For countless individuals, dealing with cellulite is an ongoing battle.

These persistent dimples and dents on the thighs and rear can resist the effects of diet, exercise, juice cleanses, and an array of creams that promise miraculous results.

However, the answer might not be found in jars of caffeine-loaded lotions or expensive retinol treatments that vow to firm the skin.

Emerging studies indicate that a daily supplement made from the bark of the French maritime pine tree might offer a more effective cellulite solution than many topical products, with noticeable improvements within three months.

In a 90-day trial, participants taking a daily 150mg dose of French maritime pine bark extract (FMPBE) experienced a significant reduction in cellulite severity, thigh circumference, and skin roughness, alongside enhanced skin smoothness for women with moderate cellulite.

The efficacy of this extract lies in its unique composition. Known commercially as Pycnogenol, FMPBE is loaded with procyanidins, powerful antioxidants renowned for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Research suggests the extract boosts circulation by protecting endothelial cells. That matters because poor microcirculation (sluggish blood flow) can lead to fluid retention and structural breakdown in skin, both linked to cellulite.

Dr Elie Levine, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, told the Daily Mail that these findings are promising for the millions of women who have tried futilely to beat cellulite with topical products.  

New research suggests that a daily supplement made from French maritime pine bark may reduce cellulite more effectively than many topical treatments, with visible results in as little as three months

‘It is ill-advised to expect topical products to substantially improve cellulite for any lasting period of time,’ he said. ‘In fact, topical products at best can create effects of swelling that may camouflage or hide cellulite, but they cannot directly address the source.’ 

Ultimately, topical products are not able to penetrate the fibrous bands beneath the skin that cause cellulite deeply enough to have any significant impact. 

‘Cellulite is one of those things people keep trying to treat from the surface, and it just doesn’t really work like that,’ integrative wellness expert Sydney Sajadi told the Daily Mail. ‘It’s deeper.

‘So the idea of something oral having an effect actually makes more sense than another cream.’ 

Pycnogenol, available over the counter at about $75 for 60 pills – around $1.25 per capsule – is said to work because it claims to support the skin’s structure from the inside. 

Previous research has pointed to its ability to boost hyaluronic acid and collagen. Hyaluronic acid is the molecule that acts like a sponge, holding water in the skin to maintain plumpness and elasticity.

It has been shown in multiple studies to improve endothelial function, or the health of the cells lining blood vessels, which is crucial for blood flow. 

Better circulation means better nutrient delivery to skin tissue and more efficient removal of fluid that can exacerbate dimpling.

Chronic low-grade inflammation can degrade collagen and weaken connective tissue over time. Pycnogenol has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in multiple studies.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in the journal Phytomedicine Plus, followed 60 women between the ages of 25 and 45 with moderate cellulite. It took place between November 2021 and February 2022.

Pycnogenol (the brand shown was not the one used by researchers) is available over the counter like any other dietary supplement. This means that the FDA does not regulate it for safety or efficacy 

All the women studied had moderate cellulite as determined using a scale that measures the number of depressed lesions, depth of depressions, appearance of skin surface alterations, skin flaccidity and overall cellulite grade.

Women were excluded if they were pregnant, nursing or had used any dermatological drugs, cosmetic products targeting cellulite or nutritional supplements in the weeks before the study.

Participants were randomly split into two groups of 30. 

The treatment group took 150mg of FMPBE daily – roughly the amount found in some commercially available supplements – in the form of one 50mg capsule in the morning and two 500mg capsules in the evening, with meals. 

The placebo group took identical-looking capsules containing only plant-derived maltodextrin, an inactive filler.

The 150mg daily dose was chosen based on previous research demonstrating its effectiveness in improving endothelial function and microcirculation.

The four images on the left are of two women who took a placebo on day zero and day 84. The images on the right show the difference that the pine bark extract made in two women from day zero to day 84

Researchers measured outcomes at the start of the study, and then again at four weeks, eight weeks and 12 weeks using the Hexsel Cellulite Severity Score graded by three independent experts. 

They measured thigh circumference via tape measure and skin roughness and smoothness using a device that analyzes skin structure.

After 90 days, the differences were significant. Women taking FMPBE saw a 13.6 percent reduction in cellulite severity, compared to negligible changes in the placebo group.

Dr Elie Levine, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, told the Daily Mail that, at best, topical creams create swelling that may temporarily camouflage cellulite, but they cannot directly address the source

Their upper thigh circumference shrank by an average of 2.07 centimeters, more than double the reduction seen in those taking the placebo. Skin roughness improved by 32 percent while skin smoothness increased by more than 11 percent.

No adverse effects were reported.

But before you rush out to snatch up a bottle, experts urge people to maintain realistic expectations. 

While systemic approaches make more sense, they still aren’t ‘transformative on their own,’ said Dr Rupert Critchley, a plastic surgeon who owns the London-based Viva Clinic. 

‘You’re looking at gradual, modest improvement over a few months.’ 

In addition to creams and pills, advances in technology have opened the door to more effective treatments for cellulite performed by a doctor. 

Levine swears by Aveli, a treatment that involves inserting a tiny hook under the skin to physically cut the fibrous bands that cause the look of cellulite, ‘and I can actually see the skin smooth out in real time.’

Depending on the patient, this may be done alone, combined with radiofrequency-assisted liposuction, or followed by microfat transfer to fill deeper depressions.

‘Just like so many other modalities,’ Levine said, ‘I find that a multifaceted approach benefits patients the most.’