by Maddie Aberman, Grace Gold

Cellulite treatments come into play because those dimples don't discriminate based on size or weight (you can actually thank your genes). It's hormones, like estrogen, that play a role in the development of cellulite, which may be why cellulite often worsens during pregnancy, says Dr. Chwaleck. This is also why it's uncommon to see it in men (except men in an androgen-deficient state, adds Dr. Chwaleck).

Cellulite, which most commonly affects areas like the butt, thighs, and stomach, results from the connective tissue beneath the surface of skin, which can create the puckering effect of cellulite dimples, explains Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, dermatologist and founder of <a href="https://pfrankmd.com/pfrankmdskinsalon/" id="8477be83-3aea-3448-a585-b181aec826a4"> PFRANKMD &amp; Skin Salon </a> .

There are a lot of devices and potions out there that claim to make your cellulite totally disappear. But because cellulite happens to skin on a deeper level, it's extremely tough to treat. So to help you sort through the mess, here's what you need to know about the best cellulite treatments.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKRKgtxjcaJ/" id="5ad32bd7-defb-30df-a485-e9f736899b75"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKRKgtxjcaJ/" id="1fef1dbd-c46f-3b4a-abe2-c0f3f737d91d"> Prepped and Ready for #Cellfina treatment to the #buttocks ! Our patient is very excited for #dimpleFree #results :) #goodbyecellulite @darrensmithmd </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coolspanyc/" id="06255c52-e33d-37d6-ae54-9e3e75830079"> COOLSPA: #1 for CoolSculpting </a> (@coolspanyc) on Sep 12, 2016 at 12:49pm PDT

You have to go to your derms office to get this treatment (which can cost around $4,000), but Cellfina is the first and only FDA-cleared minimally invasive treatment that is clinically proven to improve the appearance of cellulite for at least two years.

The treatment uses a needle-sized device to cut some of the above-mentioned fibrous tissues to smooth out dimpling. Youll also have some temporary bruising but will start to see results in about a week, says Joel Schlessinger, MD, a dermatologist in Omaha, Nebraska

If you have a few specific spots that you'd like to treat, this might be for you. "It's designed to target individual dimples in the skin," says Dr. Chwaleck.

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This handheld device uses infrared light, radiofrequency, and massage with suction to increase lymphatic drainage (making the area less puffy), while reducing the actual size of the fat cells and fat chambers.

It's FDA-approved and considered a non-invasive treatment (meaning it doesn't require injections or cuts). Results start to appear after about four treatments. It's effective on the thighs, back of the thighs, butt, abdomen, and love handles, says Dr. Schlessinger.

At $1,000, it's cheaper than Cellfina, but you have to keep going back about every three months in order to see a real difference. This is perfect for those with slight dimpling and who want a slimmer silhouette in the treated areas, adds Dr. Schlessinger.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BflTib_B2C8/" id="73381cb4-6aca-3f53-a27c-788654e07c39"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BflTib_B2C8/" id="2e68c6e5-862c-32cc-a2a0-55bf498060bc"> Dr. DiBernardo &amp; May performing a Cellulaze procedure to help a patient get rid of unwanted cellulite! W/ @drceliamendes.aestheticsandgyn - - - - #drdibernardo #boardcertifiedcosmeticsurgeon #cellulaze #drceliamendes #newjerseyplasticsurgery </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newjerseyplasticsurgery/" id="bf216847-08ce-3f8d-a6f8-21e7c74c2be6"> Dr. Barry DiBernardo </a> (@newjerseyplasticsurgery) on Feb 24, 2018 at 6:34am PST

Similarly to Cellfina, this minimally-invasive procedure is designed to break down the structure of cellulite beneath your skin-except it uses lasers rather than blades.

The small laser is used to help increase skin thickness, release the bands that create dimples, stimulate collagen production, and flatten out fat.

The treatment can cost upward of a few thousand dollars (similar to Cellfina), and the results are supposed to last for about a year or two.

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"Unison uses a combination of thermal and mechanical energy to leave skin visibly more elastic and smoother with reduced dimples," says Dr. Frank. "There is no downtime or pain and the treatment delivers immediate results."

The mechanical portion during a BTL Unison treatment helps breaks up those fibrous bands and can improve circulation. Simultaneously, the thermal effects of the radio frequency boost skin's elasticity and collagen production.

Dr. Frank recommends four treatments (each one takes only 20 or 30 minutes) over a two-week period to see the best results. Each treatment will set you back about $1,000.

These OTC creams contain ingredients that claim to help make your cellulite look better. "There is some evidence they work by promoting lipolysis, stimulating collagen, and increasing blood flow and lymphatic drainage," says Dr. Chwaleck.

Topical caffeine is one of the most common active ingredients in cellulite creams. It's thought to work by improving vascular and lymphatic flow, says Dr. Chwaleck. Caffeine also dehydrates the fat cells just under the skin to make them appear less prominent

These creams are mostly just making your cellulite look less obvious, rather than getting rid of it. But they're great options before a vacation or big event.

This natural approach involves scrubbing a stiff-bristled brush against skin. The technique focuses on brushing cellulite-ridden areas with upward strokes. This movement will stimulate the lymphatic system and boosting circulation, which may temporarily result in the appearance of smoother skin, says Dr. Chwaleck.

The downside: When it comes to treating cellulite, you'll need to do this every day. "It can help, but they will not yield effective long-term results," says Dr. Frank.

Baby got back-and <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/body/g26930850/celebrities-with-cellulite/" id="c95776e6-ea48-3c84-a2ee-7eecb1d4dc8c"> if youre like most human women </a> , that backs got some cellulite. "By some estimates, up to 90 percent of all women have cellulite," says Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a dermatologist at <a href="https://www.unionderm.com/" id="6cfc0a81-1328-371e-aa9a-e7db0f2bb2d0"> Union Square Laser Dermatology </a> in NYC.

The Best Cellulite Treatments That Actually Work

But unlike plain old dry skin, reaching for a body scrub more often or switching your lotion to a body butter won't do the trick to get rid of your KP. These hard-to-treat bumps require a regimen all their own. Consider this your keratosis pilaris treatment plan.

<h1> First, what exactly is keratosis pilaris? </h1>

"Keratosis Pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that presents as tiny white or red bumps on top of dry, rough skin," says Sunheel Chilukuri, MD, dermatologist and director of cosmetic surgery at <a href="https://www.refreshdermatology.com/" id="20508e5b-f662-32f7-aab1-bae15a83aefd"> Refresh Dermatology </a> in Houston, TX.

Keratosis pilaris happens when your skin overproduces keratin (an important building-block protein in your bod). The keratin then plugs up hair follicles, causing tough little bumps that can look red and rough.

More than 3 million people per year in the United States are diagnosed with KP. It is very common but harmless.

The rough skin and bumps may sometimes itch.

It often has these types of nicknames like goosebumps or chicken skin due to the small bumps seen on the skin.

KP is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion meaning that if one of your parents has this condition, there is a 50% chance you will have it. KP is caused by irregular keratinization within the follicles.

Dry climate, excessive perspiration, chronic exposure to water (i.e. swimming) exacerbate the condition

<h1> Where on the body is it most common? </h1>

It is most commonly found on the upper arms, upper thighs, cheeks and sometimes the buttocks. Young children and teenagers may have small red bumps on their cheeks that is often misdiagnosed as acne or rosacea.

<h1> What are the best Keratosis Pilaris treatments? </h1>

Foods rich in omega-3s are essential for keeping skin moisturized and healthy. These include walnuts, flaxseeds, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19910118/salmon-recipe/" id="42e49787-c971-3b80-ac38-e41baf411b2d"> salmon </a> , tuna, sardines, and soybeans. Leafy greens are also always good to get in for overall skin health and function, says <a href="https://caneandaustin.com/" id="d5f73395-4a85-3e08-a41c-982f33c34606"> Craig Austin </a> , M.D., a New York City dermatologist.

Some foods can make matters worse though: Stay away from dairy products if youre prone to keratosis pilaris, since it can trigger inflammation (which can in turn trigger conditions like keratosis pilaris), Austin says.

<h1> 4. Switch to fragrance-free products </h1>

In some cases, keratosis pilaris is caused or exacerbated by wearing fragranced body products like lotions, creams, and perfume sprays, using scented soaps and body washes, and by <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19913475/ideal-shower-temperature/" id="3cf0b3d1-308b-3f57-adf2-53a3ed8c5e29"> showering with hot water </a> , says Austin. Make sure your body-care regimen is fragrance-free, and try to use the most lukewarm water possible for showers and baths. Also, keep bath time short (think: under seven minutes) so dehydration of skin is minimized.

<h1> 3. Add keratolyic agents to your skin-care routine </h1>

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Say what? Allow a doctor to translate this one for you: Keratolyic agents help remove keratin-or the scales that are blocking the follicles, causing the <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g19941507/body-bump-guide/" id="8d108c8e-4876-383a-a87d-d1e2b2440056"> bumps </a> to form, says Austin. Products containing lactic acid, urea, and glycerin (like Amlactin Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Body Lotion ) all perform this function and can be applied daily to prevent and treat the condition. Best yet, theyre super-gentle, so this is a great option if you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated.

<h1> 2. Use a good chemical exfoliant </h1>

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Chemical exfoliants that lift dead skin cells are your BFFs. Austin says <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19409010/what-is-salicylic-acid/" id="3427ef8f-9605-355f-aff1-4afb99924e94"> salicylic acid </a> (like what you'll find in the Cane + Austin Face &amp; Body Retexture Scrub ) and <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19933263/glycolic-acid/" id="ce855516-4fda-34ad-a147-a310640dbda5"> glycolic acid </a> (like Paulas Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion with 10 Percent AHA) are especially effective in working out those clogged follicles.

Paula's Choice Resist Skin revealing Body Lotion

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For the thicker skin of your body (think: your arms and legs, not your face), Austin recommends a concentration of 10 percent glycolic acid or more to see visible results quickly. Just bear this in mind: You need to be consistent with daily application to chase the bumps away and maintain results, he adds.

<h1> 1. Go for a prescription retinoid </h1>

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Prescription <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19960811/retinoid-myths-and-facts/" id="06ab8bf3-2342-3b96-ac3e-1a7eba426021"> retinoid </a> like Retin-A is a go-to treatment for <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19958192/acne-myths/" id="a6640579-e442-3c72-a750-25396f58d9f7"> acne </a> . But Austin says that the vitamin A derivatives exfoliating powers also allow younger skin to come up faster, so those chicken skin bumps flatten out. Just remember that the final result takes patience; you must be on a retinoid for several weeks before youre in the clear-but once you are, its smooth sailing.

If you're not quite ready for a 'scrip, you can also try an <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19904754/dr-pimple-popper-acne-advice/" id="6b4242e9-7439-3721-a927-c5be29a83289"> OTC retinol cream </a> (like Differin Gel ) for treating your KP. It might not be quite as strong as what you can get from a derm, but you should still see results after a few weeks.

Nothing can quite kill your summertime sleeveless vibes quite like the red bumpy skin on the back of your arms. If you're anything like 40 percent of the adult population, those bumps are probably the result of keratosis pilaris, or KP as it's more commonly known.

The Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments, According To A Dermatologist

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by Maddie Aberman, Grace Gold

Articles written by the author

The Best Cellulite Treatments That Actually Work

The Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments, According To A Dermatologist