Seaweed For Reducing Cellulite
Putting seaweed on yourself? Would you if it helped get rid of cellulite? If seaweed could make cellulite melt away, we would be down in the ocean rolling around in the kelp.
There are specific types of seaweed that have long been thought to aid in reducing fat and cellulite , but how does simple seaweed measure up to today's miracle ingredients? Read on and learn some more.
Seaweed - a cellulite sensation?
Seaweed is a term used to describe marine plant life, including algae. The specific types of seaweed most commonly used in anti-cellulite preparations are bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus, pictured to the right) and Atlantic kelp (Laminaria digitata). Neither is rare or endangered and bladderwrack is a familiar site on Atlantic beaches, washed up after storms out at sea.
Both types of seaweed contain interesting compounds. Polygalactosides, fucose polymers, ursolic acid, amino acids and even collagen are found in seaweeds, as well as with iodine and mineral salts.
What does seaweed have to do with cellulite though?
Cellulite and seaweed – the connection
The preferred method of application of seaweed is topical. Bladderwrack has been used for over 100 years as an additive in baths because it has fat absorbing properties. The theory is when placed on the skin, bladderwrack literally absorbs fat from under the surface of the skin and will diminish cellulite in that fashion.
A couple of problems with this theory are: firstly, seaweed can't differentiate between the fat that you want absorbed and whatever it's closest to. For example, if you put seaweed on your skin, it would absorb whatever lipids are on or near the skin. This would include primarily sebum (the oil that keeps our skin smooth and supple) rather than subcutaneous fats like cellulite.
Atlantic kelp stimulates blood flow and aids the body in shedding excess fluids and in this way, the seaweed can reduce the appearance of cellulite, but not the cellulite itself.
So Is seaweed effective as a cellulite reducer?
Not necessarily, because the claims for seaweed are relatively small, there have been no clinical studies linking any type of seaweed and cellulite reduction. However, seaweed is a great source for many cosmetic compounds but no amount of bladderwrack is going to make your cellulite actually melt away.
So how can I reduce my cellulite?
Well, don't give up on all the cellulite creams. Cellulite creams work on toning and firming problem areas. By daily application, they will help you get rid of cellulite. They're an excellent start to treating cellulite and reclaiming the firm, toned body you remember.
Learn about some of the top-rated cellulite creams here.
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