What Do Anti-Cellulite Creams Do?

Anti-cellulite creams are all about their ingredients. There are many topical creams that purport to reduce cellulite, but in actuality they are simply glorified skin moisturizers.  These lotions are totally unproductive when it comes to eliminating cellulite, but some are pretty good moisturizers. There are certain tried and true ingredients that are a must if you are looking for an effective anti-cellulite cream.

Important Anti-Cellulite Ingredients

Aminophylline was initially developed as a treatment for the management of asthma. Its primary role was as a broncho-dilator. When aminophylline is topically applied to the skin, in an anti-cellulite cream, it boosts the rate in which fats in the fat cells are converted into fatty acids. Fatty acids are readily removed from the body, which will, in turn, decrease the size of the fat cells in the dermis. This reduces the pressure on the skin as the fat cells shrink which removes the dimples, or “cottage cheese” look that is the hallmark of cellulite.

Alpha-hydroxy acids or AHA’s, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, can help to improve the skin’s texture. They strengthen the skin by accelerating the skins ability to regenerate itself. This allows the body to quickly slough off dead skin and brings new supple skin to the surface quicker.

Caffeine has long been known as an essential ingredient in reducing the “cottage cheese” look of cellulite. Caffeine, when topically applied to the skin,  increases blood flow and breaks down fat deposits. It is important to note that caffeine that is ingested has almost the complete opposite effect.  Coffee grounds were placed on the skin to treat cellulite long before anti cellulite creams became popular. When caffeine is ingested into the body,  it tends to reduce blood flow by constricting the veins.

Citric acid is an herbal extract which is regularly used to tone the skin and improve its suppleness.

Retinoids are  derivatives of vitamin A. These can only be used at night because they are damaged and lose their value in the presence of sunlight. The jury is still out on the retinoid family. These chemicals are believed to improve blood circulation and increase the flow of blood to the dermis and the epidermis. They can also help to make the skin feel smoother.

Some critics deny that retinoids can increase blood flow, while others have reported excellent results from using creams that contain retinoids.

Buyer Beware!

Before you purchase an anti-cellulite cream, you need to verify that it contains the main ingredients that we have just discussed. The better lotions and creams contain all of the ingredients in different proportions.  The higher the concentration of these ingredients, the better the lotion or cream will perform its stated task of eliminating cellulite.

These ingredients are necessary if you are to achieve your goal, which should be to eliminate the excess fat that causes the dimpling and the “cottage cheese” appearance of cellulite. Your goal should be to enhance the consistency and the suppleness of the skin while strengthening the skin.  The right anti-cellulite cream will diminish the denting, bumpy effect that can be created by cellulite while generating strengthened, smoother skin through increased blood flow to the dermis.

Anti-cellulite creams can be extremely effective when coupled with a low fat diet and vigorous physical exercise.  By changing your lifestyle habits, you open the door to a healthier and happier you!