Does cellulite cream help: a review for those who have not yet understood the issue (+ ways to increase the effectiveness of the products)

Getting rid of cellulite with the help of a cream is the dream of many. It is much easier to apply some product to the skin than to exhaust yourself in the gym and sit on strict diets. It is important to say right away that cream alone will not help get rid of the “orange peel.” In any case, you will have to follow a number of rules:

• drink enough fluids;
• avoid junk food;
• do not neglect sports;
• eliminate stress, get rid of worries.

Only under such conditions will an external effect on the “orange peel” bring good results. Now let’s try to figure out which creams help against cellulite, which product is better to choose, and how you can enhance its effect.

We advise you to study: “The best exercises for cellulite: for the abdomen, buttocks and thighs (+ other secrets of getting rid of the “orange peel”).”

What are anti-cellulite creams

Anti-cellulite cream is one of the cosmetic products that, thanks to active ingredients, fight the causes of such a defect as cellulite.

Cellulite is a problem primarily affecting women and is more common in overweight people, but can also be present in very thin women. The reasons are water retention and poor peripheral circulation.

From an aesthetic point of view, cellulite is the swelling of a part of the body, leading to the formation of skin known as “orange peel”, i.e. with unsightly indentations. It most often affects the hips, waist, buttocks and abdomen, but can appear in any area of ​​the body that has fatty tissue.

many anti-cellulite creams available on the market that are aimed at reducing swelling. In order to understand the effectiveness and functionality of such products, it is helpful to look at the causes of cellulite.

Causes that lead to cellulite

As we have already said, the main cause of cellulite is poor circulation , mainly inside the capillaries, which leads to fluid retention in the body. Estrogen, nutrition and poor lifestyle are responsible for this, which lead to the accumulation of fluid in fat cells and their subsequent expansion. It is this expansion that sharply worsens the quality of microcirculation and leads to cell hypertrophy.

Before looking at how anti-cellulite creams work , it should be understood that the genetic component is certainly of paramount importance in the development of cellulite. That is, there is no miracle product, and creams should be considered as one element of a broader program to combat cellulite.

In order to increase the effects of creams, you should follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, which greatly influence the appearance and severity of the disorder.

Who can benefit from anti-cellulite cosmetics?

From a cosmetic problem, cellulite eventually develops into a phenomenon called lipodystrophy. It is a sign of a metabolic disorder, the beginning of sclerotic processes in the skin. Conventionally, there are four stages:

The first is that the skin is visually smooth and of natural color, but if you squeeze it, you can see a change in the pattern and the appearance of tubercles. Sometimes you may notice slight swelling and looseness.

Secondly, the cellulite crust is visible to the eye; they become more pronounced if you tense the muscles, for example, on the buttocks. The skin becomes uneven, slightly rough, and the subcutaneous fat layer thickens.

Third, the skin tone changes because the capillary network appears underneath it - it is usually visible on the thighs. The skin itself becomes flabby and pale. When you run your hand over it, you can clearly feel the dense knots. At this stage, the connective tissue degenerates and irreversible fibrous changes begin in it.

The fourth – accompanies severe metabolic disorders. There is no need to talk about general health here. Dystrophic changes in subcutaneous fat reach the terminal stage. The skin is bluish, cold to the touch, without tone. Sensitivity decreases due to compression of nerve endings. The tubercles of fat are clearly separated from each other by depressions.

It is clear that preventive measures in the form of massage, creams, wraps help only in the first two stages. If changes in the skin progress, consultation with doctors is necessary: ​​an endocrinologist (endocrinologist-gynecologist) and a dermatologist or cosmetologist with sufficient qualifications and work experience. The use of creams and other remedies at these stages is desirable, but will not get rid of the problem, although it will help avoid worsening.

How do anti-cellulite creams work?

Let's take a closer look at the mechanisms by which the constant use of creams helps combat water retention:

• Lipolytic: The action of these creams focuses on the activation of lipase, the enzyme that breaks down fats in the body, thus accelerating cellular metabolism and reducing the accumulation and hypertrophy of fat cells. Substances with a lipolytic effect are usually derivatives of the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus;
• Improved blood circulation: anti-cellulite creams reactivate microcirculation thanks to the action of xanthines such as caffeine or theophylline.
• Draining and cleansing effect: creams contain substances with cleansing and diuretic properties, for example, dandelion, which stimulate the activity of the kidneys. Creams contain trace elements (for example, magnesium), which help remove excess fluid from the body, increasing the metabolic activity of cells;
• Protective effect against capillaries. Thanks to a set of vitamins and some antioxidants, such as flavonoids, anti-cellulite creams have a strengthening effect on the walls of capillaries. The most common ingredients in creams with this effect are blueberry and red grape extracts;

Typically, anti-cellulite creams combine different active ingredients and therefore different mechanisms of action to maximize the substances' beneficial effects on the body.

Pharmacy products for eliminating cellulite

To combat cellulite, it is not at all necessary to buy an expensive and advertised cream. Based on reviews, inexpensive pharmaceutical products can help defeat cellulite no worse than special products. Most pharmaceutical ointments with a warming effect can be used to combat cellulite, despite the fact that they initially have completely different indications. Such pharmaceutical products increase blood circulation and, when used regularly on problem areas, help smooth the surface of the skin and increase its elasticity.

The most popular anti-cellulite products, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, are:

1. Capsicam;
2. Dimexide;
3. Heparin ointment;
4. Turpentine ointment;
5. Vishnevsky ointment.

Capsicam

Capsicam is an ointment for treating the spine and joints, but due to its pronounced warming effect, it is an effective remedy for combating cellulite. Capsicam stimulates metabolic processes, increases blood flow, promotes the removal of toxins and excess fluid, providing smooth skin.

Capsicam ointment is most often used for anti-cellulite wraps, mixed with baby or any other body cream in a ratio of 1:5. You can also add caffeine in ampoules to this composition. The prepared mixture is applied to areas of the skin affected by cellulite, rubbing thoroughly, and then wrapped with cling film. Depending on the tolerance of the ointment, you can leave the wrap on the skin for up to 20–45 minutes. Wraps with Capsicam can be done either daily or every other day in courses of 10 procedures.

Capsicam ointment warms the skin no worse than anti-cellulite cream

Dimexide

Dimexide (dimethyl sulfoxide) is an anti-inflammatory agent with analgesic and antimicrobial effects. When used independently, Dimexide has an insignificant effect on the skin and fat deposits, and only to a small extent stimulates blood flow, dilates blood vessels and helps normalize metabolism. However, a characteristic property of Dimexide is the ability to penetrate the skin and mucous membranes and enhance the penetration of substances associated with it. It makes sense to add Dimexide to the composition of creams and home wraps for cellulite, as a conductor for active ingredients.

Dimexide instantly penetrates skin cells, accelerating metabolic processes

In the fight against cellulite, Dimexide is used as follows.

1. Dilute with distilled water in a ratio of 1:1 for the hips and buttocks and in a ratio of 1:4 for more delicate areas of the skin (abdomen, shoulders, sides).
2. Moisten a napkin with the resulting solution and wrap it around the problem area of ​​the body.
3. Wrap film and natural fabric over the compress and leave for 15–20 minutes.

The procedure is carried out daily for 7–10 days. Dimexide can be combined with other agents, but only if their components do not have toxic components.

Heparin ointment

Heparin ointment is an anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic agent with an anesthetic effect. It is used for diseases such as hemorrhoids, bruises, hematomas, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Not the most popular remedy for combating cellulite, which, however, stimulates blood circulation and can have a positive effect with long-term regular use.

Heparin ointment is a simple way to relieve inflammation and restore skin elasticity

Heparin ointment for the treatment of cellulite is applied to problem areas of the body in its pure form, daily, preferably at night. The effect is noticeable after the first use; after 5–10 minutes, redness of the skin on the area treated with ointment is possible.

Turpentine ointment

Turpentine ointment is an antimicrobial, anti-cold, wound-healing, pain reliever. Turpentine is used to combat cellulite and for weight loss quite often, as it intensively warms the skin and stimulates blood flow.

Turpentine ointment stimulates blood circulation and warms tissues, but is not suitable for everyone, as it can cause burns

Turpentine ointment can cause severe irritation and even burns of the skin, so in its pure form it is not used to combat cellulite. Most often, turpentine is added to anti-cellulite body wrap products, mixed with cosmetic clay and milk or sour cream in the following proportion: 5 grams of ointment/100 grams of clay/500 grams of milk (sour cream). The resulting mixture is applied to problem areas and wrapped in film for 20 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water, and a nourishing cream or lotion is applied to the skin.

Vishnevsky ointment

Vishnevsky ointment is used in medical practice to combat abscesses, acne, burns and frostbite. In the fight against cellulite, it works well as a softening and cleansing agent, but it has one significant drawback - an unpleasant odor.

Vishnevsky ointment perfectly regenerates tissues

Vishnevsky ointment is used for cellulite as a wrap. The ointment is applied undiluted to clean skin under the film and left for 20–30 minutes. The procedure is repeated every other day for 2–3 months.

Contraindications for anti-cellulite creams

All anti-cellulite creams are generally well tolerated by our body , however, you should pay attention to the ingredients if you suffer from thyroid disease .

Many anti-cellulite creams contain algae that contain thyroxine , a molecule that can interfere with drug therapy. Such creams are not recommended for people suffering from tachycardia or other heart problems.

Anti-cellulite creams are also contraindicated for women during pregnancy and lactation , since most of the active substances affect lipid metabolism, and their balance is important during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Some creams contain a substance called escin (an extract from horse chestnut), which may interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and anticoagulants .

What should be in the cream?

Any anti-cellulite cream produced by cosmetic companies contains a variety of ingredients: water, extracts, oils, extracts and other components. The result of using a particular anti-cellulite product depends on the set of components:

1. Plant extracts are substances that help increase metabolism in the problem area and increase vascular tone: horse chestnut, ivy, St. John's wort, horsetail, menthol, hawthorn.
2. Algae extracts - fight against deposits of toxins and waste in the lymph and the body in general, block fat cells, increase skin elasticity: fucus, kelp, etc.
3. Caffeine is a substance that enhances fat burning, accelerates energy metabolism, and has a positive effect on lymph: coffee, cocoa. Contraindicated for easily excitable people and people with high blood pressure.
4. Essential oils – promote deep drainage, removing excess fluid; make the skin denser and more elastic: juniper, rose, cypress, citrus, lavender, pine oils.
5. Warming components are pungent substances that stimulate blood flow, eliminate fat deposits and toxins: camphor, pepper, nicotine.
6. Vitamins A, B, C, E - stimulate metabolic processes, promote the regeneration of new cells, support blood vessels, and enhance collagen synthesis in tissues.
7. Mineral salts – cleanse the body, remove harmful substances, and suck out excess fluid.

Thus, when choosing an anti-cellulite cream, you need, first of all, to decide what goals you intend to achieve. And having set a specific task, you can begin to choose a remedy for cellulite.

Anti-cellulite products are effective, but not a miracle

As mentioned, the active ingredients in anti-cellulite creams are very effective and their use can contribute to the treatment of cellulite, but there are no miracle creams. Using ointments alone will not solve the problem of a progressive disease.

Here are some useful tips that are easy to put into practice:

Regular physical activity allows you to utilize accumulated fats: it is not necessary to train intensely, an hour of walking at a fast pace every day is enough to remain active, slim and healthy.

In terms of nutrition , a diet that is low in fat, rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt should be followed. It is important to drink at least 2 liters of water per day to eliminate metabolic waste. Healthy herbal teas with a diuretic effect.

In addition, you also need to pay attention to your clothing : so that your legs and hips are free. To avoid worsening circulation problems, it is important to wear comfortable clothing, avoid tight pants and synthetic fabrics that do not allow air to flow to the skin.

Using cellulite cream

There are several ways to use anti-cellulite cream. We will talk about them further.

For now, let's look at some general recommendations:

• The product is applied only to clean skin;
• to remove keratinized epidermis, it is advisable to treat problem areas with a scrub or peeling;
• the surface must be warmed by rubbing (you can use a washcloth, massager, or just your hand) for better penetration of the product.

Wraps with anti-cellulite cream

Patient women can resort to the cold or hot wrap method.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Apply the product in an even layer to problem areas.
2. Wrap in regular cling film. It should not put pressure on the body, otherwise you will disrupt blood circulation and instead of having a wonderful effect, you will aggravate the problem.
3. Cold wrap lasts 30-90 minutes. Hot – 15-30 minutes.
4. Remove the film. After the procedure, take a warm shower.

Products containing:

• seaweed;
• clay.

When heated, they perfectly stimulate blood circulation and strengthen blood vessels.

Wraps are recommended to be performed no more than 3 times a week.

Anti-cellulite massage cream

If you have chosen an anti-cellulite massage, then the recommendations are as follows:

1. Apply the product to the surface.
2. Massage the area for 10 minutes. Anti-cellulite massage is always performed from the bottom up.
3. For the procedure, you can use special anti-cellulite massagers.

The choice of product depends on the desired result:

1. A cream containing plant extracts is considered the best massage product. It will speed up metabolic processes and increase vascular tone.
2. Spicy substances (red pepper, camphor, nicotine) give the cream a warming effect. By using it for massage, you stimulate blood movement, eliminating fats and toxins.

Anti-cellulite cream for cupping massage

To ensure the effectiveness of the procedure, it is recommended to initially warm up the surface - perform a rubbing massage.

An anti-cellulite warming cream will best prepare the problem area for a cupping massage.

Anti-cellulite cream with massage attachment

Such means quickly gained popularity. They allow you to avoid using various massagers. A special attachment allows you to perfectly massage problem areas.

Cosmetologists claim that such mechanical action effectively “breaks” fats, models the contours of the figure, and the components of the cream ensure that the effect is consolidated and prevents re-sagging.

Is it possible to use anti-cellulite cream while breastfeeding?

A woman’s desire to always be beautiful is completely justified and understandable. But what if cellulite is discovered after childbirth? Can nursing mothers use anti-cellulite cream?

There is no data confirming the harm of anti-cellulite products, as well as their safety.

If you have breastfeeding, it is better to refrain from using anti-cellulite creams. Since they affect metabolism, they redistribute fluid not in favor of the lactation process. In addition, toxins released during the procedure may pass into breast milk.

Anti-cellulite cream for sports

Faberlic anti-cellulite creams are very popular , especially the “Fitness Energy” series.

The following application is recommended:

1. Before fitness, apply the product to cellulite areas.
2. You can wrap the body with film. However, training in this form is a little inconvenient. Therefore, it is better to use special shorts (there are many types of weight loss underwear for sports).
3. After exercise, soften your skin with a soothing product.

Anti-cellulite cream during pregnancy

During such an important period, preference should be given to cosmetics that will not affect the health of the future person.

For expectant mothers, a hypoallergenic cream developed by the French company Vichy would be a good option. It will prevent excess weight gain, protect the skin from stretch marks, and give the skin elasticity and smoothness.

How to use creams correctly

If you use the cream daily, then within a short time a visually visible effect from use should appear. Its absence may be due to improper use of the product.

The main reason why the cream does not work is when applied to skin that is not prepared for it. Remember the structure of the epidermis - the top layer of skin. It consists of five sublayers, and the upper one - the horny one - performs exclusively a barrier, protective function and does not contain living structures. Naturally, it is difficult for the cream to “break through” the dense layers of dead keratocytes, dense and thick, because they are specially designed to prevent the penetration of foreign substances into the body.

Therefore, the first rule of using anti-cellulite creams is preliminary scrubbing. This procedure will soften the stratum corneum, remove most of the dead cells and facilitate the penetration of the cream.

After the cream is absorbed into the skin, the active components are carried through the lymph and blood flow. Hence the conclusion: in areas with poor blood circulation, the product will not have any effect, remaining “dead weight”. The second rule of use is to ensure blood flow to the skin.

This can be done in different ways:

• steam the body in a bath of hot water;

• expose the skin to a strong jet from the shower; you can use temperature contrast;
• visit a sauna or steam bath, additionally using a broom;
• make a massage - manual, hardware or vacuum;
• rub the body with a special mitten or washcloth.

You can use any available technique, alternate or combine them. The main thing is to get the skin to turn red.

Another effective way to ensure blood flow is through exercise. It's even better than a massage because it works from the inside. Muscles require a lot of oxygen to work, blood actively rushes to them, and even large vessels dilate, not just skin capillaries.

Rating of the Top 10 anti-cellulite products

Despite the word “cream” appearing in the name, the consistency is more like a soufflé. It is pleasant to apply, the argan oil in the composition gently moisturizes and is great for nourishing dry skin. The composition also contains orange oil and capsicum as active ingredients. Those who have tried the product note the pronounced smell of Bubble gum (chewing gum), characteristic of the entire line of cosmetics.

Of the minuses: the strong smell can get boring over time.

One of the most popular products among Russian buyers, who are most often reviewed by beauty bloggers. How is it captivating? Price and composition - the cream contains an extract from kelp, and the beneficial effect of seaweed has long been proven. The product is easy to apply - and thanks to the composition, a cooling effect occurs.

Of the minuses: not everyone will like this packaging; it can be difficult to squeeze out the cream.

The Polish brand Eveline is very popular on the Russian market, and in its line there was also a place for cellulite cream. Due to the collagen and vitamin E included in the composition, the product is recommended for sensitive skin. A pronounced cooling effect occurs due to the menthol in the cream; however, it does not last long, 5-7 minutes. According to reviews from Russian customers, after regular use the skin becomes elastic and tightens in “problem” areas.

Cons: Some people don't like the original scent.