Cellulite 101

While conducting our study on cellulite, we came across a great deal of information on the subject that needed to be evaluated.  While some of this information turned out to be false, we did come across some information that we felt had value for those seeking to reduce and eliminate cellulite on their body.

So, we've included on this page information that helps shed some light on cellulite treatment and what it entails.  Information such as what cellulite is defined as and how you get it, how cellulite treatments attempt to work, and which ingredients are primarily used in anti-cellulite products.

Cellulite is basically uneven, dimpled, and/or loose skin formed as a result of waste and fluids being "trapped" in between fat cells.  The process that is thought to occur in the formation of cellulite is as follows.  First, fat cells located beneath the skin inflate, which causes pinching by underlying connective tissue.  This restricts blood flow to these fat cells. Eventually, the lack of oxygen to the fat cells causes the connective tissues to harden and become less elastic.  Over time, it is this process that leads to cellulite being formed as debris and fluid is caught between these fat cells.

Now that we know what cellulite is, how exactly do you get cellulite.  Although the precise reasons are unknown, a number of factors are thought to play a prominent role.  Some of these factors include genetics, environmental conditions, diet, and lifestyle.

Many of today's cellulite treatments use advanced ingredients that are believed to penetrate the skin and then interact with underlying skin cells.  Although each product tends to work differently, many attempt to increase localized metabolism, moisturize the skin, reduce fat storage, dehydrate fat cells, and/or supply nutrients essential to optimum skin health.

Additionally, some cellulite treatments include ingredients that help the body increase the elasticity and strength of connective tissue within the skin.

While anti-cellulite products, we noticed that many of the more successful brands tend to share a list of common ingredients.  That is, the key ingredients in many of these formulas were the same.  Here is a list of those ingredients that are most often used for cellulite treatment:

• Retinol A

• Caffeine

• L-Carnitine

• Green Tea

• Aloe Vera

Although this list does not include every ingredient used for cellulite treatment in every product currently on the market, it does give you an idea of which are the main drivers in the treatment of cellulite.

After reviewing some of the basics on cellulite, you're probably wondering which products work best to help remove it.  To address that, we've set-up a page listing what we found to be the top cellulite treatments on the market today.