Time to Tackle Cellulite

It’s that time of the year again… the weather is getting warm and bikini season is almost upon us.  If you are like many women, the thought of having to put on shorts and a bathing suit are causing you great anxiety.  The insecurity that comes with wearing clothing that doesn’t cover up that unsightly cellulite is more than you can bear.

Unfortunately, cellulite is a pretty common thing that most women deal with.  As we age and we lose collagen, cellulite becomes worse.  Some of the most fit and active women still have cellulite. There are many surgical options, however they all require a pretty big investment.  Cellulaze, one of the the least expensive treatment options will cost you, at a minimum, $5,000 to $7,000 per treatment.

Like many of you, I have tried numerous products with little to no results.  In desperation, I decided to sit down and really do some research on less expensive, at home remedies, to see if any actually work.  Here’s what I found.

While dermatologists agree that, as of now, there is no set procedure to completely get rid of cellulite, there are still several ingredients one can look for in cosmetic products to improve and reduce its appearance. Topical anti-cellulite products can make a difference in the reduction of cellulite if they contain ingredients such as caffeine, L-carnitine, retinol, collagen, and/or green tea extracts.

Caffeine is great because it has the ability to constrict blood vessels; L-carnitine assists with the transport of fatty acid cells; retinol stimulates the production of collagen, which in turn helps smooth out skin and prevent the invasion of free radicals in the deeper layers of skin tissue; green tea extracts are anti-inflammatory and contain theobromine, which releases the body’s stored fat.

As far as cellulite creams go, the Mayo Clinic states there is little to no scientific evidence to support claims that cellulite creams eliminate cellulite.  However they did find one small study where a cream with .3% retinol improved the appearance of cellulite when used for 6 months.  The study showed it increased the thickness of skin by an average of 2 millimeters on the treated area.

A larger study funded by Johnson & Johnson tested an unnamed anti-cellulite cream with .3% retinol and caffeine and found the following: 78 women applied the product 2 times daily for 12 consecutive weeks.  After 4 weeks, significant reductions in circumference of abs, hips, buttocks and waist were observed.  After 12 weeks, orange peel and stubborn cellulite decreased significantly from 4 weeks of treatment and tonicity improved after 8 weeks.  At the conclusion of the study, it was determined that the tested cream significantly improved the appearance of skin of the tested subjects compared to the group that received a placebo.

Given the above information, I searched for a cellulite cream that had, at minimum, .3% retinol as well as caffeine in the ingredients.  What I found is a very reasonably priced cream (actually more like a gel) that has the optimal amount of retinol recommend by experts, .4% and gives you a 90 day, 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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This is my review of: Body Merry’s

Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream with Caffeine, Retinol and 3 types of Seaweed

First, What is Cellulite?

According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, one of the top dermatologists in the nation, “Cellulite is fat that has fibrous bands pulling down on the it which gives the skin a dimpling/orange peel-like appearance.” Cellulite is mostly seen in women because of a hormone uniquely found only in women, which causes the herniation of fat within fibrous connective tissues resulting in the dimpled skin appearance of cellulite.Cellulite is composed of water, toxins and fatty tissue cells that build up under layers of skin and cause pressure on the connective tissues of muscles.

A leading dermatologist based in NY, Dr. David E. Bank, provides better insight to contributing factors which lead to cellulite. According to him, cellulite can be “genetically related, in that it’s due to gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat, and circulatory insufficiency. There are also hormonal factors, such as estrogen levels, degrees of insulin, issues with thyroid hormones, and prolactin cell[s] that can contribute to the process of cellulite production.” He also states that cellulite can form as a result of diet and lifestyle choices and “the unfortunate result of simply aging.”

What Does it Do?

According to their packaging, “Body Merry’s Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream combats cellulite with our unique Caffiene+Retinol+Seaweed formula.

This fast absorbing gel-cream helps visibly reduce the appearance of unwanted lumps and bumps and leaves your skin both feeling and looking tighter, smoother and younger.

You massage the gel-cream onto the affected areas twice daily (morning and night).

Does it Work?

We’ll see. I am mostly concerned with getting rid of cellulite on my legs. These are pics taken before the first use. For reference, I am fifty years old,135 lbs and I’m 5’7″. Obviously, results will vary. The manufacturer says you should see limited results within two weeks with noticeable results after six to eight. They suggest using twice a day-morning and night, so that’s what I’ll be doing. I will post updated pictures at four weeks if not before. Of course, I will  be updating this site regularly.

Product review:

Overall Rank: 4.0 out of 5 Updated 09/15/2015. I am still using the product. Will update as needed. So far so good.

Product Description: Product arrived as advertised Pros & Cons:

Pros:

1 Easy to apply

2 Use a small amount per application

3 Dries quickly

4 All organic ingredients

Cons:

1 Smells like Vic’s Vapor Rub (that’s a pro if your sinuses are blocked):) Price: $22.99 at Amazon.com Guarantee: Yes-90 day 100% satisfaction Product Specifications: As described in advertising

Update:

It’s been a little over four weeks and I haven’t seen great results. I do believe I am seeing limited results, so we’ll keep it up and update as appropriate.  No “after” pictures yet because there isn’t that much difference. The manufacturer says you will see noticeable results in six to eight weeks, so we’ll give it some more time before making a final judgement. 

Update:

It’s been five months now (09/15/2015) and I think i am seeing results. It has taken a while but I see positive change. Check before and after photos above. Also updating rating to 4.0 out of 5.0

Up Next

While researching other cellulite reducing options, I found another promising product. .  Initially, I was a bit skeptical, however the consumer reviews are extremely positive.  First, let me say I was not able to find any actual proof from medical experts that massage provides any long-term cellulite reducing results.  However, most agree there is evidence that massage does reduce the appearance of cellulite on a short-term basis.

A. B.