Can Slimming Creams help the Fight Against the Flab?

If you’re worried about cellulite the chances are you have tried at least one of the slimming creams on the market. They have certainly increased in popularity in recent years as we yearn for that perfect bikini body.

• They are widely available;

• Relatively cheap;

• Easy to apply;

• Don’t require any professional advice before using;

• They are non-invasive;

• They can be used for the entire body; and

• They are generally safe, with no allergies or skin problems being reported as side effects.

But I think they’re popularity is not in a small part due to the claims they make and the need we have, as consumers, to believe those claims.

So can slimming creams actually work?

Apparently yes. In 2004 a survey was carried out by a French consumer magazine which showed a 2 centimetre reduction in the size of women’s thighs in just two weeks.

Before you scream hallelujah, you should be aware that opinion in the expert community is not so clear cut.

Many experts are dubious about the claims of the French study saying that it is unclear how the creams can affect more than the surface of the skin. They actually argue that using anti-cellulite creams is no more effective than massage, with many believing it is the application of the creams that has the benefit, rather than the creams themselves.

How do they work?

Many contain ingredients that are thought to increase the body’s metabolism, stimulate blood flow and burn fat. The primary ingredient that is used in most creams and gels is caffeine.

Caffeine is the drug of choice for many. It is a stimulant whose primary effect is on the brain and the heart making them work harder.

This stimulating behaviour can keep us alert and increase circulation when applied topically. This helps to get rid of toxins and excess water which causes fat to be pushed against the skin, thus giving the tell-tale, orange peel appearance of cellulite.

However, there are a few dermatologists who say that creams and gels can indeed aid in the slimming process as they draw the fluids out of the spaces between cells and induce fat burning in the layer just below the skin.

With so many different slimming creams on the market choosing the right one can lead to headaches. To find out which ones I and other e-slimmers thought were the best have a read of the articles below.

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