Cellulite: How it develops and what you can do – An expert interview
Many women struggle with cellulite. But how does it actually develop? And what can women actively do about it? Dr Henrike Neuhoff, Head of Science at lavera Natural Beauty, addresses these and further questions in our expert interview.
Dr Neuhoff, cellulite is one of the most widely discussed body concerns – and yet it is surrounded by a great deal of misinformation. What is actually happening in the skin?
Cellulite is a very common change in the subcutaneous tissue – that is, the interplay between subcutaneous fat and connective tissue – and it manifests as a dimpled texture on the skin's surface. What many people don't realise is that the connective tissue is anatomically organised differently in women and men. In women, the connective tissue septa that link the skin to the subcutaneous fat often run in a more uniform and largely parallel pattern. This allows fatty tissue to push upwards more easily between these structures, while the septa pull on the skin at specific points. Hormonal influences, particularly oestrogen, additionally affect the connective tissue, fat distribution and fluid balance, and can either intensify or reduce the visibility of cellulite. Cellulite is therefore primarily biological in origin and is not a reliable indicator of skincare habits, "discipline" or body weight – and from a medical standpoint, it is generally not a sign of illness. As a scientist, I feel it is important to emphasise this, because it fundamentally changes how we see cellulite.
"There is no product that can permanently eliminate cellulite – but its appearance can be visibly and demonstrably improved."
Cellulite affects the majority of women – regardless of weight or fitness level. What can a product actually do in this context?
Quite a lot, when the right active ingredients are used in the right combination and concentration. Cellulite is caused by weakened connective tissue, reduced microcirculation and accumulations of fat in the subcutaneous layer – the deepest layer of the skin – and that is precisely where the active ingredients in our serum work. They promote circulation, drain excess fluid from the tissue, mobilise fat deposits and counteract the gradual breakdown of collagen by stimulating the body's own collagen synthesis. There is no product that can permanently eliminate cellulite – but its appearance can be visibly and demonstrably improved. That is precisely the standard we hold ourselves to when developing scientifically grounded natural cosmetics at lavera.
The Cellulite 2-Phase Body Serum combines Organic Rosemary and Caffeine. Why this particular pairing?
Because both active ingredients work on the skin's appearance in different ways and complement each other perfectly. Organic Rosemary Extract is rich in antioxidants and has a stimulating, toning effect on the skin – it strengthens the skin's structure and improves the appearance of cellulite. Caffeine, in turn, penetrates the skin effectively, promotes microcirculation and helps drain excess fluid – improving the overall complexion and visibly firming the skin. Together, they form a power duo that acts on multiple levels simultaneously.
Caffeine features in almost every anti-cellulite product – but why, exactly?
Caffeine has exceptionally strong skin penetration – it effectively reaches deep into the skin and exerts its action directly within the tissue. It promotes microcirculation and has a draining effect – both of which are essential for stimulating metabolic processes in the subcutaneous tissue and mobilising fat deposits. It is precisely these aggregates – the accumulations of fat cells in the subcutis (hypodermis) – that are responsible for the typical appearance of cellulite. Improved circulation, combined with the targeted massage of the serum into the skin, helps transport these deposits away via the lymphatic system. It is a natural ingredient with a very well-researched mechanism of action – extracted from the seeds of the coffee plant, which originates in the highlands of Ethiopia.
The formula reads like a journey through nature – from the Siberian taiga to the Amazon basin. How many active ingredients does the serum contain, and how do you, as a scientist, decide which ones actually make it into a formula?
The serum brings together 13 carefully selected active ingredients, compiled according to a clear scientific principle: every single ingredient must make a measurable contribution to the overall performance of the formula.
At its core is a firming, activating complex: Organic Cypress Oil and Juniper Berry Oil support tissue firmness and have a vitalising effect. Organic Birch Leaf Extract promotes natural drainage and microcirculation. Siberian Fir Oil refines and soothes stressed skin while also protecting it against free radicals. Organic Coffee Seed Oil stimulates circulation and supports lipolysis.
The formula is further enhanced by antioxidant plant extracts and nourishing oils: Organic Pomegranate Extract provides polyphenols and supports cellular regeneration, while Organic Buriti Oil supplies the skin with beta-carotene. Sunflower Oil strengthens the skin barrier, and Organic Lime Oil and Bergamot Oil provide an invigorating, firming finish. In this way, the ingredients work together on multiple levels – from supporting the connective tissue and activating the tissue metabolism to promoting cell renewal.
You have just described a long list of ingredients – all of plant origin, many of them certified organic. Is this serum, in a sense, also proof of what natural cosmetics can genuinely achieve today?
Yes – and as a scientist, this truly matters to me. The misconception that natural cosmetics are less effective persists stubbornly. But it simply does not hold up. This serum demonstrates very concretely what is possible: 13 ingredients, all of natural origin, many certified organic – each with a clearly defined, scientifically substantiated function. Natural caffeine with exceptional skin penetration. Organic Rosemary Extract with antioxidant and circulation-boosting properties. Centella asiatica, used for thousands of years and whose collagen-stimulating action is now well documented. Organic Buriti Oil as one of the richest plant-based sources of beta-carotene. These are not ingredients chosen because they sound appealing – but because they work. For nearly 40 years, lavera has combined a deep understanding of nature's power with the highest scientific standards. And this serum is a very good example of exactly that.
What is the thinking behind the 2-phase principle – and why is it more than just a visual effect?
The 2-phase principle always makes for a particularly engaging application experience. The aqueous phase, containing water-soluble active ingredients such as caffeine, and the oil phase, containing fat-soluble actives and precious plant oils, are visibly separated in the bottle. Only when you shake the serum before use do they combine – an active moment that quite literally brings the serum to life before it is applied to the skin. This deliberate activation makes the difference tangible – and visible. It is not only an aesthetically special experience, but also a smart approach from a formulation perspective.
In a study, 97% of participants confirmed that the serum visibly firms the skin. What do users need to do to achieve this result?
The most important thing is consistency. The study results were achieved over a period of 28 days – with daily application. The serum is shaken well before use, applied evenly to the skin and gently massaged in. This massaging motion is not a minor detail: it additionally stimulates circulation, supports the absorption of active ingredients and promotes the lymphatic drainage of fat deposits. 94% of participants confirmed improved skin elasticity. These are figures backed by real, independently verified results.
Can cellulite be prevented?
You are not entirely at its mercy – but it is important to keep expectations realistic. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role and cannot be argued away. What we can influence is the extent and timing. The age-related decline in collagen synthesis can be supported by targeted active ingredients: those who start early and maintain a consistent routine, actively caring for their connective tissue, give their skin the best possible conditions to remain supple and resilient. Genetics sets the framework – but the right ingredients at the right time make all the difference.
