Selulit (cellulite) is lumpy, dimpled skin that looks like orange peel, most often on the thighs, stomach and buttocks. Between 80% and 90% of women who have gone through puberty have it, including slim and fit women. It is not a disease, it does not hurt and it does not harm your health. You cannot get rid of cellulite completely, but building muscle and staying at a healthy weight can make it less noticeable. There is no evidence that any supplement reduces cellulite, and clinic treatments usually give modest, often temporary results. This guide explains what causes cellulite, how to tell it apart from lipoedema and cellulitis, and what the evidence says about how to reduce cellulite.
Apa itu selulit (cellulite meaning)?
Many readers search for "selulit" or "cellulite meaning". Cellulite is the name for fat that pushes against the connective tissue beneath your skin, making the surface look lumpy, puckered or dimpled (Cleveland Clinic). Its texture is often compared to cottage cheese, oatmeal or orange peel. Doctors sometimes call it gynoid lipodystrophy.
Under the skin, fibrous bands called septa connect the skin to the muscle below. When these bands pull down unevenly, the normal layer of fat beneath the skin pushes upward, and the skin puckers (Cleveland Clinic). Researchers now think changes in these fibrous bands are the main reason cellulite forms, and treatments that target the bands have shown the most consistent results (Bass and colleagues, 2023).
Selulit sangat biasa dan bukan penyakit
Cellulite is very common. Between 80% and 90% of women who have gone through puberty have cellulite, compared with less than 10% of men (Cleveland Clinic). The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that most women, even very fit women, have it.
Cellulite does not affect your overall physical health, it does not hurt and it is not contagious (Cleveland Clinic). You do not need to see a doctor about it unless you want to discuss treatment. Some people with cellulite report feeling uncomfortable or distressed about how it looks (Bass and colleagues, 2023), but it is a normal feature of most women's skin, not a sign that you are unhealthy or have done something wrong.
Punca selulit
The exact cause of cellulite is not known (Cleveland Clinic). Several factors work together:
| Factor | What we know |
|---|---|
| Being female | In women, the connective bands under the skin tend to run in parallel, which may show puckering more easily. In men, the bands crisscross (Cleveland Clinic). |
| Hormones | One theory is that the hormone oestrogen plays a part. Cellulite often develops when women produce more oestrogen, usually during adolescence or pregnancy (Cleveland Clinic). |
| Genes | Your genes affect how much cellulite you have and how visible it is (Cleveland Clinic). |
| Age | As you age, your skin loses elasticity, which can make cellulite more obvious (Cleveland Clinic). Increased age is one of the factors linked with cellulite (Bass and colleagues, 2023). |
| Body fat and weight | A higher body mass index is linked with cellulite, and gaining weight can make it more visible (Bass and colleagues, 2023; Cleveland Clinic). But very lean people often have cellulite too. |
| Skin thickness | Skin often thins where cellulite forms, and thinner skin shows the dimples more (Cleveland Clinic; AAD). |
A review of research on the causes of cellulite concluded that it has a physiological origin that is characteristic of women, with several factors working together, including the structure of the connective tissue, the action of oestrogen and changes in small blood vessels (de la Casa Almeida and colleagues, 2013).
Tahap selulit dan di mana ia muncul (paha, perut, punggung)
Cellulite most often appears on the thighs (selulit paha), stomach (selulit perut) and buttocks (Cleveland Clinic). It may be visible all the time, or only when you pinch the skin. Cleveland Clinic describes four grades:
| Grade | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Grade 0 | No cellulite |
| Grade 1 | Skin is smooth when you stand, but mild dimpling appears when you sit down |
| Grade 2 | Moderate dimples when you stand or sit |
| Grade 3 | Severe dimples when you stand or sit, with deep raised and sunken areas |
Selulit, lipoedema atau selulitis?
Two conditions are sometimes confused with cellulite. Unlike cellulite, both of them need a doctor.
| Selulit (cellulite) | Lipoedema | Selulitis (cellulitis) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Harmless dimpling of the skin | An abnormal build-up of fat in the legs and sometimes the arms (NHS) | A bacterial skin infection (NHS) |
| What it looks like | Lumpy, dimpled skin on the thighs, stomach or buttocks | The bottom, thighs and lower legs look large and out of proportion to the upper body; usually both sides equally, and the feet are not usually affected (NHS) | Painful, hot, swollen skin, usually on the lower legs; it may look red, but this can be less obvious on brown skin (NHS) |
| Pain | Not painful (Cleveland Clinic) | May cause pain, tenderness, heaviness and easy bruising (NHS) | Painful; you may also feel unwell with flu-like symptoms (NHS) |
| What to do | Nothing needed, unless you want treatment for how it looks | See a doctor. It is not caused by being overweight; there is no cure, but treatment can help stop it getting worse (NHS) | See a doctor urgently; it is treated with antibiotics (NHS) |
The NHS says lipoedema may be linked to hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy, the menopause or while taking the contraceptive pill, and it sometimes runs in families. If one leg is swollen, or your legs, ankles or feet are puffy, see our guide to kaki bengkak (swollen legs).
Stretch marks are also different from cellulite: they are lines or streaks on the skin, often on the tummy, hips and thighs, that appear when the skin stretches quickly, such as in pregnancy. See our guide to stretch mark.
Cara kurangkan selulit (how to reduce cellulite)
Many readers search for "how to reduce cellulite" or "cara hilangkan selulit". You cannot get rid of cellulite completely (Cleveland Clinic), but these steps have the most support from dermatologists and research. Set realistic expectations: the aim is smoother-looking skin, not skin with no dimples at all.
1. Build muscle with strength training
Having more muscle makes your skin look smoother and firmer, and replacing fat with muscle can make cellulite less noticeable (AAD). Focus on exercises for the legs, hips and buttocks, such as squats, lunges, glute bridges and step-ups, and include the rest of the body too. The NHS recommends strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups on at least 2 days a week.
2. Stay active most days
The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking, cycling or dancing, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, such as running or swimming, spread over 4 to 5 days or more. Cleveland Clinic lists running, cycling and resistance training as activities that can help the appearance of cellulite, and says it may take at least 2 to 3 months to see a difference. For ideas that suit Malaysia's weather, see our guide to weight loss exercises.
3. Aim for a healthy weight, slowly
Extra weight can make cellulite more visible, and for some people, losing weight and staying at a healthy weight reduces the cellulite they see (AAD). But the effect varies. In a study of women in medically supervised weight loss programmes, most saw their cellulite improve, but for some it got worse (Smalls and colleagues, 2006). Women who started at a higher body mass index and lost more weight and thigh fat were more likely to improve. If you develop loose skin while losing weight, cellulite can become more noticeable (AAD). For a safe, gradual approach, see our guide to losing weight in Malaysia.
4. Eat well
Cleveland Clinic suggests avoiding processed foods that are high in carbohydrates, fat, preservatives and salt, as a high-calorie diet with a lot of these may contribute to cellulite. Cleveland Clinic also says you can eat what you like if you have cellulite, so there is no need for a special "anti-cellulite" diet.
5. Be kind to yourself
Cellulite is something most women have, including very fit women (AAD). If it is affecting how you feel about your body, it can help to talk to someone you trust.
Apa yang tidak terbukti berkesan
Many products and spa treatments promise to "remove" cellulite. The evidence for most of them is weak:
- Supplements: some people say supplements containing ingredients such as caffeine, grape seed extract or ginkgo biloba reduce cellulite, but the AAD says there is no evidence that any supplement can reduce cellulite.
- Creams and lotions: evidence is limited, and no cream can make cellulite go away completely. Some people have allergic skin reactions, so test a new product on a small area for 48 hours first; if your skin is dry or easily irritated, see our guide to kulit kering. Products containing aminophylline have been linked with anxiety and a racing heart, and people who use an asthma inhaler should avoid them, as even a cream can cause breathing problems (AAD).
- Dry brushing: there is no proof that dry brushing reduces cellulite. Any improvement is likely temporary, because brushing makes the skin puff up (Cleveland Clinic).
- Massage rollers and foam rollers: there is no evidence that handheld massage devices, foam rollers or cellulite rollers improve the long-term appearance of cellulite (Cleveland Clinic).
- Spa wraps with an electric current (ionithermie): without independent published studies, it is hard to know if they work; any results last only about 12 to 18 hours (AAD).
- Fat-freezing (cryolipolysis) and liposuction: these can remove pockets of fat, but cryolipolysis cannot get rid of cellulite, and liposuction is not recommended for cellulite because it can make the dimpling more obvious (AAD). Cellulite is different from fat.
- Mesotherapy (injections of mixed ingredients): few studies show it works, and side effects such as redness, swelling, tender lumps, infection and skin changes are common (AAD).
Drann does not recommend any cellulite cream, supplement or device.
Rawatan selulit di klinik (cellulite treatment in Malaysia)
Some readers search for "cellulite treatment Malaysia". There is no consensus on the best treatment for cellulite (Menon and colleagues, 2024). A 2015 systematic review of 67 studies found that most had important flaws, only 19 were randomised and placebo-controlled, and no clear evidence of good efficacy could be identified for any treatment; there was some evidence of potential benefit only for acoustic wave therapy and one type of minimally invasive laser (Luebberding and colleagues, 2015). The AAD summarises the treatments with the best research results so far:
| Treatment | How it works | What the AAD says |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic wave therapy | A handheld device sends sound waves into the skin | Can reduce the appearance of cellulite; several sessions are needed |
| Laser treatment | Laser energy breaks up the bands under the skin and may thicken the skin | May reduce cellulite; with some lasers a bit of dimpling usually returns |
| Subcision | A needle inserted under the skin breaks up the tough bands | Shown to reduce dimpling; results can last 2 years and possibly longer |
| Vacuum-assisted tissue release | A device with small blades cuts the bands | May be effective; a small study showed less cellulite for up to 3 years |
These are cosmetic procedures: they can be costly, often need several sessions, may give temporary results and can cause side effects such as bruising (Bass and colleagues, 2023; AAD). In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health (KKM) asks the public to check 3P before any aesthetic procedure:
- Prosedur: check which category the procedure falls into (non-invasive, minimally invasive or invasive). Some procedures are not allowed at all in Malaysia, including buttock fillers and breast fillers (KKM).
- Pengamal: the practitioner must be a registered medical practitioner with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and hold a Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) for aesthetic practice (KKM). The doctor also needs a valid annual practising certificate, and the LCP must cover the procedure you are having (Malay Mail).
- Premis: the procedure must be done in premises registered with KKM (KKM).
A dermatologist can help you decide whether any treatment is worth trying, and results depend on the skill and experience of the person doing it (AAD).
Bila perlu jumpa doktor
Cellulite itself does not need medical care. See a doctor at a klinik kesihatan or a GP if:
- your legs look large and out of proportion, feel painful, tender or heavy, or bruise easily, which could be lipoedema (NHS);
- your legs, ankles or feet are swollen and the swelling has not improved after a few days (NHS);
- you would like to discuss treatment options, or a cream or treatment has caused a skin reaction (Cleveland Clinic).
Get urgent medical help if your skin is painful, hot and swollen, as this may be cellulitis. Call 999 if you have these symptoms with a very high temperature, a fast heartbeat or fast breathing, dizziness, or confusion (NHS).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Apa maksud selulit (cellulite meaning in Malay)?
Selulit is the Malay word for cellulite: skin that looks lumpy, dimpled or puckered, like orange peel, usually on the thighs, stomach and buttocks. It happens when fat underneath the skin pushes up against the connective tissue bands that hold the skin down (Cleveland Clinic). It is a cosmetic condition, not a disease.
Selulit bahaya ke (is cellulite harmful)?
No. Cellulite does not affect your overall physical health and it does not hurt (Cleveland Clinic). It is also not contagious. You do not need to see a doctor about cellulite unless you want to discuss treatment. But see a doctor if the skin is painful, hot, red or swollen, as this could be cellulitis, a skin infection (NHS).
Kenapa saya ada selulit walaupun kurus (why do slim women get cellulite)?
Cellulite is not only about body weight. Between 80% and 90% of women who have gone through puberty have it, and it is common in very lean people too (Cleveland Clinic). Your sex, genes, age, the amount of fat on your body and the thickness of your skin all affect how much cellulite you have and how visible it is. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that most women, even very fit women, have cellulite.
Boleh hilangkan selulit sepenuhnya (can cellulite go away completely)?
Not completely. Cleveland Clinic says you cannot fully get rid of cellulite, but you can make it less noticeable. Building muscle, staying at a healthy weight and some treatments at a dermatologist's clinic can help, but the effect of most treatments is modest and often temporary (American Academy of Dermatology). A 2015 systematic review found no clear evidence of good efficacy for any cellulite treatment it evaluated.
Senaman apa untuk selulit paha (which exercises help cellulite on the thighs)?
No exercise can remove cellulite completely, but having more muscle makes the skin look smoother and firmer (American Academy of Dermatology). Strength exercises for the legs and hips, such as squats and lunges, plus regular aerobic activity such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, are a good start. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week and strengthening activities on at least 2 days a week. Cleveland Clinic says it may take at least 2 to 3 months to see a difference.
Krim dan supplement selulit berkesan ke (do cellulite creams and supplements work)?
The American Academy of Dermatology says there is no evidence that any supplement can reduce cellulite. Evidence for creams and lotions is limited, and no cream can make cellulite go away completely (Cleveland Clinic). Test a new cream on a small area for 48 hours first, and avoid products containing aminophylline if you use an asthma inhaler. Drann does not recommend any cellulite cream or supplement.
Apa beza selulit dan selulitis (cellulite vs cellulitis)?
They sound similar but are very different. Selulit (cellulite) is harmless dimpled skin. Selulitis (cellulitis) is a bacterial skin infection that makes the skin painful, hot and swollen, sometimes with flu-like symptoms, and it needs antibiotics (NHS). See a doctor urgently if you think you have cellulitis, and call 999 if you also have a very high temperature, a fast heartbeat or feel confused.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor. Drann does not recommend any brand of cream, supplement, device or clinic for cellulite.
References
- Cellulite — Cleveland Clinic
- Cellulite treatments: What really works? — American Academy of Dermatology
- Lipoedema — NHS
- Cellulitis — NHS
- Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64 — NHS
- Amalan perubatan estetik (3P) — Bahagian Amalan Perubatan, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
- Illegal procedures — Bahagian Amalan Perubatan, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
- Want to get Botox injections, liposuction, laser treatments in Malaysia? Here's the list of beauty procedures needing an MOH-qualified doctor — Malay Mail, 31 July 2025
- Smalls LK, Hicks M, Passeretti D, et al. Effect of weight loss on cellulite: gynoid lipodystrophy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;118(2):510-6
- Luebberding S, Krueger N, Sadick NS. Cellulite: an evidence-based review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2015;16(4):243-256
- Bass LS, Hibler BP, Khalifian S, et al. Cellulite pathophysiology and psychosocial implications. Dermatol Surg. 2023;49(4S):S2-S7
- Menon A, Shauly O, Marxen T, et al. A clinical guide to the treatment of cellulite and comprehensive review of the etiology, pathophysiology, and utility of intervention. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2024;48(10):1985-1992
- de la Casa Almeida M, Suarez Serrano C, Rebollo Roldán J, Jiménez Rejano JJ. Cellulite's aetiology: a review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2013;27(3):273-8
