Anticellulite Products: Ingredients and Efficacy Testing

By: Bud Brewster, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: December 23, 2008, from the January 2009 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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Microcirculation: "The first step in cellulite treatment is stimulation of microcirculation and the removal of accumulated fluids and toxic elements," Distante has written.³ "This can improve the interstitial matrix basal regulation, fibroblast activity and decrease interstitial edema, with subsequent increase in lipolysis and a better oxygen and nutrition of the adipose tissue."

In 2006 Distante et al. reported two studies aimed at determining the efficacy of a multifunctional plant complex in the oral treatment of cellulite.³ Of interest here is the variety of instrumental noninvasive evaluations performed.

In the first study, both clinical and instrumental methods were used before starting the treatment, and again after 20 and 60 days of treatment. Color Doppler ultrasound measured the following: morphological characteristics of subcutaneous cellular tissue; distance between skin and muscular fascia; permeability and valve function of deep and superficial venous system; changes in the microvessel caliber at the subcutaneous cellular tissue level. Digital photoplethysmography measured hemodynamic changes in leg sites following tiptoe exercises to determine changes in venous filling time due to bed emptying after exercise. Videocapillaroscopy analyzed the density, area, diameter and perimeter of capillaries.

The second study obtained measurements after 3, 10, 15, 30 and 47 days of treatment on 145 patients. The following data was collected on all patients: height; weight; arterial pressure; oxidative stress; Fat Mass Index; abdominal, thigh and ankle circumference; clinical cellulite evaluation; and self-assessment. The following additional data was collected on half of the patients: blood chemistry (16 factors); videocapillaroscopy (baseline flow and capillary density); Doppler laser flowmetry (resting flow, transcapillar power); ultrasound; pain ultrasonic test; echo color Doppler; light reflection rheography; and thermography.

In the words of these researchers, "The data obtained prove that the mixture of plant extracts contained in the products under investigation are effective in contrasting several physiopathological steps involved in the pathogenesis of cellulite, thus improving all clinical signs and symptoms associated to this condition." Here, at last, is one clear example of objective data proving the efficacy of an anticellulite treatment.