How to Use Essential Oils for Cellulite Reduction

Using essential oils for cellulite may help improve the appearance of the dimpled skin. The dimpling is the result of fat cells under the skin that have enlarged and are pushing up against the skin, while connective cords attaching the skin to the muscle underneath pull down.

While aromatherapy for cellulite can help, a healthy diet and regular exercise are also an important part of any cellulite-reduction efforts. This article gives you massage oil blends, cellulite scrubs, and cellulite baths.

Cellulite Aromatherapy Massage Oils

Massage the following blends containing essential oils for cellulite directly into affected areas. Spot test a blend before applying it to large areas to make sure you don't have a reaction to it. Allow at least 30 days to see results.

Blend #1

• 2 drops fennel essential oil
• 2 drops juniper essential oil
• 5 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops cypress essential oil
• 5 drops bergamot essential oil
• 4 tablespoons carrier oil

Use once a day. (Be aware this essential oil blend doesn't have a pleasant scent.)

Source: Essential Oils & Aromatherapy for Dummies

Blend #2

• 40 drops eucalyptus citriodora essential oil
• 40 drops lemon essential oil
• 40 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 40 drops sage essential oil
• 40 drops cypress essential oil
• 40 drops niaouli essential oil
  
• 7 tablespoons hazelnut oil

Use two or three times a day for 30 days.

Source: Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy

Blend #3

• 4 drops pine essential oil
• 4 drops juniper essential oil
• 4 drops fennel essential oil
• 4 drops lime essential oil
• 4 drops thyme essential oil
• 4 teaspoons carrier oil

Use one to three times a day.

Source: 500 Formulas For Aromatherapy

Blend #4

• 3 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 3 drops patchouli essential oil
• 4 drops cypress essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 1/4 teaspoon carrier oil

Massage 3 to 6 drops of the mixture vigorously on areas of cellulite at least three times a day.

Source: Essential Oils Desk Reference

Learn more about massage for cellulite.

Cellulite Scrubs

Another way to use essential oils for cellulite is to make a scrub. To use the following scrub, massage a little of it into clean skin using circular motions, focusing on areas of cellulite. Also, massage your legs for at least five minutes using strong, flowing strokes that start at your feet and move upwards to your hips. Rinse off the scrub using warm water.

• 1 cup freshly ground coffee
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sea salt
• 1/2 cup almond oil
• A few drops essential oil of choice
• Clean, dark jar with tight-fitting lid

1. Mix the coffee, sugar, and salt together.
2. Pour in the almond oil and stir until well mixed.
3. Spoon the scrub into the jar.
4. Store in a cool, dry, dark place. This scrub will keep for about 4 weeks.

Adapted from EcoBeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, and Bath Bombs

Cellulite Salt Scrub

• 5 drops cypress essential oil
• 7 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 3 drops patchouli essential oil
• 1 cup sea salt
• 1/2 cup jojoba oil

Blend all ingredients and use as a scrub on area of cellulite. Store unused potion in a dark, glass container in a cool, dry place.

Source: Floracopeia

Cellulite Reduction Baths

Bath #1

• 3 drops juniper essential oil
• 3 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 drop black pepper essential oil
• 1 teaspoon carrier oil
• 1/4 cup Epsom salt
• 1/4 cup sea salt

Combine oils. Stir blend into the salts. Add to warm bath.
Adapted from Massage & Aromatherapy: Simple Techniques to Use at Home

Bath #2

• 3 drops lemon essential oil
  
• 3 drops cypress essential oil 
  
• 3 drops orange essential oil
• 5 drops juniper essential oil
• 1 teaspoon carrier oil
  
• 2 tablespoons Epsom salt 

1. Combine the oils. Stir the blend into the salt. 
2. Add the mixture to warm bath water.
3. Repeat 2 to 4 times a week. For even more benefit, massage the areas of cellulite after the bath.

Adapted from Essential Oils Desk Reference

Another option is to add 4 to 5 drops of any of these essential oils (diluted in 1 teaspoon carrier oil) to a bath: cypress, geranium, juniper, and mandarin.

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Photo Credit: tata_aka_T from Tokyo, JAPAN (Gazing) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons