Retin-A for cellulite?
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Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:03 am

I recently read an article that mentioned using retin-A for cellulite as it rebuilds collagen.

I am also considering using it on my breasts to keep them firm.

Anyone else heard of this?

free skin care · Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:15 am

Partial quote from CBS July 22, 2003:

Quote:

Help To Erase The Cellulite

The reality, Haddon says, is an anti-cellulite cream, spray or soap is not going to totally get rid of cellulite. She says it can help mask cellulite temporarily. Individual studies show that there are some products that have enough retinol and the right type of concentration (different ingredients) to make the skin a bit firmer and more solid so that the fat does not pop through as much. These products alone will not change the fat underneath the skin, according to Haddon, but it may improve the appearance of cellulite.

There a number of products that claim to help eliminate the appearance of cellulite (none say they will get rid of cellulite completely).

Haddon advises to buy a variety of products, apply twice a day and give it at least 8 weeks to see results. Choosing which product is best is an individual decision, she says. Results depend on the individual.

Here are the products demonstrated by Haddon, according to their key ingredients:

Retinol

Retinol is used in Retin-A, which is said to improve wrinkles and acne. The same theory is applied to cellulite. It exfoliates the skin and it helps build the collagen so
that, in theory, would make the skin look firmer. Haddon says Retinol is supposed to work by being able to penetrate the skin, exfoliate it and increase collagen production, which makes the skin thicker and hides the dimpling fat.

RoC Retinol Actif Pur, $20
The Retinol product uses a pure and active form of Vitamin A to help make skin visibly firm, smooth and more even, says the company. Other active ingredients are caffeine and ruscus (a plant extract).

The RoC Retinol Actif Pur is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite by 23 percent in only four weeks and 39 percent in eight weeks. Improvements continue with prolonged usage, according to RoC.

Neutrogena Anti-Cellulite Treatment, $19
Retinol is the active ingredient in this gel, which has been shown to improve elasticity, says Neutrogena. The formula also combines seaweed extract and caffeine to reduce the appearance of cellulite, leaving the skin looking smoother and less dimpled.

The formula works deep within the skin's surface to improve skin elasticity and reduce its bumpy appearance, according to Neutrogena. The company says the product is proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite within eight weeks and continue to improve it with prolonged use.

Haddon recommends massaging the treatment into the skin twice daily on desired areas for noticeably smoother, less dimpled skin.

Other suggestions in the article can be found here: http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500165_162-564359.html

free skin care · Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:34 am

Wonderful response Determined.

I used the Neutrogena with retinol for several months. It helped to reduce the appearance, but did not eliminate the bumps. For me going on a heatlhy diet at the same time ramped up the results. I wouldn't mind trying it again.

free skin care · Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:26 pm

I don't know why it's not popular in North America, but in South America, mesotherapy has been used for years and years with really good results.

I don't have visible cellulite (unless I really squeeze my thighs the dimples don't show), but many of my friends did and had mesotherapy treatments in Brazil and now look fabulous.

free skin care · Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:49 pm

Hi Josee, I had mesotherapy here in Connecticut and was very disappointed with the treatment and the result. The doctor was curt and abrupt and refused to answer questions that were perfectly appropriate. The injections hurt a lot and my belly stayed very sore and swollen for a long time. No good came of the treatment whatsoever. It probably had to do with lack of expertise/experience on the doctor's part, and I'm sure there are skilled administrators who offer great results. If I were to risk the time and expense again I would choose a more experienced practioner.

Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:47 pm

Thank you for your informative post, Determined.

I am definitely going to triple my next retin-A order from ADC!

free skin care · Fri Jul 03, 2009 7:56 pm

Determined wrote:

Hi Josee, I had mesotherapy here in Connecticut and was very disappointed with the treatment and the result. The doctor was curt and abrupt and refused to answer questions that were perfectly appropriate. The injections hurt a lot and my belly stayed very sore and swollen for a long time. No good came of the treatment whatsoever. It probably had to do with lack of expertise/experience on the doctor's part, and I'm sure there are skilled administrators who offer great results. If I were to risk the time and expense again I would choose a more experienced practioner.

Yeah I think the problem with mesotherapy also is that each practitioner has its own "secret" combination. Because mesotherapy is in reality nothing more than injecting "fat dissolving" stuff in the deeper tissues. So if what you inject is good, then you will have good results. If what you inject is bad, then you won't have good results. For obvious reasons, practitioners don't share their "secret" formulas so you really need to choose someone based on other people's recommendations. There are a couple of people in Brazil that are very famous for this very reason and people, like my friends, actually come from all over the planet to go see them!

free skin care · Sun May 15, 2011 4:43 pm

i've been starting to use .1% retin-A on my thighs and butt (cellulite areas)....itching really bad tho

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2012 4:47 pm

BCgirl wrote:

i've been starting to use .1% retin-A on my thighs and butt (cellulite areas)....itching really bad tho

Just wondering, have you continued this, and if so, have you noticed any improvement?
I've been using Finulite (from amazon.com) on my cellulite ridden areas, and I think that combined with exercise, healthy diet, dry skin brushing and (cupping) massage does help...
But... so much work for so little improvement!

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2012 5:29 pm

I tried the Retin-a on thighs/cellulite for 6 months. Didn't seem to make much difference. It's kind of a hassle, you do need to be sure the cream doesn't migrate to more sensitive areas, and let it soak in and dry before putting clothes on.

free skin care · Mon May 21, 2012 6:06 pm

If you're thinking about this for cellulite, SKIP IT. Doesn't do a thing. I firmly believe cellulite is a connective tissue disorder dependent on genetics and nothing more. Comments to exercise or lose weight are not welcome, I'm extremely slender and in shape.

free skin care · Mon May 21, 2012 10:18 pm

Ava with wings wrote:

If you're thinking about this for cellulite, SKIP IT. Doesn't do a thing. I firmly believe cellulite is a connective tissue disorder dependent on genetics and nothing more. Comments to exercise or lose weight are not welcome, I'm extremely slender and in shape.

But isn't collagen in part what makes up connective tissue?
If so, wouldn't Retin A work, since it's supposed to improve collagen production?...

free skin care · Tue May 22, 2012 4:39 pm

Quote:

Just wondering, have you continued this, and if so, have you noticed any improvement?
I've been using Finulite (from amazon.com) on my cellulite ridden areas, and I think that combined with exercise, healthy diet, dry skin brushing and (cupping) massage does help...
But... so much work for so little improvement!

If you scroll up you can see that i've began to use retin-a about a year ago. A year later the update is that there has been NO improvement on cellulite after 1 years use of retin-a 1%. I am now applying Vit-C serum to the problem areas and have been for about a month and find better results than retin-a. I wished i would have started earlier with the Vit-C serum!!
I must also state that i'm fit and eat healthy yet have suffered from cellulite since highschool!. I wish to find a cure, but there seems to be none.

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