How to Get Rid Of Cellulite on Legs {7 Easy Remedies that Work}

In your fitness journey, something that is likely to come up often is how to get rid of cellulite on legs and bum. As you work on improving your health and physical fitness, you may start noticing or developing skin conditions like stretch marks and cellulite.

While cellulite and stretch marks are completely harmless, so many of us are bothered by their appearance, and that is okay, as long as it doesn’t become an obsession.

 There are several ways to get rid of cellulite on legs. By the end of this article, you will be able to choose whether you should workout to get rid of cellulite or use creams, dry brushing, or even lose weight, based on the pros and cons of each method.

how to get rid of cellulite on legs

What Is Cellulite?

The Mayo Clinic defines cellulite as a harmless dimpled skin condition most common in women, often found on the abdomen, legs, thighs, stomach, arms and hips. Cellulite is also known as orange peel or cottage cheese skin.

What causes cellulite in the legs?

Experts have not been able to identify what really causes cellulite, but they have found several contributing factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and sex. Cellulite develops when the fat layer beneath the skin builds up and pushes through the skin, giving it the dimpled and lumpy appearance that you eventually see on the legs, thighs, etc.

1. Sex

The distribution of body fat in women is different in men, which is why, according to a study published in the International Journal of Women’s Beauty, cellulite affects up to 80% of young women. Overall body fat is usually higher by about 10% in women than men.

Women store fat mostly around the thighs, buttocks, and hips, which is why you see cellulite in women more than in men. In men, fat is deposited around the abdomen, making it less likely for men to have cellulite.

2. Genetic Predisposition

Apart from women being more affected by cellulite than men, genetics is another cause of cellulite. I have proof. My grandmother has cellulite, and so did my late mother. I have cellulite on my thighs, and so do my teenage daughters, who are perfectly in shape.

What this goes to show is that women with low body fat can have cellulite- it is not really a ‘you have cellulite because you are fat’ kind of thing. Sometimes, no matter how skinny you are, you will have cellulite simply because it runs in the family!

What is cellulite

3. Lifestyle Changes and Weight Gain

Some changes in lifestyle and diet often lead to weight gain. When you gain weight, fat tissue increases in areas such as hips, bum, arms, or legs, and cellulite will become quite noticeable.

Diet also plays a role in how visible your cellulite might be. For instance, my cellulite dramatically flares up when I consume bread, dairy, and a lot of processed sugar. My thighs practically look like a block of cottage cheese when I overindulge in these three things. I have now discovered that cutting out or down on dairy, processed sugar, and bread incredibly reduces the appearance of cellulite on my legs and butt.

*This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here

Essential reading:

Best ways to get rid of stretch marks

How to get rid of bloating

Foods that cause bloating

Best healthy habits for weight loss

How to Get Rid Of Cellulite on Legs

How to Get Rid Of Cellulite on Thighs and Bum Naturally

Just as there are expensive treatments that claim to get rid of cellulite, there are also cheaper remedies that work and have worked for me and many other women. The cellulite remedies may look easy but trust me, they will significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite and leave your skin smooth and soft in a matter of weeks. Let’s dig deep into how to get rid of cellulite on legs and bum.

1. Dry Brushing for Cellulite

Dry brushing for cellulite involves gentle brushing of dry skin in slow circular movements with a small to medium-sized non-synthetic brush. Dry brushing to get rid of cellulite on legs or bum works by increasing blood circulation and, which in turn, makes the skin plump and helps the body to get rid of toxins.

Dry brushing is not a permanent solution to cellulite. It will reduce the appearance of cellulite for as long as you use it. If this is the road you are willing to travel on in your fight against the orange peel, then simply deep massage the brush into the areas where you have cellulite.

Dry Brushing for Cellulite

Dry brush for cellulite using circular motions for 5-10 minutes before taking a shower, thereafter, massage the area with oils like Bio-oil, to avoid drying out your skin. For faster results, perform dry skin brushing as often as possible, preferably twice a day. You should start seeing a reduction in the appearance of cellulite on your butt, legs or thighs in less than two weeks.

Best Dry Brush for Cellulite

The best dry brush for cellulite is one with natural bristles. I have a basic brush that I use for this but if you do not have a brush yet, you can buy one from Amazon. 

There are lots of brushes that are cheaper but you have to proceed with caution and ensure that the material used is not cheap and harsh on your skin, as that may do more damage than fixing the problem. You can check out this quality  exfoliating brush with firm natural bristles for cellulite.

If you have broken skin or varicose veins, do not dry brush those areas as doing so may cause further damage.

How to Reduce Cellulite in 2 Weeks

While other remedies focus on doing something to the affected area, cutting down on sugar, dairy, and bread is one sure way to reduce cellulite in 2 weeks.

I know this works because my cellulite dramatically flares up when my diet heavily consists of bread, dairy and processed sugar. My thighs and butt will practically look like a block of cottage cheese within a week of indulging in these three foods.

I have learned that what we eat really does matter when it comes to combating cellulite and as you know we are what we eat. If your diet mostly comprises cellulite-triggering foods, you will constantly battle with cellulite. Cutting down on foods that cause cellulite will teach you how to reduce cellulite in 2 weeks.

But of course, life can never be fun with some carbs, so, if you often have to have foods like pizza, white bread, cheese, soy sauce, bagels, and processed meat, then you should make dry brushing your best friend. Dry brushing will work best to reduce or get rid of cellulite on your bum, legs or thighs.

Use bio oil for cellulite to get rid of cellulite

2.  Lotions & Bio-Oil for Cellulite

Some creams and oils like Bio-oil have been known to improve the skin over time and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Bio-Oil works like magic to reduce the appearance of stretch marks but what most people aren’t aware of is that Bio-oil can also be used for cellulite.

The results are even more amplified when you combine Bio-Oil, a clean diet and regular exercise to fight cellulite on the bums, thighs, tummy and arms.

The active ingredients in Bio-Oil break down the fatty cells by deeply penetrating the skin during application.

Other lotions that are known to work for cellulite and stretch marks are coconut oil, Anti-Cellulite Treatment Massage Oil by New York Biology and  Palmer’s Cocoa Butter.

How to use Bio-Oil for Cellulite

How to use bio oil for cellulite

Massage Bio-Oil to the affected areas,  in a circular motion, twice a day (morning and night preferably). Results will vary from one person to the other, but after 3 months of consistent use, you will see significant results.

3.  Exercises to Get Rid of Cellulite

A lot of women are afraid of lifting weights because they believe this will make them look bulky, but that is so far from the truth. Weight training significantly reduces body fat percentage and increases muscle mass.

Since cellulite is fat deposits that are unevenly distributed, strength training is the best way to get rid of cellulite on legs, thighs, and bum.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite on Legs with Workouts

You should never spot train to reduce fat but you can definitely spot train to target cellulite-prone areas.  When I do leg workouts, I train my legs twice a week and see excellent results after 4-6 weeks of consistent leg exercises to get rid of cellulite. If you are looking for the best exercises to get rid of cellulite on thighs or bum, incorporate squats, lunges, and deadlifts into your workout routine.

Exercises to get rid of cellulite

Follow this leg workout plan for the best exercises to get rid of cellulite:

Weeks 1 and 2 leg workouts at home

You should rest for 30 seconds between each set. For example- Squats 10 reps x 3 sets means that you should do 10 squats and rest for 30 seconds, another 10 squats and 30 seconds rest, and the last 10 squats and 1-minute rest before moving to the next set of exercises. For weeks 3 and 4, and 5 and 6, check out this 6-week leg workout plan for toned legs and thighs.

  • Deadlifts 10 reps x 3 sets
  • Dumbbell squats 10 reps x 3 sets
  • Glute bridge 10 reps x 3 sets
  • Lunges 10 reps x 3 sets
  • Donkey kicks 10 reps x 3 sets

Essential workouts to fight cellulite:

Ultimate 30 day leg challenge that works like crazy

30-Day Fat Burning Workout Routines for Beginners

How I Lost Weight (7 Weight Loss Tips That Work)

If you are into video workouts then please check out Killer Buns and Thighs workout by Jillian Michaels as they are the best exercises that will help you with cellulite.

How to Get Rid Of Cellulite on Thighs and Bum Naturally

I will start this section by covering some recent remedies claiming to get rid of cellulite.

3. Baking Soda and Salt for Cellulite

baking soda and salt for cellulite

The latest Tik Tok trend on how to get rid of cellulite on legs is using baking soda and salt for cellulite. How this works is that users add a pinch of pink Himalayan salt and baking soda to a glass of water and drink the mixture for about five weeks for a significant reduction in cellulite.  Ladies who have been drinking this claim is that the concoction helps with hydrating cells.

However, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), dehydration increases fat production but does not directly cause cellulite. ACE further explains that the circulatory system’s ability to breakdown fat is affected when a person is dehydrated.

I have seen a few before and after photos from two big Tik Tok accounts that claim that baking soda and sea salt works for cellulite. However, experts have debunked the myth that drinking baking soda and salt gets rid of cellulite on legs or any other place.

@yodatheycallme #greenscreenvideo @fmsmith319 @themrspedersen 2 bucks will get rid cellulite w/ salt and baking soda #albertgramoff #cellulite ♬ original sound – Albert Gramoff


 Fitness gurus have stated that cellulite is not a dry skin problem. Currently, there is no research to substantiate the claim that baking soda and salt in water for cellulite works.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite on Legs Fast

If you are on the hunt for treatments that claim to get rid of cellulite on the buttocks and thighs fast, and you have the money to cover the costs, then you should check out FDA-approved treatments like Aveli, Resonic, and more. Here is what you need to know about how they work and how much the treatments cost.

4. Aveli Cellulite Treatment

Aveli Cellulite Treatment

Aveli cellulite treatment is one of the newest non-surgical procedures that the FDA has approved to treat cellulite in women between the age of 25 and 45, who have not had liposuction in the cellulite area.

This cosmetic procedure is performed using local anaesthesia and is a once-off session that will set you back by about $3,500 and $4,500, as it is not covered by health insurance.

The Aveli cellulite treatment uses a handheld device to make small incisions on the area affected by cellulite, and while patients experience some discomfort afterwards, the pain should go away after 2-3 days. People who have had Aveli cellulite treatment are said to see results 90 days after the procedure.

5. Resonic Cellulite Treatment

Resonic Treatment has been making waves since entering the cellulite treatment market, after being cleared by the FDA. The difference between Resonic and other aesthetic treatments is that Resonic does not claim to get rid of cellulite. Instead, Resonic promises to effectively reduce the appearance of cellulite, by smoothing down the skin.

Resonic cellulite treatment is a one-hour single session that requires no surgery and leaves no bruising. There seems to be no fixed cost of Resonic’s cellulite treatment as each medical practice offers various financing options.

 Not everyone is a perfect fit for the Resonic cellulite treatment and if you are curious if this is your answer to conquering all your cellulite problems, you can take a quiz on their website or book a consultation with a participating physician in your area.

Resonic Cellulite Treatment

6. Qwo Cellulite Treatment and Cost

Unlike Aveli and Resonic cellulite treatments which use a handheld device and require only a once-off treatment, Quo cellulite treatment involves 3 rounds of injections in a space of 3 weeks.

Quo cellulite treatment is also approved by the FDA and costs between $2000- $3000, depending on the severity of your cellulite.  In terms of side effects, some women who have had Quo cellulite treatment have complained about bruising and staining. It is not clear how long the bruising remains visible, but if you are intrigued about Quo, you can read some of the reviews on Real Self.  

Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid Of Cellulite on Legs

These are the proven ways that work best to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the butt, thighs and legs and strength training, bio-oil for cellulite and cutting back on foods that cause cellulite are some of the ones that I have seen work best.

My final thoughts on how to get rid of cellulite on legs are that if you have the cash to splash on laser treatment, take that route because research has shown that less invasive laser treatments greatly improve the appearance of cellulite. You should also remember that you cannot completely get rid of cellulite, but you can significantly reduce its appearance to a point where it is barely visible.

It is also worth noting that if you are carrying extra weight, losing weight (fat loss) will go a long way in reducing cellulite. As you exercise regularly and burn fat, the fat deposits will begin to shrink, making cellulite less visible.

How to Get Rid Of Cellulite on Thighs and Bum Naturally

26 thoughts on “How to Get Rid Of Cellulite on Legs {7 Easy Remedies that Work}”

  1. I never knew reducing sugar could help decrease the look of cellulite! I’m trying to cut back on sugar in general, but I’ll have to see how it affects my cellulite! Thanks for these tips!

    Reply
  2. Great tips! My stretch marks have begun to fade with time, but I’m going to try that dry brushing to see if it helps them fade faster.

    Reply
  3. These are some great tips. I’m currently 6 months pregnant and don’t have stretch marks yet and I’m using coconut oil from the moment I found I was pregnant. Hopefully, my skin keeps its healthy look until end of pregnancy 😉

    Reply
  4. I’m always on the lookout for things to help the appearance of my stretch marks, I’ve used bio-oil and I use cocoa butter daily but I’m definitely going to give coconut oil a try!

    Reply
  5. I have just been introduced to dry brushing and did not realise that helping reduce cellulite is helped by this! We have ton of coconut butter at home, so hopefully the two will do the trick. x

    Reply
  6. Exercise and dry brushing are definitely my two favorite ways to try and conceal my cellulite. Great post! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

Leave a comment