"Cellulite Treatment: Learn How “Orange Peel” Skin Forms and How to Improve Its Appearance"

Cellulite results from fat accumulation beneath the skin, creating an uneven, dimpled appearance. This condition affects about 95% of women after puberty, but its appearance can be improved with the right cellulite treatment.

A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help reduce the “orange peel” effect on the skin. However, due to how cellulite develops, eliminating it at home is extremely difficult.

For more effective results, the ideal approach is to combine healthy habits with specific massages.

Cellulite in Women: Why Does It Occur and What Makes It Worse?

Due to women’s body composition, where fat reserves make up a larger percentage of body weight (between 20-30%, compared to 15-20% in men), it is natural that cellulite affects women more.

Additionally, in women, fat cells and connective tissue are arranged perpendicularly to the skin, whereas in men, they are arranged diagonally.

Other factors also contribute to cellulite being more common in women, such as hormonal fluctuations and genetic predisposition.

Cellulite appears primarily in areas of the body where fat is influenced by estrogen, the female hormone. These areas include the hips, thighs, and buttocks, but can also affect the breasts, lower abdomen, arms, and neck.

It is important to note that cellulite is a common condition that affects people of all body shapes and sizes.

It is not a health problem, but it is often seen as an aesthetic concern. Although it is a chronic condition, cellulite can be treated.

Other factors that can worsen cellulite:

• Poor diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor blood and lymphatic circulation
• Aging

The Types of Cellulite

A 2009 study* introduced the Cellulite Severity Scale, which categorizes cellulite by assessing its main characteristics:

Grade 1 – No visible dimpling or irregularities. When the skin is pinched, small depressions appear (mild).

Grade 2 – The “orange peel” effect is noticeable even without pinching the skin (moderate).

Grade 3 – Nodules are very visible, and the skin appears rough. Swelling, poor circulation, and even pain may occur (severe).

How to Treat Cellulite? Effective Methods

Since lifestyle is one of the main factors in cellulite development (when not linked to genetic causes), adopting healthier habits can have a significant impact on the skin’s appearance.

Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, and increasing water intake are some actions that can lead to visible improvements.

Additionally, specific cellulite treatments can enhance these effects, improving skin appearance and promoting aesthetic well-being.

An anti-cellulite massage is a great complementary option, as it stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation while helping to break down fat deposits.

Tips for Reducing Cellulite and Achieving Firmer Skin

• Stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation with regular massages. Use an exfoliating glove or a dry-brushing tool to massage your legs and buttocks.
• Nourish your skin from the inside out: consume vitamin-rich foods and maintain a balanced diet.
• Reduce salt intake, as it retains fluids and inflames tissues. Use aromatic herbs as a healthier seasoning alternative.

Does Anti-Cellulite Massage Work?

Using specific techniques, anti-cellulite massage is a manual treatment performed with firm pressure to reach the deeper layers of the skin.

This massage targets both superficial and deep layers of tissue, aiming to tone and firm the skin by increasing oxygen supply through blood circulation, mobilizing lymphatic fluids, and activating fibroblasts (which produce collagen).

Regular anti-cellulite massages enhance results and prolong their effects.

Does Lymphatic Drainage Help Reduce Cellulite?

Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique that uses gentle movements to stimulate specific areas of the body, promoting a more efficient lymphatic system and aiding in the elimination of excess fluids.

In mild cases, such as Grade 1 cellulite, it can help reduce inflammation and prevent new cellulite from forming.

Lymphatic drainage can be a complementary cellulite treatment, helping to prevent fluid retention and eliminate toxins from tissues.

Where to Get Cellulite Treatments in Lisbon?

Why not combine a relaxing spa experience with effective cellulite treatments?

Below, we have selected some of the best places in Lisbon offering specialized treatments to reduce the “orange peel” effect. Check them out:

CitySpa, a Day Spa in Restelo

Located in Restelo, Lisbon, CitySpa offers various anti-cellulite treatments, such as BodyFix, which combines personalized and innovative techniques to improve skin texture.

At CitySpa, you can also purchase anti-cellulite treatment packages with six sessions.

Regularly undergoing this type of massage is recommended for more visible and lasting results.

BSpa by Karin Herzog, in Belém

Treat your cellulite while enjoying the comfort of a 5-star hotel spa. BSpa by Karin Herzog is located at the Hotel Altis Belém in Belém.

Try, for example, the Slimming Treatment, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is ideal for treating cellulite. It includes a body scrub, green tea wrap, and a sculpting massage that rejuvenates and improves skin elasticity.

BluSpa, on Avenida da República

With a concept inspired by marine biotechnology, BluSpa is part of the Jupiter Hotel, centrally located in Lisbon.

One of its standout treatments is the Leg Revival, which targets tired legs. This ritual harnesses the benefits of menthol and gotu kola to improve circulation and reduce congestion.

Mandalay Spa Liberdade, on Avenida da Liberdade

A 5-star hotel spa near Avenida da Liberdade. By booking any ritual at Mandalay Spa Liberdade, you gain access to over 700 square meters of wellness facilities, including a pool, steam sauna, and relaxation area.

Using thermal contrast between hot and cold, the Light Legs Ritual stimulates blood circulation, aiding in cellulite treatment.

Now that you know our top recommendations for cellulite treatment, choose the best option to improve your skin’s appearance.

See Spas

Fonts:
Cunha, Â., Costa, J. B., & Rosado, C. (2006). A celulite: Caracterização funcional e revisão dos principais compostos utilizados na abordagem cosmetológica. Revista Lusófona de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, 3(1), 77-85. http://revistasaude.ulusofona.pt

Hexsel, D. M., Dal'forno, T., & Hexsel, C. L. (2009). A validated photonumeric cellulite severity scale. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 23(5), 523–528.