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Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for information only. Do not copy nor transfer this article or a portion of
this article to another website or blog. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2011
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Cellulite, treatment, caffeine, lasers, creams, thigh creams
ZHION.COM upated on July 21, 2011
ZHION.COM upated on July 21, 2011
________________________________________________________________________
Various products have been promoted in the skin care market as thigh and stomach slimmers.
Some advertising claims also promise the reduction of “cellulite”, waffly looking or orange-peel
type skin caused by fatty deposits.
Aminophylline, an approved prescription drug used in the treatment of asthma, is an ingredient
used in many of these thigh cream products that marketers claim will dissolve the fat and
smooth the skin. Since some individuals suffer from allergic reactions to ethylenediamine, a
component of aminophylline, the FDA is concerned about the use of this ingredient in
cosmetics.
Consumers need to be aware of this potential for developing an allergic reaction and carefully
read product labels and follow directions. Persons who suffer from asthma may wish to avoid
these products so that they don’t develop a sensitization (become allergic) to aminophylline.
Drugs, unlike cosmetics, alter the structure or function of the body and are subject to an
intensive review and approval process by FDA before their release to the public. Thigh creams
may more appropriately be classified as drugs under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act since
removal or reduction of cellulite affects the “structure or function” of the body.
SOURCE: FDA.gov February 24, 2000
Various products have been promoted in the skin care market as thigh and stomach slimmers.
Some advertising claims also promise the reduction of “cellulite”, waffly looking or orange-peel
type skin caused by fatty deposits.
Aminophylline, an approved prescription drug used in the treatment of asthma, is an ingredient
used in many of these thigh cream products that marketers claim will dissolve the fat and
smooth the skin. Since some individuals suffer from allergic reactions to ethylenediamine, a
component of aminophylline, the FDA is concerned about the use of this ingredient in
cosmetics.
Consumers need to be aware of this potential for developing an allergic reaction and carefully
read product labels and follow directions. Persons who suffer from asthma may wish to avoid
these products so that they don’t develop a sensitization (become allergic) to aminophylline.
Drugs, unlike cosmetics, alter the structure or function of the body and are subject to an
intensive review and approval process by FDA before their release to the public. Thigh creams
may more appropriately be classified as drugs under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act since
removal or reduction of cellulite affects the “structure or function” of the body.
SOURCE: FDA.gov February 24, 2000
Cellulite, which appears as orange peel-type or cottage cheese-like dimpling of the skin on the
thighs and buttocks, is a complex, multifactorial, cosmetic disorder of the subcutaneous fat
layer and the overlying superficial skin. [Emanuele E, et al, Int J Dermatol. 2011 Apr;50(4):412-
6.] Treatment of cellulite aims at (1) the reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer, (2) increase in
dermal thickness and elasticity and (3) dissection of hypertrophic connective tissue septae,
responsible for the most pronounced dermal indentions. A variety of treatment options have
evolved ranging from topical retinol to interstitial laser. [Proebstle TM., Hautarzt. 2010 Oct;61
(10):864-72.]
Nonablative lasers and nonlaser systems
Different technologies such as lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and radiofrequency have
been introduced. Most nonablative laser systems emit light within the infrared portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum (1000-1500 nm). At these wavelengths, absorption by superficial
water containing tissue is relatively weak, thereby effecting deeper tissue penetration.
Nonablative technology have been used for several indications such as skin tightening,
periorbital tissue tightening, treatment of nasolabial lines and jowl, body sculpting/remodeling,
cellulite reduction, scar revision and remodeling and for the treatment of photodamaged skin.
[Sachdev M, et al, Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2011 May-Jun;77(3):380-8.]
Phototherapy plus Treadmill
Twenty women (25-55 years old) were separated in two groups: the control group, which
carried out only the treadmill training (n = 10), and the LED group, with phototherapy during the
treadmill training (n = 10). The training was performed for 45 minutes twice a week over 3
months at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate (HR(max)). The treatment was
evaluated by interpreting body composition parameters, photographs and thermography. This
was primarily a treatment for cellulite with a reduction of saddlebag and thigh circumference. At
the same time, the treadmill training prevented an increase of body fat, as well as the loss of
lean mass. Thermal images of the temperature modification of the thighs are presented. These
positive effects can result in a further improvement of body aesthetics using infrared-LED
together with treadmill training. [Paolillo FR et al, J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2011 Aug;13(4):166-71]
Tripolar radiofrequency
Twenty-eight women underwent anticellulite treatment using radiofrequency, 17 women were in
the placebo group. The therapy was monitored by classical and high-frequency ultrasound.
Cellulite was reduced in 89.286% of the women who underwent radiofrequency treatment.
[Mlosek RK et al, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011 Jun 21.]
Lymph drainage and cervical stimulation
Perimetry was performed at the gluteal fold, at 5 cm and 10 cm below the gluteal fold for both
legs, and 5 cm and 10 cm below the navel. The patients were submitted to a treatment regimen
of 1.5 hours per day adapted for the treatment of cellulite, consisting of manual and mechanical
lymph drainage and cervical stimulation using the Godoy and Godoy technique. After 10
sessions over two weeks, the patients were evaluated again. Reductions were identified at
both points below the navel, the points on the thighs, and at the gluteal fold. [de Godoy JM et al,
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2011; 4: 55–59.]
Caffeine
Caffeine, the most widely used anti-cellulite ingredient, favours fat break-down by inhibiting the
phosphodiesterase enzyme and encouraging a high intracellular level of cAMP. [Vogelgesang
B,Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Apr;33(2):120-5.]
Three studies were performed to investigate the mechanism of action and evaluate the efficacy
of a topical cosmetic slimming product combining tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, caffeine,
carnitine, forskolin and retinol. The Ex vivo study on skin explants showed that caffeine and
forskolin both stimulated glycerol release and demonstrates for the first time that retinol and
carnitine in combination synergistically stimulated keratinocyte proliferation, which leads to an
increase epidermal thickness. The clinical study associating circumference measurements on
five selected parts of the body, cutaneous hydration measurements as well as blinded expert
grading of skin aspect was conducted on 78 women who applied the product or placebo twice
daily for 12 consecutive weeks. After 4 weeks of twice-daily application of the product,
significant reductions in circumference of abdomen, hips-buttocks and waist were already
observed. Improvements concerned all the measured body parts after 12 weeks. Orange peel
and stubborn cellulite decreased significantly from 4 weeks of treatment and tonicity improved
from 8 weeks, demonstrating that the product improved skin aspect. [Roure R, et al, Int J
Cosmet Sci. 2011 May 13.]
Adiponectin Gene Expression
Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone mainly produced by subcutaneous fat that shows
important protective anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. A total of 15 lean women with
cellulite and 15 age- and BMI-matched women without cellulite participated in a study. Real-
time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess
adiponectin gene expression. Plasma adiponectin levels were measured using a commercial
enzyme immunoassay kit. Adiponectin mRNA expression in the subcutaneous adipose tissue
of the gluteal region was significantly lower in areas with cellulite compared with those without.
However, plasma adiponectin levels did not differ between women with and without. [Emanuele
E et al, Int J Dermatol. 2011 Apr;50(4):412-6]
Sulfo-carrabiose
A series of studies has shown that spermine and spermidine, two ubiquitous polyamines,
encouraged fat storage and slowed fat break-down in the adipose tissue. Besides, it was
shown that heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans had a strong affinity for polyamines.
Researchers used molecular modelling to screen several ingredients with a structure similar to
that of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans. This way, they identified sulfo-carrabiose as a
potent molecule for trapping spermine and spermidine. When sulfo-carrabiose was
incorporated in a cosmetic formula, significant improvements were observed in thigh
circumference, with better results than those obtained with caffeine after 28 days of use.
Furthermore, a combination of caffeine and sulfo-carrabiose led to results significantly better
than those obtained with caffeine alone. [Vogelgesang B, et al, Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Apr;33
(2):120-5.]
thighs and buttocks, is a complex, multifactorial, cosmetic disorder of the subcutaneous fat
layer and the overlying superficial skin. [Emanuele E, et al, Int J Dermatol. 2011 Apr;50(4):412-
6.] Treatment of cellulite aims at (1) the reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer, (2) increase in
dermal thickness and elasticity and (3) dissection of hypertrophic connective tissue septae,
responsible for the most pronounced dermal indentions. A variety of treatment options have
evolved ranging from topical retinol to interstitial laser. [Proebstle TM., Hautarzt. 2010 Oct;61
(10):864-72.]
Nonablative lasers and nonlaser systems
Different technologies such as lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and radiofrequency have
been introduced. Most nonablative laser systems emit light within the infrared portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum (1000-1500 nm). At these wavelengths, absorption by superficial
water containing tissue is relatively weak, thereby effecting deeper tissue penetration.
Nonablative technology have been used for several indications such as skin tightening,
periorbital tissue tightening, treatment of nasolabial lines and jowl, body sculpting/remodeling,
cellulite reduction, scar revision and remodeling and for the treatment of photodamaged skin.
[Sachdev M, et al, Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2011 May-Jun;77(3):380-8.]
Phototherapy plus Treadmill
Twenty women (25-55 years old) were separated in two groups: the control group, which
carried out only the treadmill training (n = 10), and the LED group, with phototherapy during the
treadmill training (n = 10). The training was performed for 45 minutes twice a week over 3
months at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate (HR(max)). The treatment was
evaluated by interpreting body composition parameters, photographs and thermography. This
was primarily a treatment for cellulite with a reduction of saddlebag and thigh circumference. At
the same time, the treadmill training prevented an increase of body fat, as well as the loss of
lean mass. Thermal images of the temperature modification of the thighs are presented. These
positive effects can result in a further improvement of body aesthetics using infrared-LED
together with treadmill training. [Paolillo FR et al, J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2011 Aug;13(4):166-71]
Tripolar radiofrequency
Twenty-eight women underwent anticellulite treatment using radiofrequency, 17 women were in
the placebo group. The therapy was monitored by classical and high-frequency ultrasound.
Cellulite was reduced in 89.286% of the women who underwent radiofrequency treatment.
[Mlosek RK et al, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011 Jun 21.]
Lymph drainage and cervical stimulation
Perimetry was performed at the gluteal fold, at 5 cm and 10 cm below the gluteal fold for both
legs, and 5 cm and 10 cm below the navel. The patients were submitted to a treatment regimen
of 1.5 hours per day adapted for the treatment of cellulite, consisting of manual and mechanical
lymph drainage and cervical stimulation using the Godoy and Godoy technique. After 10
sessions over two weeks, the patients were evaluated again. Reductions were identified at
both points below the navel, the points on the thighs, and at the gluteal fold. [de Godoy JM et al,
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2011; 4: 55–59.]
Caffeine
Caffeine, the most widely used anti-cellulite ingredient, favours fat break-down by inhibiting the
phosphodiesterase enzyme and encouraging a high intracellular level of cAMP. [Vogelgesang
B,Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Apr;33(2):120-5.]
Three studies were performed to investigate the mechanism of action and evaluate the efficacy
of a topical cosmetic slimming product combining tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, caffeine,
carnitine, forskolin and retinol. The Ex vivo study on skin explants showed that caffeine and
forskolin both stimulated glycerol release and demonstrates for the first time that retinol and
carnitine in combination synergistically stimulated keratinocyte proliferation, which leads to an
increase epidermal thickness. The clinical study associating circumference measurements on
five selected parts of the body, cutaneous hydration measurements as well as blinded expert
grading of skin aspect was conducted on 78 women who applied the product or placebo twice
daily for 12 consecutive weeks. After 4 weeks of twice-daily application of the product,
significant reductions in circumference of abdomen, hips-buttocks and waist were already
observed. Improvements concerned all the measured body parts after 12 weeks. Orange peel
and stubborn cellulite decreased significantly from 4 weeks of treatment and tonicity improved
from 8 weeks, demonstrating that the product improved skin aspect. [Roure R, et al, Int J
Cosmet Sci. 2011 May 13.]
Adiponectin Gene Expression
Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone mainly produced by subcutaneous fat that shows
important protective anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. A total of 15 lean women with
cellulite and 15 age- and BMI-matched women without cellulite participated in a study. Real-
time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess
adiponectin gene expression. Plasma adiponectin levels were measured using a commercial
enzyme immunoassay kit. Adiponectin mRNA expression in the subcutaneous adipose tissue
of the gluteal region was significantly lower in areas with cellulite compared with those without.
However, plasma adiponectin levels did not differ between women with and without. [Emanuele
E et al, Int J Dermatol. 2011 Apr;50(4):412-6]
Sulfo-carrabiose
A series of studies has shown that spermine and spermidine, two ubiquitous polyamines,
encouraged fat storage and slowed fat break-down in the adipose tissue. Besides, it was
shown that heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans had a strong affinity for polyamines.
Researchers used molecular modelling to screen several ingredients with a structure similar to
that of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans. This way, they identified sulfo-carrabiose as a
potent molecule for trapping spermine and spermidine. When sulfo-carrabiose was
incorporated in a cosmetic formula, significant improvements were observed in thigh
circumference, with better results than those obtained with caffeine after 28 days of use.
Furthermore, a combination of caffeine and sulfo-carrabiose led to results significantly better
than those obtained with caffeine alone. [Vogelgesang B, et al, Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Apr;33
(2):120-5.]