July 8, 2010 – Only women get it. Diet and even liposuction won’t get rid of it. And contrary to popular belief, body weight has nothing to do with the cause, while hormones and genetics have everything to do with it. What is it?
Cellulite, and it affects millions of women. Cellulite is not a “fat” issue; it’s a skin disorder that occurs within the connective tissue where fat cells push up through fibrous bands of tissue known as septa and form the characteristic bulging that we identify as orange peel skin, or cellulite.
While losing weight and invasive medical procedures won’t help, certain topicals can help increase circulation and metabolism and strengthen the dermis to improve the condition, says Gogi Sangha, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, Inc., a Bay Area-based contract manufacturer of anti-aging cosmeceuticals, OTC skin care and natural/organic-based skin products. Here are a few helpful topical ingredients, many of which G.S. Cosmeceutical uses in its anti-cellulite formulations:

COQ10 – Critical to cell respiration, Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubequinone) helps restore mitochondrial activity by increasing the body’s energy production known as ATP.

L-Carnitine – Enhances hormonal metabolism and helps reduce the body’s fat storage cell count.

Caffeine – A form of methylxanthine, caffeine is thought to induce lipolysis (breakdown of stored fat) when applied topically. Caffeine tightens the blood vessels, stimulates the breakdown of fat cells and helps rid the body of toxins. One study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that a caffeine-based, liposome-encapsulated cream reduced fat cells over a 2-month period. However, these topicals need a good delivery system like liposomes to enable penetration.

Escin (Edemine) – Escin, or edemine, is an extract from the horse chestnut tree (see “Horse Chestnut Extract” below), which has been shown to exhibit potent vasoconstricting, anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting properties.

Goji Berry – This supercharged antioxidant fruit provides the essential fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to strengthen and fortify skin cells and connective tissue from succumbing to the weakening effects that lead to cellulite.

Guarana – A tropical berry from the Amazon, guarana dilates the blood vessels and thereby increases blood flow. Guarana has also demonstrated some antioxidant activity within the body.

Horse Chestnut Extract – A potent vasoprotective, horse chestnut extract helps reduce edema associated with cellulite in the thighs. Horse chestnut seed supports blood circulation, wound healing and provides anti-inflammatory action.

Pro-Sveltyl – A derivative of the lotus flower, Pro-Sveltyl reduces fat by breaking down stored fat (lipolysis), reducing the fat storage cell differentiation (adipocyte) and stimulating the caloric restriction gene, SIRT-1, which limits the formation of new fat cells. Pro-Sveltyl also reduces tissue inflammation while inhibiting the MMP enzymes responsible for the degradation of the skin’s collagen and elastin matrix. When tested at 1%, Pro-Sveltyl reduced the MMP-9 enzyme by 73%.

Retlactyl D – This black pepper extract normalizes the expression of matrix proteins, thereby improving skin firmness and tone.

Retinoids – Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol, can help thicken and strengthen the dermis. Some evidence suggests that retinoids may also help increase circulation to the area.

Filed under: Contract Manufacturing, Cosmeceutical Manufacturing, Cosmetic Chemistry and Formulation, Cosmetics, Health and Wellness, Personal Care Products, Skincare Technology