If you hate the way you look in a bikini, shorts or any apparel that shows off the dimples in your thighs, you may have tried dieting, exercising and considered plastic surgery to get rid of unwanted cellulite. You may also have considered a cellulite cream such as Captiva and wondered whether it was worth the money. The answer is...maybe.
Ingredients
Captiva contains caffeine -- listed as lipolytic agents on the label -- and Dimethylaminoethanol, used to lift sagging skin. The caffeine in Captiva is absorbed through your skin, where it is supposed to break down fat. Dimethylaminoethanol, or DMAE, has been used primarily to improve memory in the elderly and alleviate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD by stabilizing cell membranes. DMAE has show little effect in anti-wrinkle creams, but does provide some skin-tightening effects. It may do a better job of slowing than reversing skin sagging, according to Care Fair, a website that reviews skin, beauty and health products.
Cellulite Theories
Cellulite affects nine out of 10 women at some point in their lives. The exact cause of cellulite remains unknown, and misconceptions about the "orange peel" appearance of thighs, hips and buttocks abound. Theories about the cause of cellulite include that it is formed by toxins and another is that it may be due to a hormonal imbalance. One of the known untruths about cellulite is that only overweight women are afflicted. But skinny women, including celebrities who diet and exercise regularly with the help of personal trainers, can be afflicted. Another is that only women get cellulite. Men get it too, although men more often accumulate cellulite in their arms, chests and stomach.
Scientific Study
Some evidence supports the theory that the caffeine in Captiva cellulite cream helps reduce cellulite. In a study led by Omar Lupiat the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, eight out of 10 women had tighter thin and lost fat in their thighs after using a caffeine-based cellulite cream for a month. The study, published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology," found that 80 percent of the patients tested lost up to ¾-inch off the upper part of their thighs and 2/3-inch off their lower parts of their thighs. Skin dimpling was also reduced.
Additional Remedies
Captiva may help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but will not eliminate it. You might also want to try some of these dimple-reducing methods: aerobic exercise to help break down fatty tissue that accumulates to form cellulite, eating more fiber, fruits and vegetables to help eliminate toxin build-up, muscle-toning exercise to tighten cellulite and make it less visible, massage to increase circulation and break down fatty tissue and drinking six to eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated and flush wastes from your system.
Considerations
Captiva is absorbed through your skin. The caffeine in Captiva could be a problem if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding also shouldn't use products containing DMSE nor should anone with epilepsy or bipolar disorder. Possible side effects of DMAE include increased blood pressure, depression, confusion, body odor, irritability, gastrointestinal problems and body odor. The Captiva product label does not include a complete listing of ingredients, which could be problem if you have allergies or sensitive skin.
References
- Best Cellulite Cream: Captiva Review
- Daily Record; Wonder Cream Could be Cure for Cellulite; Pat Hagan; June 7 2007
- Belfast News Letter; Peak Form: Five Ways to Reduce Cellulite; Marina Bradford; May 5 2003
- CareFair: Dimethylaminoethanol
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