Can creams get rid of cellulite?

Why can't a cream remove cellulite?

Cellulite involves the structure beneath the skin, which is a rather large assignment for a jar. Fibrous bands of connective tissue pull the skin downward while the fat beneath pushes upward, creating dimples. The exact cause is not fully understood: the arrangement of those bands, fat and skin all contributes. Changing how the surface looks is different from changing the structure underneath.34

Cellulite is a cosmetic concern, not a threat to physical health, and it does not normally hurt. Very lean people have cellulite too. Buying a cream is optional; having dimples does not create a medical need to treat them.4

Which cream ingredients can help?

Caffeine is the option to consider if you accept an effect that needs daily upkeep. Retinol is an option if you are willing to spend months assessing a small change. Neither ingredient offers permanent removal, so treat a promise to erase cellulite as marketing rather than a shopping requirement.12

How much improvement is realistic?

One small clinical trial tested a cream containing 3.5% water soluble caffeine and xanthenes, along with other ingredients. Fifteen healthy women enrolled, and 14 completed the trial. They applied the cream to their thighs and inner upper arms twice daily for six weeks. At six weeks, the average visual cellulite score improved by 0.49 points, or 19.8%. That percentage describes a change in a rating score, not the disappearance of 19.8% of someone's cellulite.6

Average thigh circumference decreased by 0.7 cm and upper arm circumference by 0.8 cm. Body weight did not change significantly. Slight itching and temporary flushing were commonly reported, although no serious adverse event occurred. These are results for that particular formula and application schedule, not instructions to apply any cellulite cream twice daily.6

How should you try a cellulite cream?

1. 1Check the ingredients before choosing. Caffeine and 0.3% retinol are options for reducing visibility, rather than eliminating cellulite.
2. 2Test the cream on a small area first. Wait 48 hours before using more, and do not expand application if a skin reaction develops.
3. 3Follow the product's directions. For caffeine products, maintaining results requires daily use; the amount and application schedule still belong to the individual label.
4. 4Allow enough time to assess retinol. Six months or longer is the relevant timescale, rather than a few applications.

Avoid creams containing aminophylline if you use an asthma inhaler. Aminophylline creams can cause breathing problems, and anxiety or a racing heart have also been reported. Stop using a product that causes a reaction and seek medical help for breathing problems.5

What if you want a longer lasting change?

A dermatologist can discuss procedures that target the bands beneath the skin. Cellulaze uses a laser and can reduce cellulite's appearance for a year or longer. Subcision releases the bands with a small device beneath the skin, with results lasting around two years. Longer lasting does not mean permanent, even when the treatment has a name that sounds like it should come with a warranty.1