Can anything help cellulite?

Dear Mayo Clinic: Is dry brushing effective against cellulite? What about creams with caffeine? Is there anything that works?

A: You’re smart to be wary about claims that creams or other products will get rid of cellulite. There’s no way to completely eliminate it, though some treatments are available that may reduce its appearance.

Cellulite is lumpy, dimpled flesh that most often develops on the thighs, hips and buttocks. When skin is affected by cellulite, it’s sometimes referred to as having an orange peel or cottage cheese appearance. Cellulite forms just below the skin when fibrous connective cords that tether the skin to the underlying muscle break, stretch or pull down, while fat cells accumulate and push up against the skin.

Women are much more likely than men to have cellulite, and it tends to run in families. Cellulite is more common in people who are overweight and in older adults.

A procedure that doesn’t involve surgery called cryolipolysis has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It uses cold therapy to freeze the lipids in fat cells, causing the cells to die. Not everyone sees benefits from this treatment. In those who do, it usually requires several treatments.

Another non-surgical approach uses lasers and radiofrequency systems. These systems improve cellulite after a series of treatments. The results typically lastabout six months.

You can take some self-care steps that may make cellulite less noticeable. For example, weight loss and exercise keep your muscles toned and make dimpled skin less obvious. Not smoking and eating a diet centred around fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibre can improve the appearance of your skin overall.

No over-the-counter remedy has been shown to be effective in treating cellulite.