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Vitamins for Cellulite: A Scientific, Simple Guide

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    If you’re seeing dimpled, bumpy areas of your skin, you might have cellulite. Read on to learn about whether vitamins can help address it.

    Cellulite manifests as dimpled, bumpy areas of your skin. It typically occurs on hips, thighs, and buttocks, but can sometimes appear on other areas. It’s also more likely to affect women than men, due to differences in the distribution of fat, muscle, and connective tissues. Indeed, it occurs in 80%-90% of post-pubertal women of all races.

    Cellulite is mainly a cosmetic problem, having to do with the buildup of fat beneath your skin; it can become more noticeable as you age and your skin loses elasticity. You might not like the looks of it, but it’s not going to cause you major health issues, either.

    If you’re looking to remedy your cellulite occurrences, you might be wondering about underlying causes. Research suggests that cellulite may be caused by hormones, genetics, weight gain, pregnancy, or dietary issues, among other possible causes. In this article, we’ll explore whether vitamin deficiencies may be part of the problem – and, by extension, whether vitamin supplementation may be part of the solution.

    Can vitamin deficiencies cause cellulite?

    There’s no research to suggest that vitamin deficiencies cause cellulite.

    If you’re trying to figure out what’s causing your cellulite, you’ll want to consider genetics, hormones, and, crucially, lifestyle factors. For example, if you live a particularly sedentary lifestyle, you might have blood flow issues, which can contribute to cellulite. If you smoke, the nicotine you’re ingesting may contribute to constricted blood vessels and increased oxidative stress – both of which can cause or worsen cellulite.

    You should talk to a dermatologist about your particular situation in order to gain more information and come up with a plan. But, again, don’t let cellulite trouble you; it’s not going to truly harm your health.

    Can vitamins help combat cellulite?

    While there’s no gold standard treatment to get rid of cellulite instantly and permanently, there are some vitamins that have been shown to support skin health. Below we’ll read about some possible supplements for cellulite.

    Vitamins for cellulite

    Vitamin A

    Vitamin A, when applied topically, can help promote healthy skin elasticity. Use caution if you’re pregnant, since excess vitamin A can be an issue. As always, talk to a medical professional before adding a new supplement to your routine.

    Vitamin C

    Vitamin C is essential for healthy collagen formation, which contributes to healthy skin. You can get vitamin C in supplement form – including Care/of’s vitamin C – or from a variety of dietary sources.

    Vitamin E

    Vitamin E has been shown to be helpful in managing oxidative stress and promoting skin barrier stability. Managing oxidative stress and photoprotection can boost skin health.

    Collagen

    Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, providing structure to our skin. It plays a major role in keeping our skin supple and moisturized. Care/of’s collagen, appropriately dubbed The Skin Hero, can support skin hydration and elasticity.

    Gotu kola extract

    Gotu kola extract contains antioxidants, with studies showing that 60 mg daily over 90 days had the potential for cellulite management.

    Horse chestnut extracts

    Horse chestnut extracts can promote healthy blood flow, an essential part of quality skin health.

    Other helpful tips to help combat cellulite

    While there’s no perfect way to fight cellulite, there are some steps you can take to support the health of your skin.

    Increasing your physical activity can increase muscle and decrease adipose tissue (the protruding tissue you see in cellulite cases), while also boosting your blood circulation. Massages can also help, particularly if you get them on a regular basis.

    Be sure to eat a varied, nutrient-rich diet, cutting back on high-sugar foods. You’ll also benefit from upping your fiber intake. You should also be sure you’re staying hydrated; this is important for your health generally, but also for the health of your skin.

    Some people avail themselves of pharmacological agents or laser treatment. Talk to a medical professional if these are of interest to you.

    If you’re looking for some Care/of vitamins that support overall skin health, here are some of our favorites:

    Final takeaways

    Cellulite is a common problem. But take heart, because it’s not a threat to your overall health. If you’d like to address cellulite, there are a number of steps you can take. Some vitamin supplements have been shown to support skin health generally, though no studies have specifically looked into vitamins and cellulite. Some small lifestyle adjustments can go a long way. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about your goals and possible steps you can take.

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    Dr. Carla Montrond Correia ND, CNS
    Medical Content Manager
    Dr. Montrond-Correia is a licensed naturopathic physician and a certified nutrition specialist (CNS). She holds degrees from University of Bridgeport, Georgetown University, and University of Saint Joseph, and supplemented her education with internships in the health and wellness space. She's focused on research, herbal medicine, nutrigenomics, and integrative and functional medicine. She makes time for exercise, artistic activities, and enjoying delicious food.
    Our Editorial Staff
    Freelance Contributor
    The Care/of Editorial Team is made up of writers, experts, and health enthusiasts, all dedicated to giving you the information you need today. Our team is here to answer your biggest wellness questions, read the studies for you, and introduce you to your new favorite product, staying up to date on the latest research, trends, and science. Each article is written by one of our experts, reviewed both for editorial standards by an editor and medical standards by one of our naturopathic doctors, and updated regularly as new information becomes available.