Centella asiatica (gotu kola) is one of the most important herbs for skincare and skin diseases, due to its multifunctional action. This review summarises the main modes of action of gotu kola on multiple aesthetic and medical skin conditions: acne, acne scars, burns, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, fibrosis, hair loss and cellulite…
Do cellulite creams work? Facts vs marketing hype.
In a previous article we have discussed the differences, merits and drawbacks of cellulite creams vs cellulite treatments. On this article we are focusing a bit more on why a good, concentrated, multi-ingredient cellulite cream can play an important role in cellulite reduction, more than what most women assume.
Fibrosis, cellulite and fibrous cellulite: what is the connection?
Fibrosis is one of the most important aspects of cellulite, together with fat accumulation, water retention, inflammation and skin laxity. Fibrosis in cellulite refers to excess accumulation and contraction of collagen in the skin ligaments (retinaculae, also known as septae) that connect skin with the fascia underneath. Fibrosis occurs at the deepest skin layer called the hypodermis…
EGCG from green tea: an essential anti-cellulite cream active
Green tea is widely researched for it lipolytic, skin firming, microcirculation-boosting, ani-inflammatory, anti-glycation, antifibrotic and antioxidant action, i.e. it directly acts on all seven aspects of cellulite. The health benefits of green tea are due to its polyphenol content, especially EGCG. EGCG, or EpiGalloCatechin Gallate, is the most important active molecule in the green tea plant (camellia sinensis) and it is widely researched with literally thousands of studies.
Is it the cellulite cream itself, or massaging it into the skin, that works?
Is it the cellulite cream that works or the massaging action by which the cream is applied? This is the natural evolution of “creams don’t get absorbed” idea. If creams do not get absorbed and yet people are happy with them, that means that something else works, other than the cream. And what else can that be than massaging the cream into the skin? Makes sense, right? Well, let’s look at the facts…
What exactly is an anti-cellulite cream?
So this is what makes a cellulite cream: a fast absorbable cream formulation with - ideally a high concentration of) anti-cellulite active ingredients in it. It’s as simple as that. Without anti-cellulite active ingredients - or with very little in the way of active ingredients - we are talking about a simple body moisturiser. I am sorry to break it to you, but 99% of the so-called cellulite creams on the market are exactly that, basically a body moisturiser…
For a cellulite cream to work, you have to use it (sounds obvious, right?)
Indeed most cellulite creams do not work. Most cellulite creams are diluted junk, with little or no active anti-cellulite ingredients in them and are designed, manufactured and marketed for one reason: maximum profit. So even if you apply them religiously they do not have a chance in hell to work. Most people do not change their habits that initially led to the creation of cellulite and expect the cellulite cream to do all the work. Again, under these circumstances, even if you apply your cream religiously it will not work. And many people only use their cellulite cream from time to time. No skincare product, cellulite cream or not, will ever work if you don’t apply it…
Why cocoa flavanols are one of the most important cellulite cream actives
Cocoa flavanols are widely researched for their microcirculation enhancing, collagen protecting, antioxidant, elastin synthesis stimulating and adipose tissue anti-inflammatory action. Cocoa flavanols act directly on four aspects of cellulite. Due to these qualities, cocoa flavanols (purified cocoa extract) is one of the most important skincare actives today for anti-aging, stretch marks, post-liposuction aftercare and anti-cellulite creams…
Cellulite creams: should emphasis be placed on water retention, fat reduction, skin firming of fibrosis?
The four main visual aspects of cellulite are hypodermal fat accumulation, water retention/puffiness, skin looseness and fibrosis. Hypodermal fat accumulation combined with fibrosis is what makes fat globules protrude from the skin surface. Fat pushes up and fibrotic collagen fibres push down, resulting in the mattress effect. Water retention makes cellulite more visible by increasing volume in the hypodermis and dermis. Likewise, loose skin makes it easier for the fat globules to push up…
