Dr. Ava Shamban, a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at UCLA, told CBS News in February 2009 that cellulite is a "lumpy, bumpy appearance of the skin, almost like a mattress." It commonly appears in areas of fat deposits and results from unevenness of fatty tissue beneath your skin. Although cellulite is common and not serious, many people dislike its appearance. Numerous skin products contain caffeine. However, the bitter-tasting stimulant is not known to either worsen or "cure" your symptoms.
Theories
Although the makers of a variety of skin creams and products promise they will reduce cellulite, most do not live up to their claims, according to MayoClinic.com. Caffeine has been incorporated into many anti-cellulite creams because of the theory that caffeine can reduce fat and swelling around fat, tighten blood vessels and smooth your skin. Another theory is that caffeine reduces cellulite by dehydrating your skin; this theory is not upheld by any scientific evidence.
Research
In a study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology" in March 2008, formulations made with caffeine, caffeine plus sodium benzoate, which is commonly added to skin creams for enhanced absorption, or siloxanetriol alginate caffeine, SAC, which is derived from organic silicon, were applied topically to female mice for 21 days. Compared to the control group, mice treated with caffeine had a 17 percent reduction in the diameter of fatty cells. The sodium benzoate and caffeine mixture led to no significant changes. The SAC-containing formula promoted a 26 percent reduction in the number of fatty cells in the mice's skin. If the same holds true for humans, caffeine-containing creams, free of sodium benzoate, may reduce the number or diameter of fatty skin cells, possibly reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Potential Risks
No foods, beverages or other substances are known to cause cellulite, but stress may increase your risk for its development, according to MayoClinic.com. Consuming caffeine, particularly in excess, can magnify your body's stress responses. In response to a study conducted at Duke University published in 2002 in which daily caffeine intake and stress markers were analyzed, James D. Lane, an associate research professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University said, "The effects of coffee drinking are long-lasting and exaggerate the stress response both in terms of the body's physiological response in blood pressure elevations and stress hormone levels." Based on these findings, consuming caffeine readily can lead to heightened stress, which increases your risk for fatty skin bumps and dimpling.
Suggestions
Although nothing can be done to prevent cellulite, maintaining a healthy body weight and strengthening your muscles through regular physical activity can enhance your skin's texture and tone, according to MayoClinic.com. Because caffeine can have a drying effect on your skin, limiting your intake of caffeine and drinking plenty of water, particularly during winter months, can have benefits unrelated to cellulite.
References
- CBS News: Caffeine Is Latest Anti-Cellulite Weapon
- MayoClinic.com: Cellulite: Definition
- "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology"; Effects of Caffeine and Siloxanetriol Alginate Caffeine, as Anti-Cellulite Agents on Fatty Tissue: Histological Evaluation; Maria Valéria Robles Velasco et al.; March 2008
- SavvyMiss.com: Your Morning Coffee May Cause Cellulite
- MayoClinic.com: Cellulite: Risk Factors
- Duke University Health System: Caffeine's Effects are Long-Lasting and Compound Stress
