The present invention is directed inter alia to the use of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, resveratrol, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenioic acid, rose hip extract/concentrate, hydroxytyrosol, lycopene, lutein, .beta.-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanithin and derivatives thereof, for the treatment of cellulite, for the prevention of the development of mild cellulite, for the prevention of the progression of mild cellulite to severe cellulite, for smoothening the micro relief of the skin, for maintaining or increasing the tensile properties of the skin, and/or for reducing the fat mass and the circumference at the hips and thighs, as well as to the corresponding cosmetic and medical methods.