TOPICAL CELLULITE TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? 

Cellulite is a skin condition wherein there are dimpling on the skin. It usually occurs in areas where there are lots of fat deposits. It affects men and women but is more common to occur in women. With the hormone’s estrogen and progesterone, these promote weight gain and deposition of fats in the central area of the body. The skin becomes saggy and looks uneven with the gaps found on the surface.

 

 

WHAT SHOULD BE TARGETED IN PRODUCTS

USED FOR TREATING CELLULITE

Following are the most important targets for treating cellulite.

1. Increasing the collagen formation, because collagen gives the shape to the skin by making it tight and firm.
2. Improving the circulation of blood and enhancing the structure of connective tissue. It is achieved by dilating the blood vessels and making the skin free from dimples and wrinkles.
3. Removing the toxins.
4. Fluid balance in the skin.
5. Moisturizing the skin through emollient properties of extracts.
6. Massages because they assist lymphatic drainage and stretch skin tissue to improve cellulite appearance. Almost all the topical products are applied through massage, so it is one of the best advantages.
7. Increasing the capillary permeability.
8. Reducing the inflammation.
9. Decreasing the level of extra fat.
10. Reducing the overproduction of hormones like estrogen and progesterone in women.

ROLE OF MOISTURIZERS IN CELLULITE TREATMENT

In a nutshell moisturizer allow the extract or biological active ingredient to remain in contact with skin for a longer period of time. This will increase the absorption of extract and thus overall aim of the cosmetic therapy will be achieved.

500-DALTON RULE

Human skin has unique properties of which functioning as a physicochemical barrier is one of the most apparent. The human integument (tough outer protective layer) can resist the penetration of many molecules. However, especially smaller molecules can surpass transcutaneous. They can go by the corneal layer, which is thought to form the main deterrent. We argue that the molecular weight (MW) of a compound must be under 500 Dalton to allow skin absorption. Larger molecules cannot pass the corneal layer.

Arguments for this “500 Dalton rule” are; 1) virtually all common contact allergens are under 500 Dalton, larger molecules are not known as contact sensitizers. They cannot penetrate and thus cannot act as allergens in man; 2) the most commonly used cosmeceutical agents applied in topical dermatotherapy are all under 500 Dalton; 3) all known topical drugs used in transdermal drug-delivery systems are under 500 Dalton. For cosmeceutical development purposes, it seems logical to restrict the development of new innovative compounds to a molecular weight of under 500 Dalton, when topical dermatological therapy or percutaneous systemic therapy.

NATURAL EXTRACTS FOR CELLULITE WITH CONCENTRATION

For persons who want to get a fitter body, you can do lots of things about it. Surgery and expensive treatments are not needed because you can get rid of cellulite with natural remedies. These include series of steps you can engage on. With determination and discipline, those skin irregularities can be gone.

Many of the cosmeceuticals are using the extra heat and acidic or alcoholic preservatives which diminishes the biological activity of natural extracts. Best methods to prepare the natural extracts are enzyme assisted extractions and use of water and glycerine instead of hazardous preservatives. Following all extracts can be prepared by enzyme assisted extraction or using water and glycerine as medium.

1. Coffee: Coffee scrub and also the coffee wrap are among the popular home remedies for cellulite and not for no reason. When you rub your skin with coarse coffee grounds, it works as an excellent exfoliating agent and removes dead skin cells to give your skin new and healthy cells. The skin tightening effects of coffee also smoothen your sagging dimpled skin. It is said that coffee scrub also enhances fat metabolism and removes fat and liquid from your skin to get you rid of cellulite. The average percentage concentration of caffeine to be used is 3%. Robusta Green Coffee Bean Extract is one of the best-known coffee extracts. Robusta coffee beans contain more caffeine and less sugar that Arabic beans. Chlorogenic acids (CGA) and related compounds are the main components of the phenolic fraction of green coffee beans, reaching levels up to 14 % (dry matter basis). These compounds have a number of beneficial health properties related to their potent antioxidant activity as well as hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic and antiviral activities. The main groups of CGA found in green coffee beans include caffeoylquinic acids, dicaffeoylquinic acids, feruloylquinic acids, p-coumaroylquinic acids and mixed diesters of caffeic and ferulic acids with quinic acid, each group with at least three isomers. (1)
2. Dill Seed

Elastin and collagens are the primary proteins responsible for maintaining the structure and elasticity of the skin as well as keeping skin firm and supple. Both proteins decrease with age, leading to the shrinkage and wrinkles of the skin.

Natural extracts like non-denatured dill seed extract, work in two ways, either they stop the destruction of elastin and collagen, or they help in the increased production of both essential skin care proteins.

Dill seed extract stimulates elastin and collagen synthesis by activating dermal fibroblasts according to a 2006 study in Experimental Dermatology. Fibroblasts synthesize collagen, elastin, and keratin in the dermis. They assist in wound healing and the prevention of skin aging.  

Note:  Dill seed extract is different from dill seed oil.  Most research has been conducted on dill seed extract. 

1. Gotu Kola: Gotu Kola is very good herbal remedy that can reduce your cellulites by draining the fluid out of them. Gotu kola is also known as Centella Asiatica. Forskolin, the active ingredient of gotu kola, helps break down toxic substances that lead to formation of cellulite pockets. Gotu kola is available in various forms- powdered dry leaves, gotu kola extracts and lotions, and capsules as well as tea. Usually, herbalists prescribe 20 to 60mg of Gotu kola extract to be taken three times daily. They recommend dried leaves in quantity of 1,000 to 4,000mg three times daily. However, as all bodies are different and require different doses, if you want to use this herb, you must consult a herbalist. Whenever using Gotu kola, use it for only 2 weeks at a stretch. Give a break for a week or two and then have again for 2 weeks. Dont have it for more than six weeks. Average percentage concentration used for cellulite treatment is 0.04%. If you suffer from some liver disease, avoid gotu kola herb.
2. Dandelion: One method to get rid of cellulite is to flush toxins from the body. Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, helps flush waste products out of the liver, enabling it to work much more efficiently when getting rid of toxins. The herbs and roots are also available in extracts, tablets and capsules. The dose of dried dandelion leaves is 1 to 2 tsp. three times per day. The dose of dandelion root is 2 to 8g, three times daily. The extract (5:1) dose is 250mg three to four times daily. Side effects associated with dandelion use include gastrointestinal upset.
3. Parsley: Parsley, Petroselinum crispum, works against cellulite in a variety of ways. First, it acts as a detoxifying agent and diuretic, flushing excess water and toxins from the body. The dose of parsley herb is 2 to 4g three times per day. It can be added to meals or to herbal teas.
4. Fenugreek: Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum, is available in leaf or seed form. The leaves are often cooked in curry or vegetables, and the seeds are used in curry powders and stews. Fenugreek is used internally for weight loss and externally for cellulite. It can also produce skin healing, whitening, moisturizing, skin soothing and anti-wrinkle effects.” For internal use, the typical dosage of fenugreek is 5g per day of seeds or 1g per extract. For external use, a variety of creams contain fenugreek seeds. For best results, the cream should be used two to three times daily.
5. Ginkgo biloba: It is a member of the Ginkgoaceae family. The leaf extracts contain substances, such as flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, campherol epicathecol derivatives), biflavones (ginkgetin), and terpenes (ginkgolide B), among others. These substances reduce blood viscosity, inhibit the platelet-activating factor, increase red blood cell deformability, diminish vascular permeability and improve vascular wall tone, leading to an improvement in microcirculation. Ginkgo biloba reduces lipogenesis and promote lipolysis, that will aid in reducing the extra fat in cellulite. The usual dose is 120mg daily.
6. Centella asiatica: This extract has been used for cellulite treatment as it purportedly enhances microcirculation and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. This product may be used as a topical or systemic agent for cellulite treatment. In its topical formulation, Centella asiatica may be used in concentrations from 2% to 5%.
7. Ruscus aculeatus: It is a potent venous vasoconstrictor. It has flavonoids that enhance capillary resistance and decrease vascular permeability and edema, which leads to an improvement in lymphatic drainage. The extract of this plant is frequently used in concentrations from 1% to 3%.
8. Silicium: It is a structural element of the connective tissue that has the ability to regulate cellular metabolism and cellular division. It may be useful for cellulite because it modifies venous capillary and lymphatic permeability. The recommended concentration for cellulite is 1 to 3%.
9. Papaya (Carica papaya) and pineapple (Ananas sativus, Ananas comosus): Papaya (Carica papaya) and pineapple (Ananas sativus, Ananas comosus) fruits and leaves have anti-inflammatory and antioedema effects. Topical formulations are available in concentrations from 2% to 5%. Dermatitis and eczema are rare side effects.
10. Red grapes (Vitis vinifera): Red grapes are very rich in tannins, which are antioxidants that diminish lipid peroxidation. They have procyanidins, which increase the permeability of lymphatic and micro arterial vessels.
11. Chophytol or artichoke (Cynara scolymus): Chophytol or artichoke (Cynara scolymus) has numerous enzymes, cynarine, ascorbic acid, caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, and flavonoids. It has an antioedema and diuretic effect, as well as stimulating effect on the circulation. The recommended concentration for cellulite treatment is 2%.
12. Common ivy (Hedera helix): Common ivy (Hedera helix) leaves have flavonoids, such as rutosid and rutinosid, and saponins, such as hederin, hederacosid, and hederagenin. Their fruits have saponins, especially hederin, and the trunk has gomoresins and saponins. All saponins improve venous and lymphatic drainage and reduce oedema. The compound hederin also has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, vasoconstrictor and ant exudative proprieties, and can also reduce capillary permeability. It activates the circulation which aids drainage of the infiltrated tissue and reduces inflammation. The recommended concentration for cellulite treatment is 2%.
13. Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea): Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) has flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids. It is used for cellulite treatment in concentrations of 2%.
14. Melilotus officinalis: Melilotus officinalis has an active ingredient contained in the flowers and leaves. One of the components of this botanic extract is coumarin, which reduces lymphatic edema and diminishes capillary permeability. The recommended concentration is 2%-5%.

NON-EXTRACTS FOR CELLULITE

Following non-extracts are also proven good benefits to cellulite.

1. Tangerine essential oil helps with proper blood circulation which prevents lymphatic and fat deposits under skin. This oil also helps break down fat and thus reduces cellulite pockets formed on your skin. It is a detoxifying oil and detoxification removes impurities and toxins from your skin to get you rid of cellulites.

2. Massage the affected area with sesame oil and mustard oil, mixed half and half. After the massage, dust with a powder of the herb vacha (calamus) and rub the skin. This will help remove the cellulite.

3. Rosemary oil and Juniper oil. Rosemary and juniper oils are one of the best natural ways to get rid of cellulite, because they both work on smoothing the skin and pulping the flood flow. They are also a great way to get rid of body toxins. Mix 30 drops of rosemary oil with 30 drops of juniper oil and 100 mml of jojoba oil. Use the mixture every day on the affected areas with cellulite and watch the change happen.

4. Seeds of roses oil to get rid of cellulite: Seeds of roses oil is perfect for skin tightening and smoothening, so after a good skin scrub, massage your skin with seeds of roses oil to get rid of cellulite.
5. Mix three tablespoons of seaweed with one tbsp of salt and olive oil. Use the mixture to rub the cellulite areas very well 10 minutes prior to taking shower. After you come out of the shower, make sure you moisturize your skin very well. – Repeat the process for two consecutive months and watch the results.
6. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is fat soluble and is a good cellulite reducer because it increases the production of collagen, a protein that gives your skin strength and structure. It also helps to encourage the production of cells in your body. You can take vitamin A in a supplement, or you can find it in fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, collards and spinach. It’s also found in meats, such as beef and liver, and dairy products, like eggs and milk.
7. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is used in cellulite reduction because of its necessary role in collagen production and its capability to help repair red blood cells. It also is an antioxidant, keeping your skin cells safe from damage. For the same reasons, vitamin C may also help ward off your wrinkles. You can get vitamin C in a supplement or from many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, red and green sweet peppers, kiwi and strawberries.
8. B-Complex Vitamins: B-complex vitamins, which comprise 10 separate vitamins and acids, work together to promote healthy blood cells and tissue activity. B vitamins that are best known for their cellulite-fighting properties are vitamin B2, which helps with oxidization of tissue, and vitamin B6, which helps in the utilization of proteins and fats. Vitamin B2 is found in foods like cottage cheese, leafy green vegetables, liver, eggs and peas, whereas vitamin B6 is found in molasses, milk and liver. For all B-complex vitamins, try wheat germ. You can also take B vitamins in a supplement.
9. Vitamin E: Fat-soluble vitamin E helps fight against cellulite because of its antioxidant properties. Vitamin E also helps the body in getting oxygen to your skin’s layers, allowing for the flushing of fat deposits that cause cellulite, says the Cellulite Treatment website. Vitamin E may be a leading ingredient in skin creams, but you can get it from a supplement or from foods such as salmon, olives and green, leafy vegetables.

References:

http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjpp/v18n1/a03v18n1