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As we dive into summer, you may feel a little more self-conscious about any perceived imperfections on your body’s skin. We want you to know that one of the most common concerns, cellulite, is completely normal. So normal, in fact, that 80 to 90 percent of women experience dimpled skin somewhere on their bodies during their lifetime. The harmless skin condition is more common in women and occurs when “fat deposits push through the connective tissue, or fascia, beneath the skin,” explains Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Whether you deal with cellulite or not, you should feel free to flaunt your assets at the beach without giving it a second thought.
Top picks for the best cellulite massagers in 2024
But if you want to give your skin a smoother appearance, there are some things that can help, like cellulite creams, retinol body lotions, and the star of today’s show, cellulite massagers. These tools can be used on the surface of the skin to “theoretically help to loosen the fascia, thereby reducing cellulite and joint and muscle pain,” says Dr. King. With consistent use, cellulite massagers are made to augment blood circulation and firm skin. However, she does emphasize that they’re not a permanent fix—any results you see will be short-term.
Pros
Some reviewers noted instant results
Cons
- Can be slightly painful at first
If you don’t know what a lymph node massage entails, the process guides lymph fluid from your tissues toward your lymph nodes to decrease any swelling caused by that fluid. This tool is designed to help you do that on your own at home, smoothing out any puffiness that might be present and helping to sculpt any parts of your body that need extra love.
Best for: Entire body
Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I have cellulite and sometimes (not all the time!) I get self-conscious about it, particularly during the summer. When this happens, I pull out this tool instead of going into a negative feedback loop. We really don’t realize how puffy and inflamed our bodies can get. I instantly notice a change when I use this tool but also recognize I’m perfect just the way I am.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director
Pros
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with smaller hands
This cellulite massager, which has racked up nearly 20,000 ratings on Amazon, can be used in and out of the shower to encourage blood circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Just be sure to use it with an oil to prevent it from dragging on the skin.
Best for: Entire body
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I saw a picture of myself a few weeks ago and was HORRIFIED. I’ve always had nice legs, and for the first time, I had crazy cellulite. Before I shower, I dry brush. It’s absolutely made a difference in my skin texture. After the shower, I use the anti-cellulite massage oil massaged in by the silicone massager. HOLY WOW. It’s been about two weeks, and I absolutely notice the difference in my legs, hamstrings, and knees. This regimen has done more for my legs than working out alone.”
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Pros
- Easy-to-grab handles
Cons
- Can only be used on certain parts of the body
The fourteen mini rollers in this tool knead the skin, and the device claims to tone the legs and butt by massaging out any excess fluids that may be present in your tissues. You only have to use it for about 5 minutes a day, so it’s not challenging to incorporate into your morning or evening self-care routine.
Best for: Legs, butt
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Since I’ve started using this massager, my skin feels softer and smoother. When I use it after workouts, it actually helps my muscles recover, which is a great added benefit. When I use this consistently, my legs look much more toned and even. I will say that you do need to be relatively consistent to see results, and they don’t appear overnight. I highly suggest taking before/after/progress pictures to really see how far you have come!”
Pros
- Works relatively quickly
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that it can be fragile
Engineered to deeply massage your muscles, the FasciaBlaster may be the most famous cellulite massager out there. Thanks to its ability to dig deep and stimulate blood flow, many reviewers have seen that coveted reduction in the appearance of their cellulite.
Best for: Entire body
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Following the protocol, I have drastically changed the shape of my legs pretty quickly, and they were slack and crepey! Fasciitis reduced, fascial adhesions reduced greatly, skin is tighter, and my cellulite is smoothing out. Everything is lifted! I had crepey grandma skin around my knees, and it’s totally gone. I’m doing the heart butt exercises and hot yoga 4x a week, and it’s amazing how toned my legs are looking.”
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Pros
- Curved to hug body
Cons
- Wood can be rough in places
Composed of beechwood, this curved massager features ergonomic handles that make rolling it across your midsection and thighs a breeze. Beyond lessening the look of cellulite, the roller can also loosen up muscles after a workout and reduce soreness.
Best for: Waist, hips, thighs, butt
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This tool helps with cellulite, and I have been using it for a few days and already see visible changes in my skin. It feels firmer—however, you will get bruises if you press hard (but that is normal and totally expected).”
Pros
- Relaxing to use
Cons
- Can cause bruises if you press down too hard
Even if there isn’t someone around to give you a massage when you need one, you can give yourself first class treatment with this tool. Roll it all over your body and enjoy relief from muscle pain and smoother-looking skin.
Best for: Entire body
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have thick skin, and the skin on my thighs always felt very heavy. After using this roller, they feel completely different. Smooth, relaxed, and the cellulite has reduced A LOT! I also use it on my tummy and “love handle” area. I wish I had this in my 20s and 30s! I also work out regularly and use it in the shower after my workouts. I rarely have sore muscles.”
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Pros
- Sturdy
Cons
- Handle can be difficult to hold
Gua sha tools increase circulation and help reduce bloating on the face, and this massager is designed to do the same for the rest of your body’s tissue and muscle. Consistent use can aid in relaxing tension and evening out the surface of the skin.
Best for: Entire body
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “If you’re looking for a manual massage tool that can get into the deep nooks and crannies of your tension spots, this is the one for you! The knobby bumps along the center and the ends really get into the muscles. The ends are especially efficient in digging into the knots on my shoulders. It hurts so good! It can also be used to reduce the look of cellulite and lymphatic drainage. The benefits are endless!”
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Why does cellulite occur?
According to Dr. King, what actually causes cellulite is still a mystery. Still, it seems like it results from the “interaction between the connective tissue in the layer that lies below the surface of the skin and the layer of fat that is just below it.” She explains that genetics, which shape the structure of those connective tissues, play a role, as do hormones—including estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin—and other things that impact how muscle, fat, and connective tissue are distributed throughout our bodies.
What are some other ways to combat cellulite?
“If I were to choose the techniques that I believe are most likely to produce results, I would choose laser treatment, subcision, or vacuum-assisted precise tissue release,” says Dr. King, although she adds that “any promise to get rid of cellulite should be approached with caution.”
When you receive a laser treatment, the doctor will put a laser probe under your skin. “The laser is then fired, breaking up the tissue. This can also thicken the skin by increasing collagen production,” explains Dr. King. Results can last for a year or even longer.
Subcision can help with the look of cellulite for two or more years. The dermatologist will insert a needle under the skin to “break up the connective tissue bands,” says Dr. King.
Meanwhile, vacuum-assisted precise tissue release cuts up those connective tissue bands with small blades. The process causes “tissue underneath [to] move up to fill the space under the skin, decreasing the appearance of cellulite. Data is limited but the results may last for 3 years,” says Dr. King.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with a trusted dermatologist for information about cellulite massagers and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
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Carol Lee
Associate E-Commerce Writer
Carol Lee is the Associate E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
