Can You Really Get Rid of Cellulite?
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009Ever since females have hit pubery, cellulite has became a problem at one time. Dimply, cottage-cheese like appearance of the skin surrounding the lower limbs, buttocks, and upper thighs are the characteristic signs of cellulite. There has been many different theories as to what causes cellulite, but not concrete conclusion has been reached yet.A lot of anti-cellulite creams are being advertised nowadays, promising to get rid of these unsightly marks. The most pression question that most people have is, “Do these creams actually work”? Most creams boast a combination of caffeine, retinol and the antioxidant DMAE. Let us take a quick look at each of these ingredients and see the role they play in cellulite treatment.
Caffeine, taken orally, seems to increase cellulite probably by impairing circulation and lymph flow. However, applied topically, it is believed to reduce fat content in cells by blocking phosphodiesterase, an enzyme that inhibits fat breakdown. This is dependent on the opinion that cellulite is just clear fat that is situated on the problem areas.
Some cellulite reduction creams contain Retinol, which works to increase blood circulation under the skin and tone its appearance.The retinoid tretinoin has been demonstrated to increase the rate of cell turnover, to increase levels of collagen in the skin, and to antagonize the induction of collagenase, thereby increasing the skin’s elasticity. However, the number of fat cells in retinol-treated areas did not appear to change, indicating that retinol may improve the skin overlying the fat cells, but not the fat itself.
Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE) is an antioxidant derived from fish sources such as sardines and anchovies. When it combines with other amino acids, it supposedly causes muscles to contract and therefore tightens and firms the skin.
As of the present, no scientific study has been showed to clearly and effectively treat cellulite. Most of the products work by improving the appearance of the skin surface, thereby reducing the unsightly appearance of the dimples and bumps. Unfortunately, the cause of cellulite is still a mystery to most researchers.