We’ve written a lot about proper diet as a method for long term cellulite removal. But what if you don’t have time?
What can I do for cellulite treatment right now!?
One of the most effective non-diet methods for cellulite removal is also likely the most convenient, topical creams. Creams help cellulite removal by attacking it where it lies, directly under the skin. Specialized creams are designed to encourage cell circulation, liquefy fat, and mobilize toxins and fluid.
Today’s creams are effective for cellulite treatment via one or more of the following key ingredients in their formula:
(1) retinoids; vitamin A or retinol
(2) hydroxy acids, lactic acid, salicylic acid or glycolic acid;
(3) botanical extracts, seaweed, green tea, algae, juniper berry, orange peel, etc.
(4) xanthines, caffeine, theophylline or theobromine
The retinoids are included in cellulite treatments for their ability to improve the firmness and elasticity that is typically lacking with cellulite. Hydroxy acids have been proven effective in smoothing the outermost layer of the epidermis, and are found in most skin care products.
Likewise, the botanicals cited above are also used to get rid of cellulite by toning and tightening your skin. They may provide a double benefit due to their stimulating properties. Many botanicals are used for cellulite removal for their ability to improve venous and lymphatic capillaries could help accelerate the elimination of cellular toxins while promoting resorption of local edema or swelling.
The newest ingredients on the scene for cellulite treatment are the xanthine compounds, caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. These stimulant / antioxidants have been reported to initiate fat breakdown at the cellular level by stimulating lipase.
Remember from our introduction that a fat cell’s key function is to provide an energy source for the body. The triglycerides stored in the fat cells are constantly renewed by an ongoing process of fat breakdown
(triglycerides break down to -> glycerol + fatty acids)
and fat build-up
(glycerol + fatty acids build -> triglycerides)
This process is regulated not only by the supply of fatty acids, lipoproteins, and glycerol, but is controlled by several enzymes including lipase. When lipase activity is stimulated, so is fat breakdown.
Caffeine, when delivered properly via a creme with a liposomal base, does a wonderful job stimulating lipase. This is in addition to it already well known anti-cellulite attributes: antioxidant, vasoconstrictor, and diuretic properties. When choosing a cellulite cream here are 3 things to compare:
- High caffeine content (The amount of fat burning activity is directly related to the concentration)
- Quality source of caffeine (Preferably extracted from guarana for higher activity)
- Effective delivery system (lipsomal bases have shown greatest penetration in studies)