Cellulite originates in the fibrous connective tissue that anchors skin to the underlying muscles. The accumulation of fat cells, which exist between the skin and muscle layers, may begin to push up against the skin at the same time as the connective cords pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling on the skin. Cellulite is much more common in women than men. According to the Mayo Clinic, at least eight out of 10 women have some degree of cellulite. This is due to the fact that fat is typically distributed in women in the thighs, hips and buttocks, which are common areas for cellulite to gather. Stress, genetics, an inactive lifestyle and the use of hormonal contraceptives all play roles in cellulite formation. L'Oreal offers anti-cellulite treatments that claim to counteract this effect upon the skin.
Treatments
The Mayo Clinic states that weight loss, muscle strengthening, and laser and radio frequency systems are all potential treatments for cellulite, but a twice daily application of topical treatment cream also works to minimize cellulite over the course of several months. There is no single silver bullet, so you should pursue multiple concurrent treatments to reduce cellulite. It can be very hard to get rid of, and treatments, because of the genetic factor, may have different effects depending upon the individual. For these reasons, you should carefully scrutinize all claims, including L'Oreal's.
Types
L'Oreal is the world's largest cosmetics and beauty company. Its main anti-cellulite products are Sublime Slim and Perfect Slim, which are similar in design. According to Dr. Ava Shamban, an assistant professor of dermatology at UCLA, the formula is non-greasy and non-sticky. Both versions have two different types of lotion that can be applied: a day lotion that comes in a green bottle and a night lotion that comes in a blue bottle. The day cream is formulated to invigorate during your most active hours by hydrating your skin and boosting your metabolism. The night cream works at a time when you need less energy and your metabolism slows as you sleep. Both creams should be applied in order to maximize cellulite treatment.
Ingredients
L'Oreal's cellulite cream contains many ingredients that firm and smooth the skin, including gingko extract, a natural plant product that boosts circulation; and Par-Elastyl, a specially designed firming agent that helps inhibit the breakdown of collagen in the skin. Caffeine is another important ingredient. According to Dr. Shamban, the theory behind caffeine is that it can reduce fat and tighten blood vessels; studies have not yet confirmed this. Although both creams contain similar ingredients, the night cream is generally stronger and contains rutin, a powerful anti-oxidant that further stimulates blood flow and reduces inflammation.
Time Frame
L'Oreal states in the product description that the average client will see a visible reduction in cellulite after only four weeks, and adds that skin begins to visibly tone and firm after eight weeks. It may not be effective for everybody within this time frame--about half of individuals in one trial did not register the claimed improvements--but at $11 to $16 a bottle, it's one of the more inexpensive anti-cellulite products on the market.
Controversy
The Advertising Standards Authority, an independent, industry-based watchdog from the United Kingdom, criticized L'Oreal for making "misleading" claims about its wrinkle and cellulite creams in 2005. Specifically, it was challenging L'Oreal's claims that its Perfect Slim cellulite cream had been "judged best anti-cellulite product in an independent study." In the study of 48 women, 71 percent agreed that it visibly reduced cellulite, but an ASA expert found that the study lacked scientific rigor. L'Oreal responded by stating that Perfect Slim enjoyed an 84 percent satisfaction rating among customers but complied with the assessment and changed the nature of its advertising accordingly. However, states Dr. Shamban, another independent clinical study of L'Oreal products found that 150 women using the treatment lost an average of half an inch off their thighs in four weeks to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Member Comments