Cellulite at 20: what should you do?

You can hardly believe it: you’re barely in your twenties and already, little dimples are appearing on your bottom and thighs. You never thought you’d be dealing with cellulite this young, and yet here it is, showing up out of nowhere. Can cellulite really appear at 20? This article looks at the main possible causes and suggests simple habits to help you look after your diet, your lifestyle and your skin.

Why does cellulite appear as early as your twenties?

First things first, let’s put a common misconception to rest: no, cellulite is not something that only affects women over 30. It can actually appear as early as puberty, triggered by the first hormonal surges.

1- Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations are, in fact, the leading cause of cellulite. Hormones don’t directly create cellulite, but they do influence how fat is distributed and stored throughout the body. The female body is designed for reproduction — so from the moment a woman is able to conceive (which, at 20, is well established, since most girls have their first period between the ages of 11 and 14), her body begins storing fat reserves in anticipation of a potential pregnancy. These fat deposits tend to concentrate in the lower body (gynoid fat): buttocks, hips, thighs.

The takeaway: cellulite at 20 is entirely possible, because at that age, sex hormones are in full swing.

2- The pill

And since we’re on the topic of hormones, contraception is worth mentioning. Some women tolerate their combined oral contraceptive pill very well and notice no extra dimpling whatsoever. Low-dose pills have made a real difference. However, if the hormonal combination in your oral contraceptive doesn’t agree with you, you may notice increased water retention, more visible dimpling on your lower body, and feelings of breast tension. If you have any doubts about your oral contraceptive, talk to your GP or gynaecologist, and never switch contraception without their advice.

3- Genetics

Developing cellulite at a young age can also come down to heredity. If your mother or grandmother was particularly prone to it, it’s no surprise that you might be too! Genetics play a significant role in:

• The number of adipocytes (fat cells)
• Where those adipocytes are located
• The quality of the veno-lymphatic network

Not the best news for those who’ve inherited this frustrating tendency towards cellulite!

4- Lifestyle habits

At 20, it’s easy to assume that what you eat hasn’t — yet — caught up with you. You might even be slim and still notice the beginnings of orange-peel skin on the backs of your thighs. The truth is, even in your twenties, a diet that’s too rich or a lack of physical activity can affect your skin’s firmness and the overall harmony of your figure. If you have a weakness for chocolate spread or chips, if sport isn’t really your thing, and/or if you regularly party hard (with plenty of alcohol and cigarettes), you’re creating the perfect conditions for cellulite to develop (often adipose cellulite, under these circumstances). This kind of lifestyle encourages:

• Long-term storage of dietary fats
• The build-up of fat mass at the expense of muscle mass
• Worsening circulation issues (especially if there’s a hereditary predisposition)

What can you do to tackle cellulite in your twenties?

Just because you’re 20 doesn’t mean you should wait to start looking after yourself when it comes to cellulite. Here are a few simple steps that are easy to fit into your everyday routine.

1- Eat better

We get it: going on a diet at 20 is the last thing you want to do. And don’t worry — we’re not talking about dieting! To help prevent cellulite from taking hold, all you really need to do is:

• Cut back on junk food. It’s tempting to grab fast food with friends or give in to a bowl of crisps over drinks. Just make sure it’s an occasional treat rather than a daily habit.
• Watch out for sugar traps. Are sugary cereals or pastries at breakfast your guilty pleasure? Do you have a fizzy drink with every meal? It might be time for a rethink. Too much sugar adds a lot of calories and encourages weight gain. Swap sugary cereals for oats or wholemeal bread, and fizzy drinks for water. And if you have a sweet tooth, go for a piece of fruit or a square of chocolate after a meal. You’re allowed!
• Build varied, balanced meals. Eat a bit of everything, in sensible portions. At 20, your body (and your brain!) genuinely need proper nourishment. A good rule of thumb: fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with complex carbohydrates (bulgur, wholemeal pasta, brown rice), and the last quarter with protein (lean meat, fish, plant-based proteins).
• Don’t skip dairy products if you digest them well, as their calcium content is valuable. At 20, bone loss might feel like a distant concern, but it’s worth thinking about now!
• Drink water regularly, even if you’re prone to water retention (and therefore aqueous cellulite!): drinking less won’t reduce it. And try to limit alcohol, which provides calories with no nutritional value. The occasional glass is fine, but regular drinking really isn’t recommended.

2- Adjust your lifestyle

Once you’ve sorted out your diet, it’s time to look at the bigger picture!

• Get moving! Find an activity you actually enjoy; there are so many to choose from. If you like something fun and social, try Zumba, a great way to take care of your body while having a good time. If you need to let off steam, go for a run. If you’re short on time, give HIIT a go. And if you love the water, swimming is an excellent option that’s gentle on the joints.
• Stay active every day! Small movements add up. So cycle to uni on your bike, take the stairs two at a time instead of the lift, and never say no to a night out dancing with friends. Trust us, it all counts!
• Restore some balance in your life and be mindful of excess in all its forms: big nights out, smoking, lack of sleep, stress. These are all factors that encourage cellulite. A little here and there is fine, but overdo it and you’ll feel the effects!
• See your gynaecologist. If you suspect your hormones are playing tricks on you, or that your contraceptive pill isn’t the right fit, they can review things with you. A chat, an examination and a blood test will help them work out whether your hormones are behind your early cellulite.

3- Treat your body with care

An anti-cellulite massage routine can also give you a real boost: the earlier you get into the habit, the easier it is to stick to. Our Pack Anti-cellulite Express is perfect for busy young women, combining ease with speed.

• The Cellulite Scrub can be applied in seconds in the shower. It buffs away dead skin cells and leaves skin feeling beautifully soft, and its formula contains caffeine extracts, a star ingredient in body care. Plus, it smells amazing: a gorgeous monoi scent we absolutely love!
• The Cellulite Massage Oil makes massage effortless and delicately scents the skin with its citrus extracts (grapefruit, lime). Lightweight and fluid, it absorbs quickly without any greasy finish.
• The iconic Cellulite Cupping Cup replicates the well-known pinch-and-roll technique, with no risk of getting it wrong. In just 3 minutes per area, it massages the skin using suction and helps tackle the appearance of cellulite.
• The Orange-Peel Skin Massager rounds off your massage: its spiked rollers stimulate the skin, which looks smoother and feels softer session after session.

And if you’re not sure where to start, no worries! The pack also includes a 21-day anti-cellulite coaching programme and expert guidance, so you can learn everything you need to know about cellulite.

Finally, one last piece of advice when it comes to cellulite in your twenties: don’t be too hard on yourself! 90% of women are affected by cellulite. It’s a completely natural phenomenon. So if there’s still a hint of orange-peel texture on your thighs, don’t make it into a bigger deal than it is. Embrace yourself as you are, little imperfections and all.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to have cellulite at 20?

Yes. Cellulite can appear as early as puberty, due to hormones. Genetics and lifestyle also play a part, whatever your build.

Can the pill make cellulite worse?

Some women notice water retention or more visible dimpling on the combined pill, while others don’t. If in doubt, talk to your GP or gynaecologist, and don’t stop your contraception on your own.

What can I do about cellulite in my twenties?

Focus on a varied diet, regular exercise and fewer excesses (alcohol, smoking, lack of sleep). Pinch-and-roll massage can also help tackle the appearance of cellulite.

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Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Solutions.