Caffeine --it's the same stuff that gets us going in the mornings. Caffeine is also one of those time-honored ingredients found in many topical creams, lotions and gels used for reducing cellulite. Caffeine is inexpensive and effective as cellulite reduction.
What exactly is caffeine, and how does it work to get rid of our cellulite?
Caffeine is the most popular psychoactive substance know to us. The majority of the population consumes caffeine in one of its many forms (coffee, tea, kola nut) every single day. Caffeine wakes you up, helps you stay alert and process information.
Topically, caffeine has a variety of benefits which studies have shown. Caffeine has shown to help reduce tumors in mice exposed to high-energy ultraviolet radiation. Some dermatologists even use caffeine preparations to treat rosacea.
What’s caffeine’s role in the war on cellulite?
Topically used, caffeine has some very interesting effects. Caffeine seems to reduce fat content in the cells. Scientists believe that caffeine may interfere with the action of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase. Phosphodiesterase is a chemical that the body uses to prevent the fat breakdown. So by preventing this enzyme from doing its job, caffeine will help to reduce cellulite by encouraging the body to burn the fatty tissue known as cellulite.
Unfortunately, caffeine has a topical effect that is less desirable. Caffeine causes the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, which diminishes blood flow, which can reduce blushing, flushing, inflammation and other symptoms of rosacea. This reduction in blood flow however doesn't help reduce cellulite. Diminished blood flow can actually contribute to some cellulite.
Yes and no, caffeine is applied to your skin is certainly effective as a cellulite reducer. However, drinking caffeine in the form of soda or coffee will actually exacerbate cellulite! See our anti cellulite diet article on the site. Drinking green tea will not increase cellulite, as green tea contains theobromine, which will stimulate the release of stored fat.
Cellulite creams will work to reduce cellulite by toning and firming your problem areas by a variety of mechanisms. Using daily application, top-quality cellulite creams are a great start to getting rid of cellulite and reclaiming the firm, toned body you once had.
Read our reviews of top-rated cellulite creams here on the site.