Scientific Evidence

The whole is based on the study by Ricolfi et al. (2024) from PubMed (PMID: 39063608 ) and supplemented with other studies from the scientific literature on the effect of compression clothing on microcirculation, cellulite and skin appearance.

Scientifically proven effects of micromassage and compression

More and more research indicates that compression garments with a micro-massage function can support microcirculation, reduce swelling and improve skin condition in areas prone to cellulite.
One of the latest studies published in 2024 in the journal Life confirms these observations.

Clinical study by Ricolfi et al. (2024)

Title: Micromassage Compression Leggings Associated with Physical Exercise: Pilot Study in Lipedema Women
Source: Life (Basel). 2024;14(7):857.
PMID: 39063608

Objective:

Assessment of the effect of compression leggings with a micromassage function used in conjunction with physical activity in women with lipedema (a fatty tissue disease similar in appearance to cellulite).

Results:

  • Reduction in subcutaneous tissue (SAT) and skin thickness at multiple measurement points of the lower limbs.

  • Improvement of subjective sensations : less feeling of pain, tension and heaviness in the legs.

  • Local effect — changes occurred without significant weight loss , suggesting the mechanical effect of micromassage and compression, not general fat loss.

  • No side effects , high level of acceptance of use by the subjects.

Authors' conclusion:

“Combining physical activity with wearing micromassage leggings may provide significant benefits in reducing the thickness of subcutaneous tissue and skin in women with lipedema, supporting conservative treatment of the disease.”
(Ricolfi et al., 2024, Life, 14(7):857)

Additional scientific research supporting the effects of compression on skin appearance

  1. Chesney et al., 2004 – Randomized, Double-Blind Study on Anti-Cellulite Stockings

    • Women wearing compression stockings for 4 weeks reported improved skin appearance and a reduction in the appearance of cellulite compared to the control group.

    • Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(12 Pt 2):1687–1691.

    • DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30517.x

  2. Lorenzi et al., 2013 – Far-Infrared Emitting Compression Garments

    • Infrared (FIR) reflective compression garments have been shown to improve microcirculation and reduce cellulite symptoms .

    • Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2013;37(2):461–468.

    • DOI: 10.1007/s00266-012-0047-1

  3. Beliard et al., 2015 – Systematic Review of Compression Garments in Sports

    • Review of 32 studies – confirmed the effect of compression on better venous circulation , removal of metabolites and tissue regeneration , which may indirectly support the appearance of the skin.

    • SportsMed. 2015;45(4):483–512.

    • DOI: 10.1007/s40279-014-0280-8

What does this mean for your skin?

  • Micro-massage caused by the movement of the material during walking and exercise can gently stimulate microcirculation and lymph flow.

  • Graduated compression can support the removal of excess fluids and waste products from subcutaneous tissues.

  • As a result, when used regularly and combined with exercise, it can lead to improved smoothness, firmness and appearance of the skin in areas where cellulite most often occurs (thighs, buttocks, hips).

Scientific sources:

  1. Riclfi S, et al. Micromassage Compression Leggings Associated with Physical Exercise: Pilot Study in Lipedema Women. Life (Basel). 2024;14(7):857. PMID: 39063608

  2. Chesney A, et al. Evaluation of the Effect of Compression Stockings in the Treatment of Cellulite. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(12 Pt 2):1687–1691.

  3. Lorenzi B, et al. Effect of Far-Infrared Emitting Garments on Skin Appearance and Microcirculation. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2013;37(2):461–468.

  4. Beliard S, et al. Effects of Compression Garments on Recovery in Sports: A Systematic Review. SportsMed. 2015;45(4):483–512.