Contrary to what we might think, not all cellulite is the same. There are in fact 3 types: aqueous, adipose and fibrous. Today we’re focusing on fibrous cellulite: what causes it and the simple steps you can take to care for your skin. Let’s get started!
How do you recognise fibrous cellulite?
Fibrous cellulite is easy to identify. It has usually been there for a long time and feels deeply embedded, hard and even painful to the touch. It typically appears on the thighs and the knees, and sometimes even the buttocks. It results from a hardening of the body’s collagen, which traps fat cells. Fibrous cellulite is described as deeply embedded: the collagen fibres that have formed have settled around old fat cells, which explains the hardness you can feel beneath the skin. It is the form of cellulite that is the hardest to shift.
Fibrous or fibrotic cellulite: a note on the terms
You may also see this type of cellulite referred to as fibrotic cellulite. Other words, such as fibrosis, are sometimes used more loosely to describe the hardened collagen fibres around fat cells, but they don’t always mean exactly the same thing. Whatever the wording, this type of cellulite calls for patience and a consistent routine.
What causes fibrous cellulite?
Fibrous cellulite is caused by collagen fibres that wrap around fat cells. This type of cellulite is often linked to a lack of physical activity, an unbalanced diet high in sugar, or sometimes a hormonal imbalance. It can affect all women, slim or curvy.
Because it has been present for a long time, a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits are the main drivers of its development.
An unbalanced diet
While our bodies do need a calorie-rich diet to function properly, a habit of eating junk food will instead contribute to an increase in body fat. Excess lipids are stored around certain areas of the body, particularly under the skin and within fat cells.
Hormonal imbalance
Hormones are also worth considering when it comes to the development of fibrous cellulite (1). Oestrogens produced by women play a role, among other things, in the distribution of fat according to their endocrine function. Oestrogens are closely linked to vascular permeability, playing a key role in the natural ability of veins and arteries to allow water to pass through. Every hormonal event in a woman’s life (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, maternity, contraceptive use) triggers fluctuations that may encourage the appearance of fibrous cellulite.
Genetics
Genetics also plays a part in the development of fibrous cellulite. Part of our DNA determines a person’s predisposition to store fat, and how easily they can get rid of it.
Lack of physical activity
A sedentary lifestyle is another contributing factor to fibrous cellulite. A lack of physical activity encourages fat storage and poor circulation.
Where does fibrous cellulite mainly appear?
Fibrous cellulite frequently affects women, regardless of their body type. Its most common areas are the:
How do you get rid of fibrous cellulite?
Let’s be honest, ladies: fibrous cellulite has been around for a while, so it calls for a little patience. The good news is that there are simple everyday steps you can take to care for your skin. Here they are!
Eating the right diet
As we’ve seen, fibrous cellulite can be the result of an unbalanced diet that is too high in fat, salt and sugar. So it’s worth rebalancing things. For a healthier diet, aim for the winning combination of vegetables (half the plate) – protein (a quarter of the plate) – wholegrains (the final quarter). Using this as the basis for every meal ensures more balanced nutritional intake.
Try to cut back on foods that are:
- too fatty
- too salty (salt encourages water retention)
- too sugary
These foods encourage fat storage and therefore the appearance of cellulite. Also remember to drink plenty of water to keep your body well hydrated.
Some ingredients, such as guarana, green tea and cherry stalks, are often mentioned in anti-cellulite routines. They can be found in food supplements, such as the 14-day anti-cellulite programme.
Using anti-cellulite creams
The best anti-cellulite creams are those that bring together the right combination of active ingredients to create a comprehensive formula designed for your anti-cellulite routine. Its texture matters too, for a pleasant massage. Caffeine, for example, is an active ingredient often used in anti-cellulite care.
The cream that smooths the appearance of orange peel skin* and tones the skin
*Consumer test on 22 volunteers over 2 weeks, participants' self-assessment.
- Smooths the appearance of orange peel skin on the thighs, buttocks and stomach
- Caffeine & Green Coffee, the two benchmark active ingredients in body care
- Melting texture: absorbs in seconds and leaves the skin feeling comfortable
Trying anti-cellulite massage
The third step in your fibrous cellulite action plan is the pinch-and-roll massage technique. These massages have a special place in any anti-cellulite routine. Combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, they can help you care for the areas where fibrous cellulite has settled!
To make these massages easier to perform on yourself, reach for your Anti-Cellulite Cupping Cup. Thanks to its suction effect, the cup helps you perform the pinch-and-roll technique on the areas where cellulite has settled. Over time, massage gradually becomes a simple part of your routine. To get into the habit, just 3 minutes of daily massage with your Cellublue Cup is all it takes!
The cupping tool that replicates pinching and rolling, 3 minutes per zone
- The professionals' technique, at home: you lift, glide, and release, and the tool grips the skin fold like a manual pinching and rolling
- Soft silicone that fits thighs, buttocks, stomach, and arms
- 3 minutes per zone, every day, always with a massage oil so the tool glides
Getting active
While exercise alone isn’t enough to tackle fibrous cellulite, it’s still essential for looking after your body! Ideally, alternate between cardio workouts and strength training sessions. Cardio activities (such as running, cycling or aqua aerobics) get your body moving. Strength training is just as important, as it helps strengthen your deeper muscles, complementing the work done during cardio. Avoid activities that require tight-fitting clothing: opt for kit you feel comfortable in.
Other sports that are great for your fibrous cellulite routine include:
- Swimming, which is an absolute must when it comes to cellulite. Why? Because it works the whole body and gently strengthens the muscles!
- Fitness classes, which offer a smart blend of cardio, flexibility and muscle toning.
- Yoga, which — despite not being the most intense option — works the deep muscles and flexibility.
- Power walking, less intense than running but far gentler on the body.
- Rollerblading, which works the lower body and gets the legs and thighs moving.
- Interval training, whether that’s running, HIIT or CrossFit. Highly demanding, it works the whole body intensely.
Trying lipo-massage
You can also opt for lipo-massage. It is a mechanical massage of the skin. You can visit a professional such as a beauty therapist or physiotherapist for a massage session, or invest in a massage device to carry out lipo-massage at home.
Now you know exactly how to care for your skin when it comes to fibrous cellulite, ladies… To stay motivated and share your experience with thousands of other women, head over to the Instagram Community!
Sources and references
(1) de la Casa Almeida, M. , Suarez Serrano, C. , Rebollo Roldán, J. and Jiménez Rejano, J. (2013), Cellulite’s aetiology: a review. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 27: 273-278. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2012.04622.x
Frequently asked questions
How do you get rid of fibrous cellulite?
It calls for patience and an all-round routine combining diet, skincare, massage and exercise, as explained in the section above.
How do I know if I have fibrous cellulite?
It usually feels hard to the touch and has been there for a long time. See the section “How do you recognise fibrous cellulite?” for more details.
What exercise is best for fibrous cellulite?
A mix of cardio and strength training is ideal. You’ll find more ideas in the “Getting active” section.
Which cream should I use on fibrous cellulite?
Go for an anti-cellulite cream with complementary active ingredients, used as part of a regular routine.
Can fibrous cellulite be painful?
Fibrous cellulite can feel tender or even painful to the touch. If you experience any unusual pain or discomfort, or if you have any doubts at all, speak to your GP or a healthcare professional, who can advise you.
Related articles
- Adipose cellulite: how to recognise it and reduce its appearance
- What sport should you choose against fibrous cellulite?
- Cellulite: Where to Start?
Useful categories: Fibrotic Cellulite.
