No conclusive evidence has been found on whether tattoos cover cellulite. This is mainly due to cellulite and the tattoo ink existing in different layers of the skin. Despite this, you can minimize the visual appearance of cellulite — for example, incorporating the cellulite into the tattoo design.

Let’s dive right into what cellulite actually is. The condition shows as skin that is dimpled and uneven in texture.

Hot spots for the skin condition are most likely to be in the gluteal-femoral regions:

Cellulite occurs when fatty tissue in the skin develops and puts pressure on the connective tissue. Areas of the body such as thighs will typically hold more fat tissue, and so, cellulite can more easily develop here. 

Cellulite is more common in women, and less observed in men. The estrogen hormone breaks down collagen; thus, fat cells move more easily to the skin’s surface. 

Lymphatic microcirculation of adipose tissue could also be to blame. 

Components of a person’s background that could make them more vulnerable to cellulite are:

• Hereditary factors
• Age
• Lifestyle
• Vascular makeup
• Race and ethical background

Can Tattoos Cover Cellulite?

Generally, tattoos will not cover cellulite, at least not entirely. Sorry to disappoint you. 

Why not, though?

The tattoo procedure involves the insertion of permanent ink pigment into the dermal layer of skin. The body then sends its immune system cells to the area, known as macrophages and neutrophils. They’ll phagocytose the foreign matter, and fibroblast helps scar tissue to form.

Cellulite arises due to issues in adipose tissue in the hypodermis layer of skin. The skin will not lose the dimpled, uneven texture of its cellulite as the tattoo pigment lays separate to it.

What About Altering the Visual Appearance of Cellulite?

There is some good news, though.

We all know how visually engaging a tattoo can be. What are you more likely to notice? Someone’s cellulite or a beautiful and colorful tattoo?

We’re sure the majority of you are more likely to focus on the tat rather than cellulite. So, although getting a tattoo won’t remove or cover up the cellulite, it can distract one’s eye.

The impact of this on someone’s self-esteem can be significant. Although cellulite is a perfectly natural biological situation, we appreciate that it can affect an individual’s self-confidence.

Using Color to Distort the Skin Appearance

Sure, a black-ink tattoo can go some lengths to alter the mottled appearance of the skin where cellulite is present. However, a blend of colored ink in the cellulite area can visually alter the appearance of the skin.

Again, the tattoo doesn’t cover up the cellulite, but vibrant colors will change the apparent color of the skin.

Using Cellulite as Part of Artwork

If you’ve tried your hardest to remove cellulite in a certain area of your body and it just won’t budge, think about including that area into a tattoo.

Perhaps you’ve already thought of getting a tattoo in this area. If so, this could be the perfect time to get your inkwork done.

Use your booking appointment to discuss the prospect of enveloping your cellulite with some artwork. If you’re struggling for ideas, your artist may be able to suggest something from their stock designs.

Something we’ve encountered is using the cellulite area as part of the blossoming part of a tree.

For some, combining the cellulite area of the body with a tattoo is a way of embracing their body and providing more body-image confidence. Bravo to them, we say!

Does Cellulite Need to Be Covered?

Cellulite is an unpreventable skin condition that can cause great self-consciousness and irritation. Thus, many people try to have it removed.

It’s important to remember that cellulite is perfectly natural and causes no harm to your physical health. Nevertheless, it’s the individual’s decision whether they would like to keep it or try to remove it.

The Different Types of Cellulite

You may believe that cellulite comes in one simple form alone. There are, however, three different types:

• Solid
• Flaccid
• Edematous

Solid Cellulite

This is a rather rigid type of cellulite, hence the name. It’s common on the hips and thighs and is associated with the term ‘orange peel.’ Dimpling can be painful, and the skin becomes tight.

Flaccid Cellulite

Flaccid cellulite is a type more linked with sagging skin. You’ll also usually notice it more when lying horizontally.

It can be gelatinous and almost corrugated in its appearance and can come from weight gain.

Edematous Cellulite

Edematous cellulite is provoked by bad circulation and fluid retention in your body and is common in the lower body.

Treatments for Covering or Removing Cellulite

No treatment can fully erase the cellulite skin condition, but investing in an effective treatment can reduce it. 

Professional Treatments

Although you may not be able to cover your cellulite skin condition with tattoos, professional treatments are available: 

• Cellulite suction
• Radiofrequency energy
• Laser treatment 
• Endermologie
• Bio-dermology
• Ionithermie
• Velashape®
• Cellfina®

Home Remedies 

Clothing

You could find your answer to cellulite reduction in macom®. The brand supplies compression garments for clinical purposes throughout the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA.

Its anti-cellulite CRYSTALSMOOTH® range claims to promote cellulite treatment results and increase lymphatic drainage.

Tanning

Use a self-tanner to darken your skin tone, in turn, making your cellulite less visible. 

Bioactive Collagen Peptide 

Collagen peptides could help to minimize cellulite. A study testing its effectiveness saw a decrease in cellulite and skin corrugation in the participants. This came with an increase in dermal density. 

Dry Brushing 

Dry brushing could help to combat the cellulite skin condition by promoting lymphatic drainage.

Drink More Water

Drinking a higher amount of water can help to maintain lymphatic fluid balance. 

Botanical Extracts

Research suggests that botanical extracts could aid in cellulite treatment by reducing fat production. This M3 Naturals massage oil is one of the market leaders in this respect.

Exercise 

Regular physical activity can aid in strengthening muscles, manage weight and improving circulation. This will decrease cellulite appearance. 

Tattoos and Cellulite

Cellulite appears with the growth of fatty tissue in the skin, which places pressure on connective tissue. Unevenness and dimpling in the skin will occur from this.

Unfortunately, tattoos won’t cover it due to its placement in relation to ink particles — cellulite lays further down in the dermis than the ink. All isn’t lost, though. A tattoo can take the attention away from the cellulite, and the two can be combined to embrace your body further.

When you eventually go ahead with getting your dream tattoo, it’s imperative that you always follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare advice closely, and be sure to invest in a high-quality tattoo healing lotion to aid recovery.

The best tattoo lotion I’ve ever personally used is a vegan-friendly aftercare product called After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion. This stuff works amazingly well during the healing process; not only by keeping your tattoo really well hydrated, but also by soothing any annoying itching and irritation. When using it from the very start of the healing process, this lotion will help to decrease tattoo healing times, and work towards eliminating any lingering dryness and scabbing.​