Do Cellulite Creams Work?

The truth about Anti Cellulite Creams

So, do they really work? The simple answer is 'yes' and 'no'! Most of the anti cellulite products on the market are good for the quick fix option but the effects are not long lasting. If you truly want to get rid of your cellulite dimples you'll need to start a course of 'anti cellulite exercises' or workouts.

The number of products on the market is growing rapidly but there seems to be little real reasearch around the effectiveness of these creams. A number of unbiased studies have been carried out and most, if not all, have stated that the use of anti cellulite creams and lotions is not, in itself, very effective as a longer term solution.

How do the Creams work?

Contrary to popular belief, the application of these creams doesn’t actually cure your cellulite. The applications are designed to plump up your skin but the results are only temporary. Most users have reported having smoother skin for only a few hours - once they stopped using the cream the cellulite comes back.

When compared to other moisturisers, cellulite creams can be pretty expensive with the highest prices costing somewhere between three to four times the price of a regular moisturising cream.

If you decide that you want to use a cream here's a couple of tips:

• Read the packaging before you buy! In general, the production of anti cellulite creams are not regulated pharmaceutical control boards. The labelling may not be accurate, so read it and then do some research before you buy


• For the best results, apply the cream at night. Your skin will more easily absord the cream which gives the active ingredients a better chance of workgin

Want to know what's in the creams? Here's some the ingredients and a description of what they do.

Aminophylline

Most cellulite creams contain aminophylline. This active ingredient acts muscle relaxant and is most commonly used as an asthma medication.

Creams containng these ingredients are advertised as aids to breaking down fat cells in the anti cellulite treatment. A recent study has shown that the aminophylline cream does not actually get into your blood stream which means it cannot break down fat cells.

Two other studies suggest that there is a marked reduction in the appearance of cellulite after using an aminophylline-based cream.

Confusing results, I know. If you do decide to try out this option, keep it away from heat and use it quickly.

Retinoids

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are used in many anti wrinkle treatments. They work by improving the thickness of your epidermis and incresing the flow of blood to your skin. The effects: a reduction in the appearance of fine wrinkles and rough of facial skin.

There have been no major studies carried out into the effectiveness of retinoids as an anti cellulite treatment. If you plan to buy retinol-based cream only use it night as the active ingredient is ineffective when exposed to light.

Caffeine

Some cellulite creams use caffeine as the active ingredient. There is no current data to suggest that caffeine is effective in dealing with cellulite.