Anti-cellulite cream: how it works

The answer to this question will be unambiguously positive if you add proper nutrition, regular exercise, massage and hardware procedures to a tube of anti-cellulite remedy. But seriously, yes, cellulite cream does work. We tell you how it works and help you find the best one, according to the editors of Healthy-Food.

How anti-cellulite cream works on the skin

The action of cellulite creams can be called bidirectional.

  1. They stimulate blood and lymph flow.

  2. They act on fat cells – provide lipolysis.

They include substances that can have a similar effect when applied externally.

Not too pronounced cellulite (stages I-II) is quite possible to correct with the help of anti-cellulite products, provided they are used correctly. Moreover, a good effect may well be quite fast (but not faster than two weeks!).

Types of creams for cellulite

There are four main types of anti-cellulite products. Which one is better – you will determine for yourself, having understood the method of application.

Massage

Although there is a joke that only a massage therapist loses weight from massage, in fact, this is not entirely true. In the fight against cellulite (which, by the way, is not directly related to excess weight), massage is one of the best means. And of course, a special cream will significantly enhance the result.

The main thing is that the packaging should indicate: suitable for massage. Not every anti-cellulite product is suitable for these purposes in terms of texture.

Warming up

The thermal effect, when the body “bakes”, indicates a local increase in blood circulation, which is useful and even necessary to speed up the metabolism in skin cells.

  • On the one hand, such heating makes the skin more receptive to the active substances in the composition of the product.

  • On the other hand, it stimulates lymph flow by itself.

The warming effect is usually achieved with the help of caffeine, algae extracts and some spices.

Anti-cellulite creams with an emphasis on a warming effect are aimed at breaking down fats in problem areas.

Our test will tell you which body care products are right for you.

Cooling

The main ingredients here are camphor, mint, green tea extract, horse chestnut. They work to increase the outflow of excess fluid and reduce swelling, strengthen blood vessels and capillaries to improve blood circulation in problem areas. More often, ingredients with lymphatic drainage action are successfully combined with fat-burning ones, so exclusively cooling anti-cellulite creams are less common.

Massage with ice cubes, and even with some mint, will have a tonic effect on the skin.

Wrap creams

Such creams are usually referred to as “wraps”. They may have a thicker consistency and do not have to be completely absorbed – much like face masks. The composition often includes the same ingredients as other anti-cellulite products – caffeine, essential oils, algae. A warming effect, a cooling effect, and even a combination of them is possible.

How to make a home wrap:

  • the skin is thoroughly cleansed using a scrub (for exfoliation, as well as stimulating microcirculation), for example, “Precious Beauty Scrub”, Garnier or Bath Therapy Invigorating Blend, Biotherm;

  • massage problem areas with energetic movements;

  • put on them generously composition for wrapping;

  • wrapped in foil;

  • lie from 20 to 60 minutes under a warm blanket.

Then this languor “in its own juice” can be stopped, the film can be unwound and the composition washed off. It is clear that in such a compress, the wrapped areas begin to sweat actively, which enhances the withdrawal of liquid, but it is quite difficult to pleasantly wrap yourself in a cling film at home. Moreover, it is assumed that during the procedure the skin will be baked or cooled.

On the Internet, it is sometimes recommended to use any anti-cellulite remedy as a wrapping cream. Do not do this, because anti-cellulite cream or gel is designed to apply a small amount of the product and rub it into the skin. The application of a thick layer of the active composition for a long time, and even pressed with a tight film, can provoke an undesirable skin reaction.

It is not worth counting on 40 minutes of torment in the film to solve the problem of cellulite. 10 sessions are considered effective. But all this works only in combination with physical activity, massage (self-massage), reasonable nutrition and skin and figure care – only such an integrated approach can be considered a full-fledged anti-cellulite program.

Rating of the best cellulite creams

Let’s make a reservation right away: an anti-cellulite remedy is not necessarily a cream. New textures often make it possible to enhance certain properties of ingredients, as well as increase their effectiveness. We are happy to share the best, according to the editors of Healthy-Food, options.

Firming Body Butter “Ultra Elasticity”, Garnier

A mixture of citrus essential oils and base oils of various germinated seeds helps to stimulate lipolysis, lymphatic drainage, improves skin tone and elasticity. Daily massage for 2 weeks visibly smoothes the skin, removes the appearance of cellulite.

Concentrate to reduce visible cellulite Celluli Eraser, Biotherm

Algae extract combined with caffeine create a powerful fat-burning, draining and tightening effect. The volume of the hips is reduced, the skin is smoothed. The product has a light texture and a pleasant aroma. Apply 1-2 times a day with vigorous massaging movements. The result is visible after 2 weeks and lasts for a month after stopping the use of the concentrate.

Skin tightening body cream, Firm Corrector, Biotherm

Anti-cellulite care requires application twice a day. The application of the cream also implies a rather active massage of problem areas. With regular use, the effect is noticeable after two weeks – the skin becomes smoother and toned.

Body oil to give elasticity to the skin Body Refirm Stretch Oil, Biotherm

Tones and strengthens the skin of the body, makes it more elastic, toned and elastic. Suitable as massage oil for anti-cellulite massage.

Firming body emulsion Skin Fitness Firming Recovery Body Emulsion, Biotherm

The emulsion contains cooling camphor, recommended for body skin care after training (after a shower, of course) for a tonic effect and elasticity.

How to choose a weight loss cream (and does it exist)

In order to avoid disappointment, the first step in choosing a “slimming” cream is to realize that the cream will not solve the problem. It can be an assistant, but will not ensure the process of losing weight without active actions, which include massage and physical activity, as well as updating the diet. Even the use of a night cream for weight loss (and it turns out that there are such, at least Italian researchers write about it here) will not replace daytime activity and a reasonable lifestyle.

Composition

There are main characters that are presented in many weight loss / volume reduction products, as well as orange peel:

  • L-carnitine;

  • caffeine;

  • essential oils (camphor, cinnamon, etc.)

  • seaweed;

  • forskolin;

  • arnica etc.

Effect

Some of these components are lipolytics – fat destroyers. But do not be particularly deceived: creams, any cosmetics act on the epidermis, fat deposits are much deeper. Only by warming up the skin, activating lymphatic drainage and blood circulation, it is possible to influence the subcutaneous fat. Therefore, all such cosmetics require active massage during application.

In a word, lipolytic cosmetics are the icing on the cake in the process of losing weight, not the main element. But to keep the skin in good shape, make the skin more elastic and even really reduce the volume a little, for example, such creams and oils of the thighs, of course, can. And this is even proven by research, but requires the daily use of appropriate cosmetics for a minimum of 4 weeks.

Rules for the use of anti-cellulite creams

Anti-cellulite cream, even the best, cannot be simply applied as a regular skin care product. Anti-cellulite cosmetics itself acts energetically, and makes users become more energetic.

Apply the anti-cellulite product in an upward circular motion from the ankles to the knees and thighs.

For a noticeable improvement in the result, fitness is good. Vichy medical expert Elena Eliseeva explains how to make anti-cellulite cosmetics as effective as possible: “Sometimes anti-cellulite products are advised to be applied before training, especially if the composition is thermoactive – includes camphor or pepper extract. This will improve blood circulation and accelerate metabolism in the subcutaneous fat.

Apply the cream with vigorous massaging movements, continue self-massage for several minutes.

Safety measures

  • Anti-cellulite creams are not intended for body wraps, unless specifically indicated in the annotation.

  • Active lipolysis (destruction of fats) is difficult in the second half of the menstrual cycle. During this period, procedures, as well as anti-cellulite creams, especially warming ones, may not be very effective.

  • Anti-cellulite products should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  • The ingredients of effective anti-cellulite products can cause individual intolerance, so the product must be tested before use.

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