Cellulite is something many women have in common. In fact, close to 90% of us will develop it at some point in our lives. The thighs are often the most affected area of the body. Why does cellulite settle there? Why choose the pinch-and-roll technique to care for this area? And above all, how do you do a pinch-and-roll massage on your thighs, either by hand or with a cupping tool? We tell you everything!
Why does cellulite appear on the thighs?
The answer may feel unfair — and yet… Women develop cellulite on their thighs because they are essentially “programmed” to!
First of all, the female body is designed to store fat in preparation for a possible pregnancy. Nature has its reasons, even if cellulite causes distress for many. And adipocytes, the body’s fat-storage cells, tend to concentrate in specific areas of the body: the stomach, the hips, the buttocks… and the thighs!
This storage process is further encouraged by female sex hormones. Oestrogen and progesterone both contribute — again with a potential pregnancy in mind — to prompting the body to build up reserves. They also have an influence on veno-lymphatic circulation. Depending on hormone levels (which vary from person to person), they can cause water retention that tends to settle in the lower body — and water retention is one of the key components of cellulite.
No wonder, then, that the thighs are so directly affected by orange-peel skin!
Why choose the pinch-and-roll as your anti-cellulite massage?
Simply because it is a straightforward, targeted massage that is well suited to the thighs. This anti-cellulite massage technique has several advantages:
- A stimulating massage: the pinch-and-roll helps to work the skin on the thighs in a dynamic way, one fold at a time.
- Care for skin texture: by working the skin with an oil, the pinch-and-roll can become a real moment of care for the skin on your thighs.
- Deep work: the pinch-and-roll also involves deep work on the skin, fold after fold, across the entire surface of the thighs.
- A gentle and natural option: the pinch-and-roll is done gently, by hand or with an accessory, making it a natural option for those looking to care for the appearance of their thighs. If you experience any pain, are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask your GP or a medical professional for advice.
How to perform a pinch-and-roll massage on your thighs?
There are two main ways to massage your thighs using the pinch-and-roll technique.
1- The manual method
This is performed with the hands, on skin that has been pre-coated with a natural plant-based oil. The massage should begin with a kneading of the area to be treated — in this case, the thighs. Then, pinch a fold of skin between the thumb and index finger and gently roll it between your fingers. The movement should be repeated several times to cover the entire surface of the thighs. It is recommended to start at the knee and work your way up gradually.
A manual pinch-and-roll massage lasts around twenty minutes on average. The technique, while straightforward, can be quite tedious and tiring to perform. You can also have the massage carried out by a physiotherapist, though it is not guaranteed to be reimbursed, especially if the purpose is purely cosmetic. Moreover, a single session is not enough: to look after the skin on your thighs, the pinch-and-roll needs to be practised regularly.
How to do a pinch-and-roll massage on your thighs: step by step
To do a pinch-and-roll massage on your thighs at home, here are the key steps to remember:
- Apply an oil to your skin, such as a massage oil.
- Start by kneading your thigh to prepare the area.
- Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and index finger, then gently roll it between your fingers.
- Start at the knee and work your way up gradually, repeating the movement to cover the whole surface of the thigh.
- Allow around twenty minutes per session, and practise regularly.
If the manual technique feels too tiring, the Cellublue cupping tools featured below can take over from your hands.
2- The mechanical method
The pinch-and-roll can also be performed using an accessory or a device. The accessory replaces your hands or those of a therapist. There are various anti-cellulite devices available: some are only found in professional salons, while others are designed for home use — such as our anti-cellulite cupping tools.
Manual method
Our Anti-Cellulite Cupping Tool in silicone replicates the manual pinch-and-roll movement and picks up the dimples in its path. Its patented design and small pressure points make it easy to grip, helping you position your fingers correctly on every area you want to target. The cupping tool is included in our complete method!
The Cellublue method to smooth the look of your skin
- Exclusive Cellublue design
- Anti-Cellulite Cup: recreates palper-rouler, gently lifting and massaging the skin
- Orange Peel Massager: visibly smooths the look of skin on the surface
Electric method
Our Electric Anti-Cellulite Cupping Tool, with its unique shape, replicates the pinch-and-roll effortlessly on all areas prone to cellulite. It also features a heating mode for a gentle massage of areas marked by dimples! Our cupping tool comes with a Pinch-and-Roll Activator treatment, whose formula based on sunflower oil and ivy extracts is specially designed for use with the device. Finally, to get the most out of your cupping tool and benefit from expert advice (anti-cellulite recipes, fitness routines), the device comes with a 21-day coaching programme. Everything you need to support you day to day in your thigh cellulite routine!
Professional anti-cellulite technology at home
- Designed to smooth the look of dimpling & tone the skin in depth
- Visibly smooths the appearance of orange-peel skin
Frequently asked questions
Does the pinch-and-roll massage have any side effects?
The pinch-and-roll is a massage done gently, by rolling a fold of skin between your fingers. If you experience any pain or particular sensitivity, are pregnant or have a medical condition, it is wisest to ask your GP or a healthcare professional for advice before you start.
Can I do a pinch-and-roll massage myself?
Yes, you can do the pinch-and-roll on your own at home, using your hands. If you find the technique tedious, an accessory such as an anti-cellulite cupping tool, either manual or electric, can take the place of your hands.
Is a pinch-and-roll massage with a physiotherapist covered by insurance?
You can have the massage carried out by a physiotherapist, but it may not be covered by your insurance, especially if the purpose is purely cosmetic. A single session is not enough either, as the pinch-and-roll needs to be practised regularly.
Which product should I use with the electric cupping tool?
The Electric Anti-Cellulite Cupping Tool comes with the Pinch-and-Roll Activator treatment. Its formula based on sunflower oil and ivy extracts is specially designed for use with the device. The tool also comes with a 21-day coaching programme so you can learn everything about using it.
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Useful categories: Thigh Cellulite, Targeting Cellulite by Area.
