Caffeine is a psychoactive drug and a natural stimulant commonly found in coffee, tea, and soft drinks. While caffeine is known to speed up the messages that travel between the body and brain, it also has other functions. 

When added to topical skin care products, caffeine has the ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

Caffeine has been found to dilate blood vessels which can temporarily tighten and tone tissues. The stimulant also boosts circulation and reduces water retention which can help smooth out bumpy cellulite on the body. 

What Is Cellulite and What Causes It?

Cellulite is a very common condition in which the skin takes on a dimpled or lumpy appearance due to fat deposits that collect under the skin. While cellulite is mostly seen on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and belly, it can occur in other areas too. 

Cellulite occurs when fat deposits push through connective tissue and against the skin, create an orange peel-like texture. An active lifestyle and a diet low in fat can help diminish the look of cellulite, but it cannot always get rid of it completely.

Cellulite can be categorized into three main types:

• Grade 1 – This is the mildest form of cellulite that is characterized by its orange peel appearance and slight sagging of the skin. Grade 1 cellulite has between one and four superficial depressions.
• Grade 2 – With this grade, the effect of cellulite is moderate creating a “cottage cheese” appearance. Grade 2 cellulite has between five and nine depressions with a medium-depth.
• Grade 3 – Grade 3 cellulite is the most severe. This category of cellulite has a “mattress” appearance and the skin is very draped. There are also 10 or more deep depressions in the skin.

While the exact causes of cellulite are still unknown, the condition is believed to be caused by an interaction between the connective tissue layer and the layer of fat that lies beneath it. 

Fat cells and connective tissues are arranged vertically in women. When these fat cells protrude, it gives the appearance of cellulite. A crisscross tissue structure is present in men, which is why men are far less likely to develop cellulite.

Other factors can also contribute to cellulite, such as a lack of certain hormones like estrogen. Poor circulation results in less oxygen which can also increase your risk of developing cellulite. Genetic factors, poor diet, not enough exercise, and wearing clothes that are too tight limits blood flow which can contribute to cellulite.

How Does Caffeine Help Treat Cellulite?

Today, there are a number of treatment options for men and women who would like to reduce or eliminate the appearance of cellulite. Caffeine has become a go-to treatment ingredient for dehydrating cells and making cellulite less visible. 

To effectively treat cellulite, it is important to use a quality topical product containing caffeine. In addition, make sure to be consistent with your usage and follow careful instructions.

Cellu(e)rase with Caffeine is a slimming and contouring gel from Dr. Sylvia Skin Care that has been found effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite. In addition to treating areas of localized fat, the Cellu(e)rase can also slim the look of the thighs, hips, and legs and improve moderate lax skin issues. 

Besides from having Caffeine, Cellu(e)rase is also formulated with Niacinamide, a unique form of Vitamin B, attracts water to the skin to visibly plump from within and reduce the look of dimpling. These ingredients are work together to lift and slim the appearance of body contours.

Cellu(e)rase can also be a great supplement when combined with safe cellulite procedures such as Acoustic Shockwave, a clinically-proven and non-invasive treatment used to reduce cellulite and stimulate collagen production resulting to improvement in elasticity, firmness and smoothness of the skin.

In Cutis Laser Clinics, we combine Cellu(e)rase and Acoustic Shockwave to safely reduce cellulite without any surgery or downtime. Acoustic Shockwave is an in-clinic session and it works by using targeted vibrations to breakdown the fat and tissue buildup under the skin. 

When combined with daily application of Cellu(e)rase at home, this provides a more consistent and better reduction of cellulite.

To find out more, please contact Cutis Laser Clinics and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, our Harvard-trained Medical and Scientific Director.