. If you store excess fat in your calves, cellulite can develop there as well. At the same time, prolonged sitting or weak venous function can affect blood circulation and lymphatic flow. This, too, can lead to the formation of cellulite.

Many people find it helpful to better understand cellulite and its causes. In our journal, we offer background information on cellulite in various parts of the body. Feel free to delve into the topic:


8 tips against cellulite

Cellulite on the thigh


Cellulite on the buttocks


Cellulite on the thigh

Cellulite on the calves

Special circumstances: Cellulite after pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in a woman's body. Many pregnant women notice that they develop cellulite. This is primarily due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

The hormone prolactin is responsible for the development of the mammary gland, but it also promotes fat and water retention. This can cause dimples to become visible.

During pregnancy, connective tissue also becomes softer and more elastic, making it more prone to cellulite. Increased body fat and altered blood circulation can also trigger cellulite. Cellulite during pregnancy be.

Massages, alternating showers & exercise: What treatments are available for cellulite?

Cellulite on the thighs, buttocks, or hips can be a major burden for those affected. Therefore, they are actively seeking treatment options that promise results without surgery or invasive procedures. We have compiled a list of tips for you:

  • Sport: Strength training can tighten the muscles beneath the skin, making it appear smoother. Endurance training, on the other hand, promotes blood circulation and fat burning. A combination of strength and endurance training can improve the appearance of the skin.
  • Massages: Massage is frequently mentioned in the context of cellulite treatment. It is claimed that massage can stimulate lymphatic drainage and blood circulation, thereby potentially leading to skin tightening. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
  • Alternating showers: In addition to massages, alternating hot and cold showers are also said to help with cellulite. The change between warm and cold water is supposed to stimulate blood circulation and thus combat cellulite. Alternating showers promote blood circulation best when they end with cold water.
  • Sufficient fluid intake: If you have cellulite, it's important to drink plenty of fluids. This can support lymphatic drainage and prevent swelling. Water is the best choice. Green tea, on the other hand, can stimulate your metabolism.
  • Healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle with low stress and sufficient sleep can also have a positive effect on the skin's appearance. This also applies to abstaining from alcohol and nicotine. Nicotine, in particular, is very harmful for cellulite, as it significantly impairs blood circulation.

As you can see, there are some simple methods that can help with cellulite. However, in the long term, they cannot completely solve the cosmetic problem. They can improve the skin's appearance, but they cannot cure cellulite.

Can you get rid of cellulite with a balanced diet?

In addition to a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet can also contribute to improving cellulite. Numerous foods can have a positive or negative effect on the skin's appearance. For a better overview, we have compiled a summary for you.

The following foods should be avoided if you have cellulite:

  • ❌ Sugar: Try to avoid sugar and sweets as much as possible. They lead to new fat deposits and can negatively affect collagen production, which in turn is detrimental to your skin's appearance.
  • ❌ Trans fats: Chips and fast food contain many trans fats. These can lead to inflammation in the body and also put a strain on the skin and blood vessels.
  • ❌ Salty foods: Excessive salt intake can lead to water retention in the tissues, which can worsen cellulite. Therefore, try to avoid sausage, processed foods, and other salty foods.
  • ❌ Alcohol: Abstaining from alcohol can also have a positive effect on your skin's appearance if you have cellulite. This is because alcohol can weaken blood vessels and lead to new fat deposits.

As you can see, there are some foods that should be reduced or completely eliminated from your diet if you have cellulite. This is because they can put additional strain on the blood vessels and contribute to the formation of fatty tissue.

On the other hand, there are also foods that can strengthen connective tissue and support metabolism. We summarize the most important categories:

  • ✅ Protein-rich foods: Protein is essential in the body not only for muscle building but also for collagen production. Therefore, protein-rich foods should be a regular part of your diet. These include, among others, quark, legumes, and fish.
  • ✅ Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also involved in collagen production and should therefore be consumed regularly. Vitamin C is found primarily in fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, and many more.
  • ✅ Minerals: Some minerals in the body are involved in maintaining skin elasticity and can counteract water retention. These include potassium and magnesium. Therefore, eat bananas, avocados, and spinach regularly.
  • ✅ Omega-3 fatty acids: Consuming omega-3 fatty acids can improve skin elasticity and counteract inflammation. Fish such as salmon and mackerel are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This also applies to walnuts and chia seeds.

The important thing is not to forbid yourself any foods or live according to a strict plan. It's about creating a healthy balance. If you eat a mostly balanced and healthy diet, an occasional piece of chocolate is perfectly fine.

Will my cellulite diminish if I lose weight?
Many people mistakenly believe that weight loss can completely eliminate cellulite. However, this is not true, as cellulite is not a problem that only affects overweight women. Quite the contrary: Cellulite can also occur in slim people . You should focus less on weight loss and more on exercise and a balanced diet.

Anti-cellulite cream from skin689: Helps against cellulite & smooths the skin

You can improve your skin's appearance with exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. However, if you want to get rid of cellulite permanently, you should use skin689 creams. They were developed by us to combat cellulite in the deepest layers of the skin.

This is achieved through our patented active ingredient CHacoll, which we use exclusively. It penetrates the lower layers of the skin and causes a structural change there. CHacoll stimulates the production of collagen fibers. This strengthens the skin's fibrous network and enables it to better retain fat cells. As a result, the skin appears firmer.

Our products therefore not only have a short-term effect, but can improve skin structure in the long term. This applies, for example, to our popular Anti-cellulite cream . Enriched with CHacoll, this cream stimulates collagen synthesis in the subcutaneous tissue. It helps combat cellulite and smooths the skin. After just a few weeks, cellulite is less visible and the skin appears firmer.

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

"Targets the main causes of cellulite and sagging skin in a targeted and sustainable way – for renewed elasticity through strengthening collagen fibers and firmer, smoother skin through the reduction of fat cells." — Prof. Dr. Sven Gohla, University of Zurich

Another recommendation is the Firm Skin Tummy & Hips , specially formulated for the stomach and hips, is designed to provide a firm stomach and defined hips. This is achieved through the use of CHacoll and ShapePerfect. The combination of these two active ingredients is intended to promote the reduction of excess fat deposits while simultaneously firming the skin.

As you can see, you don't have to accept cellulite; with targeted care, you can achieve impressive results. Take a look at our creams and declare war on those dimples!


Firm Skin Tummy & Hips

Firm Skin Tummy & Hips


Anti-cellulite cream

Anti-cellulite cream


Firm Skin Upper Arms

Firm Skin Upper Arms

Here's what our satisfied customers say

We are delighted every day by the positive feedback from our customers. They tell us that our creams have led to a noticeable improvement in their skin's appearance after just a few weeks. We are very proud to be able to help so many people with our proprietary active ingredients and will continue to work on providing solutions for cellulite in the future.

Conclusion: Get rid of cellulite with skin689 creams & enjoy smoother skin

While cellulite is purely a cosmetic issue, it can still be a significant burden. When it's caused by a genetic predisposition, pregnancy, or weight gain, those affected are often desperate and depressed that exercise doesn't help. That's precisely why we developed our exclusive active ingredients.

They don't stay on the surface, but penetrate deep into the skin, resulting in structural improvement. This allows the fibrous network to selectively retain fat cells, preventing any dimples from forming. If you desire smoother and firmer skin, our products are the perfect choice.

Sources:
ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/Cellulite-Behandlung-und-Ursachen-der-Bindegewebsschwaeche,cellulite118.html
aok.de/pk/magazin/koerper-psyche/haut-und-allergie/cellulite-bekaempfen-so-werden-sie-orangenhaut-los/
tk.de/techniker/krankheit-und-behandlungen/erkrankungen/behandlungen-und-medizin/haut-und-schlechtskrankheiten/wie-entsteht-cellulite-2017554

Veröffentlicht am: 18. December 2025
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Frequently asked questions about cellulite and its treatment

Does liposuction help with cellulite?

If cellulite is already clearly visible, some women consider liposuction. While this can make the body silhouette slimmer, it's not guaranteed that it will also eliminate cellulite. There are reports of improvements as well as reports of a worsening of the skin's appearance.

How do I get rid of cellulite?

You can reduce cellulite through a combination of exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. This can improve the appearance of your skin. However, it won't completely eliminate cellulite. For that, we recommend the anti-cellulite cream from skin689 .

Can cellulite hurt?

No, cellulite shouldn't hurt. If you notice pain in your thighs or calves, you should consult a specialist. It's essential to determine whether it's cellulite or lipedema . Lipedema is a pathological fat distribution disorder that is accompanied by severe pain.

Does cellulite decrease when you lose weight?

Yes, cellulite can be reduced by losing weight. However, it won't disappear completely, as it is often due to genetic factors. In this case , skin689's anti-cellulite cream can stimulate collagen synthesis in the subcutaneous tissue and plump the skin from within.

Cellulite: Which sport helps?

For cellulite, a combination of strength and endurance training is helpful. Strength training works the muscles and tightens the skin. Endurance training, on the other hand, stimulates blood circulation and fat burning. In combination, exercise can therefore help with cellulite and make the skin appear smoother.