When it comes to caring for areas prone to cellulite, there are natural methods worth exploring, including the most well-known one: the palper-rouler massage! Essential oils are also among these methods. What is an essential oil, which ones should you choose, how do you use them in a massage and which precautions should you follow? Here’s everything you need to know about these oils!
What is an essential oil?
First things first: despite what the name might suggest, an essential oil is not actually an oil — it’s a concentrated liquid extract. This ultra-concentrated extract is obtained by steam distillation of plants. Essential oils are therefore 100% natural.
Depending on the plant used, these oils offer a wide range of uses:
- scenting the air with a diffuser,
- accompanying a moment of relaxation,
- enhancing a bath or a massage…
The possibilities are virtually endless! Among them, one stands out for us: massage when targeting cellulite-prone areas. Used in massage, essential oils can find their place in your routine, alongside plants to care for your legs. In doing so, they support your body care routine with a pleasant moment of self-care.
Which essential oils should you choose to massage areas prone to cellulite?
Here are the essential oils most often mentioned for massaging areas prone to cellulite:
- Lemon essential oil: like fennel, it is often mentioned for areas of aqueous cellulite.
- Grapefruit essential oil: this citrus oil is often chosen for massaging dimpled areas.
- Helichrysum essential oil: you will find it in many massage blends.
- Cypress essential oil: it is often chosen for massaging the legs.
- Cedarwood oil: its woody scent fits easily into your massages.
- Fennel essential oil: it is often mentioned for areas of aqueous cellulite.
- Menthol eucalyptus essential oil: it brings a feeling of freshness to the massage.
- Juniper essential oil: it is often included in blends for the legs.
- Geranium essential oil: it pairs pleasantly with body massages.
- Peppermint essential oil: it gives a feeling of freshness.
- Rosemary essential oil: it has many uses and, among other things, has its place in massages.
All of these essential oils are found in massage blends. Their appeal lies mainly in the massage itself and the pleasure of their scent: they won’t make cellulite disappear on their own.
How to use essential oils?
Essential oils can be used in many ways: taken internally (only on medical advice), diffused, inhaled from a cloth… But when it comes to areas prone to cellulite, they are mainly used in massage. This way, you combine the scent of the oil with the movements of an anti-cellulite massage, for a real moment of self-care!
Massage with pure essential oils
If you want to use your essential oils undiluted, keep in mind that they should never be applied directly to the skin. Doing so could cause irritation or even more serious damage. Some people place 1 to 2 drops onto a natural-bristle brush designed for body massage; if you have sensitive skin, opt for a diluted blend instead. Then massage the area using small circular movements, working from the bottom upwards over the area to be massaged.
Massage with diluted essential oils
For a hands-on massage, blend your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil, such as castor oil or avocado oil. Mix well, then massage the area, always working from the bottom upwards.
You can use just one of these essential oils to target cellulite-prone areas. However, if you’d like to benefit from combining several, follow a blend recommended by an aromatherapist or a pharmacist rather than combining oils at random.
Essential oils or a Cellublue massage oil for cellulite?
Making your own blends means getting the dosages and oil combinations right: as explained in the precautions below, it’s best not to invent your own recipes. If you’d rather have a ready-to-use product, the Cellublue shop offers a massage oil.
If you decide to go with essential oils, take the time to read the precautions and contraindications below before you get started.
There are contraindications to the use of essential oils (allergies, pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, high blood pressure…). If in any doubt, always consult your doctor before use.
Essential oil usage precautions
Essential oils are potent products and must be used under certain conditions:
- For massage, they must be diluted to 2 or 3% in a natural carrier oil.
- In an anti-cellulite bath, they must be combined with a dispersant or an oil, and optionally a carrier such as salt. They do not dissolve directly in water!
As for general usage guidelines, here they are:
- Never use an EO on a prolonged basis without medical advice.
- Never exceed the doses specified in a recipe within a regulated or medical context.
- Do not ingest an essential oil unless it is specifically approved for oral use.
- Always choose 100% natural EOs. Be very careful about where you source them.
- Never apply an essential oil to mucous membranes: nose, eyes, mouth, or ears.
- If using citrus EOs (lemon, grapefruit), avoid sun exposure. These EOs are photosensitising and may cause a skin reaction.
- Keep your EOs out of reach of children and pets. They can be toxic if ingested or applied in large quantities.
- If you are undergoing medical treatment, check with your doctor before using an essential oil. Some may interfere with your treatment.
- Be careful with blends! Don’t create your own recipes. Some EOs are incompatible and can cause skin damage.
- Before any use, check that you are not allergic to the essential oil. Test your EO, mixed with a little carrier oil, on a small area of skin first.
Finally, an essential oil keeps its qualities when it is properly stored. With that in mind:
- Keep your bottles away from heat sources and light.
- Always reseal your EO bottles tightly after each use to preserve their properties.
- Citrus essences prefer cool conditions. Don’t hesitate to store them somewhere fresh.
- EOs have an expiry date. Respect it!
Contraindications for essential oils
The essential oils mentioned above come with a few contraindications. Here are those for several of them; for the others (peppermint, eucalyptus, helichrysum…), ask a pharmacist for advice.
- Fennel EO: should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under 6. Also contraindicated for people with epilepsy, ulcers, gastritis, hormone-dependent cancer, neurological conditions or respiratory allergies.
- Juniper EO: should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under 3.
- Rosemary EO: should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children, or people with hepatic hypersensitivity or dermatitis. Use is not recommended alongside certain diuretic or anticoagulant medications.
- Geranium EO: should not be used during the first 5 months of pregnancy, or on infants.
- Citronella EO: no specific contraindications, except that it can be dermocaustic and must therefore be used with a carrier oil.
- Grapefruit EO: can be used from the 3rd month of pregnancy and by children over 3. Photosensitising, so do not use before sun exposure.
- Cedarwood EO: should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, by children under 10, people with epilepsy, or those with a history of hormone-dependent cancer.
Used alone, essential oils won’t be enough to deal with cellulite. However, combined with palper-rouler massages, targeted treatments, a balanced diet and regular exercise, they make an enjoyable moment of self-care in your routine!
Frequently asked questions
Which essential oil is best for cellulite?
There’s no single essential oil to favour. Lemon, grapefruit, cypress and rosemary are often mentioned for massaging areas prone to cellulite. Make your choice with each oil’s contraindications in mind, and ask your doctor or a pharmacist if you’re unsure.
How do you apply essential oil to cellulite?
Never apply it undiluted directly to the skin. For a hands-on massage, dilute it in a carrier oil, following the dosages given in the usage precautions, then massage upwards from the bottom of the area. Always test the blend on a small patch of skin first.
What’s the difference between an essential oil and a carrier oil?
Despite its name, an essential oil isn’t really an oil: it’s a highly concentrated liquid extract obtained by distilling plants. A carrier oil, such as castor oil or avocado oil, is used to dilute it before a hands-on massage.
Can you use essential oils for cellulite during pregnancy?
Several of the essential oils mentioned above are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Before using any essential oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, ask your doctor or a healthcare professional for advice.
Related articles
- Essential oils: are they safe during pregnancy?
- Cypress Essential Oil: Origin, Uses and Precautions
- Essential oils for the body: uses and precautions
Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Care.
To go further, explore the Cellublue shop: our anti-cellulite products.
