Lotions: Body Lotion, Baby Lotion, Anti
Specialty Lotions Do anti-cellulite lotions and stretch-mark formulas actually work?
Cellulite is characterized by lumpy, dimpled skin on hips, thighs and buttocks. According to Dermatology Times, a monthly magazine for dermatologists, it is caused by fat deposits just below the surface of the skin and is very difficult, if not impossible, to get rid of. Paula Begoun, beauty expert and author of the book “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me,” says that cellulite shows up on the thighs of an estimated 85 percent of adult women, regardless of their body weight. Perhaps that explains the numerous firming and anti-cellulite creams on the market today. Manufacturers and beauty magazines are constantly touting the latest skin firming ingredients, like caffeine and seaweed but do they work? They’re not likely to, according to experts.
Doctors Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz, authors of the book “You Being Beautiful,” say “no creams, gels or other easy solutions have been shown even to assist” in reducing cellulite. While some of the ingredients contained within these lotions may make the skin feel slightly tighter, experts say there is no evidence that they can actually reduce or eradicate the appearance of cellulite. One reason why: Doctors at health website, MedicineNet.com explain, “Skin creams cannot deliver the required concentration of these chemicals for the length of time required for significant fat breakdown.”
Begoun concurs, saying that most current research suggests that “there is little hope that anything rubbed on the skin can change fat deposits or radically reduce the appearance of cellulite.” She states that the only topical treatments that could possibly have any effect are retinols (a derivative of vitamin A that helps to boost collagen production and thickens skin) and alpha-hydroxy acids (exfoliating ingredients that gently remove dead skin cells and smooth the appearance of skin), though there is only minimal research to suggest the possibility. These treatments don’t have to be labeled as a “cellulite cream” to be effective; any well-formulated retinol or AHA will do. Concealing can also be a more convenient option. For instance, Begoun suggests camouflaging affected areas with a good sunless tanning lotion.
Much like cellulite, stretch marks are a common ailment for which treatments receive a lot of hype with very little promise. Stretch marks affect an estimated 90 percent of mothers, 70 percent of adolescent females and 40 percent of adolescent males, according to Begoun. They occur when the skin is stretched for an extended period of time, such as with a pregnancy or weight gain.
Experts say there is no evidence that over-the-counter creams can have any impact on stretch marks. Begoun, Roizen and Oz all recommend the ingredient tretinoin instead, which can be found in Retin-A, Renova or their generic counterparts. Tretinoin has the ability to improve skin texture, color and function and helps to stimulate elastin synthesis. Over time, this can improve the appearance of stretch marks, but it will not remove them completely. Experts say the typical improvement for this prescription treatment is approximately 20 percent and it works best if it is used at the first sign of stretch marks. Experts say laser treatments may also lighten the appearance of stretch marks, but the only way to permanently remove them is with surgery.
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