This is a difficult question, because it's not entirely clear whether, and how well, cellulite creams work. It's also not clear how variable are the results from these types of treatments. The scientific evidence for cellulite creams is very mixed.
Some herbal creams have been tried. One study looked at a cream containing black pepper, orange peel, ginger root, cinnamon, capsaicin (hot pepper extract), green tea, and caffeine when applied then covered by neoprene shorts. About 63% of the 34 subjects saw improvement, and of those 62% saw greater improvement with the neoprene shorts. Other studies have used other herbal extract formulae.
Retinol (0.3%) cream has also been tried as a cellulite treatment. One study showed an improvement in 12 of 19 subjects. Another study, however, showed no improvement in cellulite with this treatment, but some improvement in the appearance of skin. Another study showed that retinol combined with caffeine led to an even greater effect.
Dozens have creams have been tried and reported to have some effect, but the actual level of effect is rarely evaluated, nor is the duration of results. Studies do not even show why the creams work, with some researchers claiming it is the massaging effect or even the smell of the cream that leads to efficacy.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of cellulite, creams are a reasonable first-line treatment, especially for mild appearance. The cost is relatively low, they are unlikely to do harm, and some people do see short-term results from them.
If, however, you want proven, reliable treatment for cellulite that gives long-lasting results, we recommend Cellulaze, the newly-cleared cellulite treatment with a strong clinical record.
To learn more about Cellulaze, please contact JUVA Skin & Laser Center in New York City.
