Cellulite on the legs: causes and how to get rid of it

Cellulite on the legs affects 85-95% of adult women, although it can also affect men. Regardless of weight, it is not a health problem, although it can affect self-esteem and confidence. At Farmaciasdirect, we explain the causes and how to get rid of cellulite.

Cellulite on the legs: what is it?

Cellulite is a skin condition or change that specifically affects the subcutaneous tissue. It is characterised by irregular fat deposits that build up in this area, beneath the hypodermis, forming the characteristic dimples or lumps and creating that "orange peel" appearance. It usually appears on the legs, buttocks, thighs and hips, although it can also affect other areas such as the arms, knees and abdomen.

When we talk about cellulite on the legs, we commonly mean aesthetic cellulite (or orange peel skin). Let us look below at some of the most common causes:

Causes of cellulite on the legs

There are many factors that can cause cellulite on the body. These are the best known:

• Hormonal factors.
• Poor circulation.
• Lack of physical exercise.
• Being overweight.
• Stress.
• An unsuitable diet.
• Fluid retention.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Wearing very tight clothing.
• The passing of time, as the skin loses elasticity.

Factors such as oestrogen, body fat distribution and fluid build-up, together with poor circulation and high cortisol levels (which encourage abdominal fat accumulation and inflammation), are the main causes behind the appearance of cellulite.

Types of cellulite

Depending on its appearance and origin, there are 3 types of cellulite:

• Fibrous cellulite: it is called this because it leaves the skin hard to the touch and firm, and the nodules are visible, so there is no need to pinch the skin. It usually affects young women and may be painful when pressure is applied.
• Flaccid cellulite: this is a softer, spongier type of cellulite that moves and feels slack. It mainly affects people who have experienced a sudden change in weight or who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
• Oedematous cellulite: this is linked to fluid retention and circulation issues. It is the least common, but the most uncomfortable and painful.

How to get rid of cellulite on the legs

By introducing small changes into your daily routine and using the right products, you can prevent and reduce cellulite on the legs.

As for changes to your routine, we mean making small day-to-day adjustments based on healthy lifestyle habits:

• A healthy, balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
• Drink 1-2 litres of water a day.
• Limit the use of tight clothing.
• Sleep 7-8 hours a day.
• Manage stress.
• Do daily exercise, mainly cardiovascular training and toning exercises.

• Keep your weight under control.
• Be consistent and patient during treatment.

The best anti-cellulite active ingredients

Some active ingredients, applied topically, become great allies for reducing cellulite on the legs:

• Caffeine: improves circulation and drainage, and has a fat-burning action.
• Centella asiatica: helps to firm the skin.
• L-Carnitine: helps mobilise fatty acids.
• Ivy or butcher's broom: improves circulation.
• Retinol: promotes cell renewal and improves skin texture.

Treatment for cellulite on the legs

Below, we show you the best anti-cellulite creams to add to your routine so you can get rid of cellulite on the legs and buttocks quickly:

Elancyl Exfoliante

With exfoliante Elancyl we can remove dead skin cells and stimulate skin renewal, leaving pores cleaner and increasing product absorption and the effectiveness of treatment for cellulite and sagging skin on the legs. It is essential for achieving maximum benefits.

Use 1-2 times a week, applying to damp skin with a massage and rinsing thoroughly with plenty of water.

Elancyl Slim Design Noche

This anti-cellulite treatment helps to activate lipid metabolism, which supports the removal of these fatty cellulite nodules while we sleep. It drains andimproves the skin's firmness and elasticity. All thanks to its formula rich in caffeine, GP4G and xanthoxylin.

Elancyl Slim Design Noche treats all types of cellulite, even the most stubborn. It can be applied to any area of concern. That is why it is ideal for getting rid of cellulite on the legs and buttocks quickly.

Apply it at night using circular massage movements (you can use a specific massage roller to help), focusing on the most difficult areas.

Cumlaude Drenaqua Plus

Drenaqua Plus is a food supplement that helps to remove excess fluids from the body, supporting drainage and preventing retention. It does this thanks to its formula rich in green tea, milk thistle, hibiscus, magnesium, vitamin B6 and alpha-gluco-oligosaccharides. Ideal for boosting treatment for cellulite and sagging skin on the legs.

Directions are very simple: take 1 stick (sachet) a day, preferably in the morning, dissolved in a glass of water. It has a pineapple and mango flavour. It contains no gluten, lactose or sugars.

To improve the benefits, combined treatment with Drenaqua is recommended: once the 14 days of Drenaqua Plus are finished, continue the treatment for 1 month with 1 Drenaqua capsule daily.

Other treatments to get rid of cellulite

You can complement changes to your lifestyle and the use of anti-cellulite products with other treatments that can be carried out in aesthetic or dermatology centres or clinics. Some of these are:

• Pressotherapy: improves lymphatic drainage and circulation by applying upward pressure to different areas.
• Wood therapy: this is a technique of Eastern origin based on vigorous massage using different wooden tools in various shapes.
• Mesotherapy: based on subcutaneous injections with lipolytic active ingredients.
• Radiofrequency: helps to achieve firmer skin by stimulating collagen synthesis.
• Cavitation: a non-invasive technique that breaks down fat cells.
• Liposuction: this is a classic treatment, but not always the most effective, as it still requires lifestyle changes, the use of specific products and a great deal of consistency to avoid returning to the starting point.

On their own, these anti-cellulite treatments are not enough. That is why we insist they should be combined with healthy lifestyle habits, consistency and the use of anti-cellulite products to maintain results in the long term. Remember that at Farmaciasdirect you can buy the best pharmacy anti-cellulite creams to get rid of cellulite on the legs and buttocks quickly.