When you’ve been sick like I’ve been for the past few weeks, it’s hard to find the time or energy to go the gym. Instead, I spent my time noticing my cellulite and wondering why men seemed to have escaped the curse of cellulite that most women bear. To clarify, cellulite is the result of fat cells swelling and distorting connective tissue, causing pockets of fat to push against the skin’s surface to create that distinctive lumpy look.

However, there’s a biological reason for why men rarely get cellulite as much as women. The human bone is normally surrounded by muscle which is covered in a layer of fat that will be turned into energy. Cellulite, a collection of fats that includes lipids, fatty acids, and oils, is crammed in this fat layer directly underneath the skin, giving it a dimply, lumpy appearance. Most men don’t have cellulite because they tend to have more muscle and less body fat than women. Not only that, the skin of women is often thinner than the skin of men, making it easier to notice the fat layer underneath.

Fortunately, one of the best methods to prevent and decrease cellulite is through exercise and reducing consumption of fatty foods. Regular cardio can shrink the fat-cell deposits that make up cellulite. Exercise will not only tone your butt and thighs but can also reduce the amount and appearance of fat so the skin looks smoother. Taking the stairs and doing lunges are especially great cellulite busters. I recommend doing three sets of 12 to 15 reps, while alternating legs.

Thick creams like Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream will trap water and plump up the skin so dimples don’t appear as deep. Look for creams that specifically target cellulite. These creams contain caffeine, a natural anti-cellulite ingredient, which will tighten the skin by constricting blood vessels. Another ingredient to look for is Retin-A, only available by prescription, which thickens the uppermost skin cell layer. Retinol, the over-the-counter alternative, functions similarly.

One of the worst anti-cellulite products I’ve ever tried is Nivea Body Good-bye Cellulite. This gel-like cream promises to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite and smooth out the skin’s uneven lumps within 2 weeks. Yet despite using an entire bottle for one year, this product has failed to visibly reduce my cellulite. In fact, regular exercise has proven more effective. It’s important to note that topical products will not fix cellulite permanently; they can only make the skin look less rippled for a few hours.

For a quick cover-up, try tanning yourself as cellulite tends to be less noticeable on darker skin. The dark color reduces the contrast so bumps are less obvious.

The best natural method for reducing cellulite is maintaining a healthy diet filled with plenty of high fiber fruits and vegetables, as well as drinking hot tea that will help breakdown accumulated lipids. Green tea, in particular, will help burn fat cells and increase metabolism naturally thanks to the catechin polyphenol in green tea. Furthermore, green tea lowers cholesterol and enhances fat oxidation. Lastly, green tea inhibits the movement of glucose in fat cells attributed with obesity. Together, a healthy diet and green tea can improve the overall appearance of cellulite if used daily.

In summary, the best methods for treating cellulite are exercise, proper diet, and thick creams.