Unsightly lumps and bumps can turn you off from wearing skirts, bathing suits, shorts and other leg-baring styles. If you think you’ve tried everything to rid yourself of cellulite, you might wonder if it’s possible to lose those lumps for good. The answer is yes…and no. Before we launch into the wonder potions that claim to rid you of cellulite, it’s important to point out the fact that no matter how slender you are, if you are genetically predisposed to have cellulite, then nothing may work to get rid of it entirely. But the good news is most anyone can reduce its appearance with diet and exercise. Cellulite is just fat, plain and simple, after all. If you’re tempted to try a cream or other potion, be aware that certain ingredients work to minimize the appearance of cellulite – but there’s no way these creams penetrate the skin to melt it away. Some products use caffeine to firm skin, because caffeine works to tighten blood vessels. Retinol is another ingredient that helps firm skin and restores greater circulation to the skin.

Look for alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to remove the superficial layer of dead skin cells, making skin look newer and fresher. A few highly rated creams on the market include Bliss’s Fat Girl Slim, which incorporates caffeine. The company offers a “FatGirlSlimulator” – basically, a flat, rubber applicator that is supposed to help loosen cellulite and promote drainage of excess fluids. Bliss’s anti-celllulite products get high marks in online reviews, as do other high-end (read: expensive) brands. However, drugstore brands fare a bit worse – the reviews are mixed for Almay, Olay and Nivea, the most popular inexpensive brands of anti-cellulite cream. And forget about patches – testers who use those report disappointing results. When it comes to anti-cellulite treatments, it boils down to not looking for a genie in a bottle. Use those products in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise, and you should see results.