Does Menopause Contribute to Cellulite?

Cellulite and menopause are two distinct phenomena, but they are often linked in terms of their visible effects on the female body. During this period of hormonal transition, certain physiological changes can exacerbate the appearance of cellulite or alter its appearance. To fully understand this topic, it is essential to clarify what is meant by menopause and cellulite.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause refers to the gradual and then permanent cessation of ovarian function and menstruation. It most commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although this varies depending on individual women and their hormonal balance. This natural process is due to the gradual decline in the production of sex hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, which play a key role in many of the body’s functions.

This stage of life is frequently accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms of varying severity. Among the most common symptoms of menopause are hot flushes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, or even loss of bone density. Cellulite may also become more visible or worsen during this period.

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a skin condition characterised by a dimpled, orange peel appearance. Cellulite usually appears on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and sometimes the arms( although it is much less common on the upper body). Put simply, cellulite consists of large fat cells known as adipocytes. As subcutaneous fat accumulates, these fat cells enlarge and the connective tissue sags. The skin then takes on the dimpled appearance typical of cellulite.

Attention

Attention: Cellulite mainly affects women, due to the specific distribution of adipose tissue in the female body. Over the course of their lives, at least 80% of women will develop cellulite at some point¹.

Cellulite and menopause are closely linked, mainly due to the hormonal fluctuations that accompany this stage of a woman’s life. The drop in oestrogen naturally affects how fat is stored, as well as the quality of the tissues and the microcirculation, which can make cellulite more visible or more entrenched. As we age, other factors exacerbate this phenomenon: a tendency towards weight gain, a reduction in physical activity and the gradual loss of muscle mass. These changes alter the support provided by the tissues and encourage the redistribution of fat to certain areas of the body where cellulite tends to become established over time. At the same time, the skin loses its firmness. Collagen levels decrease, cell renewal slows down and blood circulation becomes less efficient. This combination of mechanisms and factors creates a more favourable environment for the onset or worsening of cellulite during menopause.

During the menopause, a woman’s body undergoes a period of hormonal and physiological upheaval that directly affects skin texture and the way fat is distributed. Cellulite can therefore develop more easily or become more visible, due to several factors that combine and take effect gradually.

The Decline in Oestrogen Levels

The decline in oestrogen plays a key role in the onset or worsening of cellulite during menopause. These hormones normally help regulate blood circulation and maintain tissue suppleness. Their decline therefore promotes more localised fat storage and less toned skin.

The Slowing of Blood and Lymphatic Circulation

With age and hormonal changes, the blood circulation and the lymphatic circulation often become less efficient. For example, venous and lymphatic return slows down, which can lead to fluid build-up in the tissues and accentuate the uneven or orange peel appearance of the skin.

Loss of Muscle Mass

The gradual loss of muscle mass is well known. It gradually contributes to changes in the body’s overall structure, particularly during menopause. With less support, the skin loses its firmness, making cellulite more visible, even without significant weight gain.

Weight Fluctuations

During menopause, weight fluctuations are common and can encourage fat storage, particularly around the hips, thighs and abdomen. These changes increase the pressure on the subcutaneous tissues, which can worsen the signs of cellulite.

Sagging Skin

As we age, the skin produces less collagen and elastin, which naturally leads to a gradual loss of skin firmness. This loss of firmness makes cellulite more noticeable, even when it was barely visible before.

Please Note: Contrary to popular belief, cellulite during menopause is not solely linked to weight gain. Even in women with a stable lifestyle, hormonal changes play a decisive role. It is therefore a multifactorial phenomenon, in which genetics, hormonal balance and tissue quality interact closely.

In postmenopausal women, cellulite manifests as a set of visible and tactile signs that vary depending on its stage and location. It can be more or less pronounced, but certain characteristics remain distinctive and can help to identify it quite easily:

• Orange-Peel Appearance: The skin takes on an uneven texture, with dimples of varying severity that become visible especially when the skin is pinched or under certain lighting conditions

• Typical Areas of Occurrence: It is mainly found on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen, and sometimes also on the arms, areas where women naturally tend to store fat

• Skin Irregularities: There is an alternation of dimples and bumps, particularly on the backs of the thighs, giving the skin’s surface a less uniform appearance

• Denser Texture: The skin may feel thicker or less supple to the touch, with a raised texture noticeable under the fingers

• Presence of Subcutaneous Fat Deposits: These accumulations of fat contribute to a slight distortion of the skin’s surface structure

• Variations Depending on posture: Cellulite may be less noticeable when lying down and more visible when standing or sitting, due to the effects of gravity and the distribution of tissue

• Variable Appearance: Its severity may fluctuate depending on hydration levels, circulation, or hormonal and weight fluctuations.

To naturally reduce the appearance of cellulite during menopause, we recommend following this simple and effective routine: 

Step 1 – Boost Circulation or Stimulate Microcirculation

Wooden Lymphatic Drainage Brush

Dry brushing stimulates microcirculation and lymphatic circulation, helping to improve the appearance of orange peel skin.

Recommended Use: On dry skin, brush for 5 to 10 minutes using gentle movements, always working towards the heart: from the feet up the legs, and from the fingers towards the shoulders. On the stomach, make small circular movements around the navel in a clockwise direction. After brushing, take a lukewarm or cool shower, then apply your body oil or moisturiser.

Discover the Wooden Lymphatic Drainage Brush

Step 2 – Smooth and Prepare the Skin

Organic Sugar Body Scrub

This scrub gently exfoliates, smooths the skin and prepares the skin to absorb skincare products. Its formula combines sugar and organic plant oils for soft, supple skin.

Recommended Use: Once or twice a week, on damp skin, apply the scrub to the affected areas using circular movements, then rinse off with clean water.

Discover the Organic Sugar Body Scrub

Step 3 – Targeting Cellulite or Targeting the Orange Peel Appearance

Organic Concentrated Body Treatment for Contour & Silhouette

This treatment combines caffeine, seaweed extracts and essential oils of grapefruit and sea fennel, known to help smooth the appearance of orange peel skin and support skin firmness.

Recommended Use: Apply in the morning and/or evening to the affected areas (thighs, buttocks, hips, stomach) using circular, upward movements until fully absorbed.

Discover the Organic Concentrated Body Care for Contouring & Silhouette

Step 4 – Stimulate Lymphatic Drainage, Boost Fat Metabolism and Support the Body’s Natural Detoxification Processes

Fat Burner & Drainage - 120g - Dietary Supplement

Formulated with two patented active ingredients, this dietary supplement combines Sinetrol®, Cactinea™ and green tea to support fat metabolism and promote drainage, helping to reduce feelings of bloating and improve the appearance of the skin.

Recommended Use: Dilute 2 measuring spoons (4g) in 1L to 1.5L of water and drink throughout the day, preferably in the morning.

Precautions: Store the product away from light, heat and humidity, ensuring the sachet is carefully resealed after use. Follow the instructions for use and the recommended dose, and seek advice from a healthcare professional if you are under medical supervision or have any specific health conditions.

Discover the Fat Burner & Drain

Step 5 – Boost the Anti-Cellulite Effect

Cellulite Control Dietary Supplement

A dietary supplement specifically designed to target cellulite, containing the active ingredient Celluvine™, which combines a grape extract standardised for polyphenols, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C, with proven efficacy: reduction in the appearance of orange peel skin, reduction in the sensation of bloating, and a more sculpted silhouette.

Recommended Use: Take 1 capsule a day, with a glass of water.

Precautions: This food supplement is not a substitute for a balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Adhere to the recommended doses, keep out of reach of children and seek advice from a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking anticoagulant medication.

Discover the Cellulite Control Dietary Supplement

To find out more, discover our Anti-Cellulite Routine.

Complementary Toning Massage

Slimming Care Oil

Used in alternation with the Organic Contouring & Silhouette Concentrated Body Treatment, the Slimming Care Oil is ideal for toning massages designed to enhance the body’s contours and support skin firmness. It targets the appearance of orange peel skin thanks to a blend of organic grapefruit, organic sea fennel and cedar essential oils, renowned for their firming properties. 

Directions for Use: For body massage, apply daily to the affected areas until the product is fully absorbed, alongside physical exercise and a healthy, balanced diet. 

Discover the Slimming Massage Oil

The Aroma Solution

Essential oils are particularly useful in an anti-cellulite routine thanks to their affinity with lipids, which helps them penetrate deep into the tissues. Some, such as grapefruit, atlas cedar, or rosemary, are used for their effect on the appearance of dimpled skin and their toning properties. When incorporated into a massage oil, they combine the effectiveness of the active ingredients with massage techniques, two essential elements for tackling the appearance of orange peel skin. They can be found in Aroma-Zone’s Slimming Massage Oil. 

To find out more, read our article: Our top-Rated Anti-Cellulite Treatments, Approved by Our Experts

During menopause, the aim is not to make cellulite disappear but rather to address the factors that influence its appearance: circulation, tissue tone and skin quality. Certain regular, simple yet carefully chosen habits can really help improve the appearance of the skin on a daily basis:

• Stimulate Circulation Daily Through Movement: Opt for regular exercise that mainly engages the lower body (brisk walking, swimming, gentle cycling) helps support venous return and limit fluid retention. It’s not about intensity, but consistency over time

• Working on Deep Muscle Tone: Strengthening the leg and gluteal muscles improves the support of the skin tissues. A few sessions of light strength training or even Pilates are often enough to restore support to the skin

• Incorporate Skin-Stimulating Techniques: Dry brushing or targeted self-massage can help to boost microcirculation and gently decongest the tissues. When carried out consistently, they gradually improve the skin’s texture

• Focus on Regular Internal and External Hydration: Drinking enough water supports cellular exchange, whilst well-formulated moisturisers help to maintain skin elasticity and minimise the appearance of uneven skin texture

• Adopt a Diet That Supports Tissue Health: Prioritise foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fatty acids and protein helps to maintain firmer skin and stronger connective tissues

• Promoting the Body’s Natural Drainage: Certain habits, such as slightly elevating your legs at the end of the day or doing gentle stretches, can help improve circulation and relieve the sensation of heavy legs

The advice provided in this article is for information purposes only and is in no way a substitute for personalised medical advice. If in doubt, or in the event of a skin condition, ongoing treatment or a specific situation (circulatory problems, skin sensitivity), it is recommended that you consult your GP or a dermatologist to receive appropriate guidance. When using natural skincare products as part of a regime aimed at improving the appearance of cellulite, it is important to take certain basic precautions. A patch test, carried out 48 hours before application, helps to minimise the risk of a reaction or intolerance, even with ingredients of natural origin. Finally, each product must be used in strict accordance with the recommendations set out in its product information sheet, particularly regarding dosage, application instructions and storage guidelines. Using skincare products correctly not only ensures their effectiveness but also guarantees their safety for long-term use.

Hydrotherapy is an excellent way to stimulate blood circulation and reduce the appearance of dimpled skin. Cold water, in particular, helps to draw blood upwards towards the upper body and stimulate lymphatic circulation. Finish your shower with a burst of cool water, starting at the lower legs and working your way up to the thighs, to boost your blood circulation for a guaranteed energising effect.

Marine is a naturopath specialising in children’s well-being and a parenting coach. With 10 years’ experience supporting families, she now channels her passion into serving her community by sharing natural and caring advice.