More than 80% of women have cellulite, often despite being of a healthy weight. In a bid to get rid of the dimpled, orange peel look of cellulite, many women turn to cellulite creams. There is a bewildering array of products on the market, but which one of the lotions and potions can be considered the best cellulite cream?
Cellulite creams all work in the same way: they act to smooth and tighten skin, as well as to relieve water retention. It is important to understand that there are some differences between cellulite creams, and not just in their prices, which can be exorbitant. The greatest difference between creams is in terms of their active ingredients. Many cellulite creams contain caffeine, or a caffeine-derivative, which is included to boost circulation to and the metabolism of the cells in the area of cream application. Enhanced metabolic rate means that fat is burned faster and cellulite is reduced. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that it can also reduce water retention, which is also blamed for exacerbating cellulite.
Some of the best cellulite creams contain collagen, which is intended to improve the skins elasticity and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Retinol is also included in many cellulite creams and acts by penetrating the skin and stimulating collagen production. You may also find cellulite creams that contain dimethylaminoethyl (DMAE), which is an antioxidant derived from fish. This ingredient, in combination with other amino acids, is intended to enhance muscle contraction and hence firm body contours.
In addition to their manufactured counterparts, there are also herbal cellulite creams that may be considered some of the best cellulite creams on the market, if you prefer a more natural approach to cellulite reduction. The active ingredients in these products tend to be citric, tartaric and phytic acids, which are derived from fruits and plants. Herbal cellulite creams, like their cosmetic counterparts, act to firm and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Although many cosmetics companies, such as Clarins, Chanel and Estee Lauder market some form of skin-firming, cellulite-reducing creams, a company called Hydroderm has a dedicated range of products that aim to promote younger, healthier skin. The active ingredients in Hydroderm products include marine collagen and Vyo-serum, a natural protein concentrate. Tri-dimensional proteins contained in the Vyo-serum cause the surface of the skin to retract, causing instant skin tightening. Marine collagen has a lower molecular weight than natural collagen, allowing it to more easily penetrate the skin, meaning that its skin-firm and elasticity-promoting properties are more widespread than products that contain other forms of collagen.
Regardless of the type of cellulite cream you choose, and the active ingredients it contains, you will need to use it regularly and for an extended period to see an effect. You should remember that exercise and a healthy diet can also reduce cellulite, and that a cellulite cream is just one prong in your defense against the hail-damaged skin that many women hate.