Among the various cellulite treatments, essential oils remain a reliable alternative. These natural ingredients make it easy to create home skincare rituals, and they’re a valuable ally in the fight against dimpled skin. One essential oil in particular caught our attention: cypress essential oil. Let’s take a closer look at this anti-cellulite elixir gifted by Mother Nature!
What is an essential oil?
An essential oil is a concentrated liquid plant essence, obtained by distillation (steam or dry) of the volatile aromatic compounds of a plant. These aromatic compounds can be found in the leaves or flowers of the plant, as well as in its buds, roots, or even its bark. They form a complex blend of different chemical molecules. And it is this unique combination that gives each essential oil its specific properties and benefits. Some essential oils are energising, others soothing, some stimulating, and others antiseptic… Essential oils can therefore be used on a daily basis, for their preventive or restorative properties. Of course, this means:
- Respecting usage guidelines – correct quantities, used with a carrier (for example a carrier oil for topical application, a porous material for diffusion…).
- Using the right essential oil blends for the concern being addressed – because not all oils can be combined!
- Avoiding essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding – as their chemical molecules are far from harmless, especially for the foetus or very young child.
- Not ingesting essential oils unless this method of use is specifically recommended.
What are the properties of cypress essential oil?
When it comes to cypress essential oil, one clarification is worth making upfront: the common reference is to the evergreen cypress rather than the blue cypress. The properties of the two plants are indeed different, and the former offers far more benefits than the latter.
Cypress essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leafy twigs of the tree. It takes approximately 5 kg of these twigs to produce 50 ml of EO. It is a highly regarded essential oil, affordable (the tree being widely available), and packed with qualities:
- Venotonic, it stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. It therefore helps relieve the sensation of heavy legs and reduces water retention.
- Decongestant and antitussive, it helps soothe bronchitis and colds.
- Antispasmodic, it eases abdominal discomfort, including that linked to the menstrual cycle (PMS, painful periods).
- Regulating, it helps reduce excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis).
- Its woody, amber scent makes it an excellent nerve-balancing agent and also supports concentration.
It should however be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The same applies if you have a hormone-dependent cancer (breast, uterus, endometrium, ovary), a history of “female” cancers, or if you are undergoing hormone therapy.
How to use cypress essential oil to treat cellulite?
The main benefit of cypress essential oil in addressing cellulite lies in its action as a tonic for the veno-lymphatic system. Cellulite, or superficial lipodystrophy, is partly caused by poor circulation. Hypertrophied adipocytes compress the veno-lymphatic network, meaning that not only does circulation become impaired, but the vessels also become porous. The result: they allow water to leak into the tissues (water retention), and they can no longer fulfil their eliminatory function (removal of organic waste). By revitalising microcirculation, cypress essential oil applied topically can help reduce the swollen, puffy appearance of cellulite. It is therefore particularly recommended for those dealing with water-based cellulite. It will work wonders on other types of cellulite when combined with one or two other EOs, especially those with lipolytic properties.
Here are a few DIY anti-cellulite home care recipes using cypress essential oil.
1- Anti-cellulite oil with cypress essential oil
A first, very simple recipe that requires only:
- 30 drops of cypress essential oil
- 30 drops of rock samphire essential oil (immortelle)
- 50 ml of a natural vegetable oil – such as jojoba, for fast absorption and a dry-touch finish, or hemp, if you prefer a slightly richer texture.
Simply blend all the ingredients together and apply this anti-cellulite oil as a massage (by hand or with a cupping tool) every day on areas affected by cellulite: thighs, buttocks, knees…
2- Cypress bath salts
If you’re more of a “pleasure and care all-in-one” type, you can make nourishing bath salts using 2 EOs. To do so, mix together:
- 5 drops of cypress essential oil
- 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- 100 g of coarse salt (Epsom salt is highly recommended!)
- 2 tbsp of natural vegetable oil of your choice
Mix the ingredients together and leave to rest for a few days. You’ll then have fragrant, anti-cellulite bath salts ready to add to your bath whenever you like. The cypress will decongest and boost microcirculation, while the grapefruit will be both energising and help accelerate fat breakdown.
3- Body Scrub with cypress EO
Another way to use cypress oil as an anti-cellulite treatment: make your own body scrub at home. For this, you will need:
- 10 drops of cypress EO
- 1 handful of fine sugar
- 1 handful of coffee grounds
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil of your choice (again, entirely up to you!), to bind everything together.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Then, just before showering, massage the areas affected by dimpling with this exfoliant using small circular movements and long strokes (always moving towards the heart and lymph nodes). After massaging, rinse thoroughly. You can use this scrub 2 to 3 times a week. Once again, the idea is to combine the mechanical action of massage, the venotonic and draining properties of cypress, and the lipolytic power of caffeine to tackle those stubborn dimples head-on!
What else can complement cypress essential oil against cellulite?
These 100% natural cypress essential oil recipes are perfectly compatible with additional support, such as our Pack Maxi Anti-Cellulite : 6 products and 2 coaching sessions to put an end to cellulite in just 21 days!
- You can alternate your cypress-based massage oil with our anti-cellulite oils: our Massage Oil and our Shower Oil.
- To massage effectively and smooth away dimples, our Cupping Cup and our Orange Peel Massager are the must-have accessories.
- You can also mix things up (and the benefits), by alternating between your cypress body scrub and our Cellulite Scrub.
- A caffeine-enriched cream is always a welcome addition to your bathroom routine, both for targeting cellulite and stubborn curves. Our Crème Cellulite Cryo is made exactly for that!
- Finally, two coaching sessions are better than none to support you in your determined fight against orange peel skin.
This way, you give yourself every chance of rediscovering beautiful skin, smooth and firm! And remember: when it comes to cellulite, skincare alone isn’t enough – staying active and eating a balanced diet are just as important.