In the world of cosmetics there are hundreds of products. Among all of them, slimming creams have become very popular, due to their ease of application, directly on the skin, and their promises about reducing volume and improving the appearance of the skin.
In a market saturated with solutions to maintain a figure, slimming creams are presented as a non-invasive alternative, without resorting to more drastic procedures.
The promise of slimming creams is very appealing: a topical solution that can help sculpt the figure. To use these products, we should, at the very least, understand that they do not offer miraculous results and that their effectiveness depends on several factors, such as skin type, consistency in their application and other lifestyle habits.
It is true that there is a large investment in research in this field, but it is also true that certain advertising campaigns have the advantage that many people do not fully understand the details of the formulations. Thus, for example, it is possible to say that a slimming cream contains a certain ingredient with a good reputation, but at the same time to ignore the fact that the concentration is so low that it does not contribute anything to the product.
How do slimming creams work?
The purpose of slimming creams is to combat the accumulation of localized fat and cellulite. These creams, applied regularly to specific areas of the body, aim to tone the skin, improve blood circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Slimming creams usually contain a combination of active ingredients designed to stimulate fat burning and improve skin elasticity. These ingredients include caffeine, retinol and L-carnitine.
Mechanism of action of slimming creams
The function of slimming creams is based on the interaction of their active ingredients with the skin. These products seek to influence various physiological processes to achieve their goals of size reduction and improved skin appearance.
- One of the main objectives of slimming creams is to improve blood circulation in the areas of application. Ingredients such as caffeine act as vasodilators, dilating blood vessels and increasing local blood flow. This increase in circulation can promote the elimination of toxins and improve tissue oxygenation, thus contributing to overall skin health.
- Some slimming creams include ingredients such as L-carnitine, which is believed to facilitate the mobilization and burning of fatty acids. The idea is that these ingredients act on fat cells, stimulating the release of fatty acids to be used as a source of energy. This process is known as lipolysis and is considered key to the goal of localized fat reduction.
- Other components, such as retinol, can have a positive impact on skin elasticity. Retinol stimulates the production of collagen, a protein essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. By strengthening the dermal structure, these creams are expected to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve skin texture.
- Moisturizing ingredients present in many slimming creams aim to keep the skin hydrated, thus promoting a smoother and softer appearance.
What slimming creams work?
Although the mechanisms of action described sound promising, it should be noted that the efficacy of slimming creams can vary considerably from one person to another.
In addition, scientific research in this field is limited and, in many cases, contradictory. Some studies show positive results, while others find no significant differences compared to placebos or products without active ingredients.
The lack of scientific evidence is mainly due to the ability of the active ingredients included in slimming creams to penetrate the skin. The skin is a protective barrier that has several layers, and for the ingredients in a slimming cream to be effective, they must be able to pass through these layers and reach the target cells.
If the size of the molecules is too large they may have difficulty penetrating the skin effectively, whereas smaller molecules are more likely to reach the layers where they are needed. The effectiveness of slimming creams is therefore intrinsically linked to the ability of their active ingredients to cross the skin barrier and reach the layers where they can perform their function. If you want to know more about it, you can read about Dalton’s Law.
Finally, some manufacturers of slimming creams may exaggerate their claims without solid scientific support. Therefore, before choosing a cream, look for scientific studies that support the efficacy of key ingredients.
- For example, caffeine has shown some lipolysis benefits in in vitro studies, but topical application may have variable results in different individuals.
- The concentration of the active ingredients in the cream is crucial. Some studies suggest that certain ingredients, such as retinol, may be beneficial in specific concentrations. But to do so, you must make sure that the cream contains significant amounts of the ingredients backed by scientific evidence.
- Other active ingredients that slimming creams may contain are plant extracts, such as algae, centella asiatica and ivy, which are often incorporated for their properties to improve skin firmness and reduce fluid retention. Hyaluronic acid, a humectant, helps retain moisture, promoting smoother skin. Aminophylline has been associated with fat breakdown and cellulite reduction. Guarana extract, which contains natural caffeine, can be included for its stimulating properties and its potential to improve circulation.
In conclusion, although we cannot affirm that reducing creams will reduce the volume of our body, they do have some positive effects. These creams are moisturizers, so we will be able to hydrate the skin and make it look better. The massage we perform to apply the cream, activates local circulation and eliminates toxins.
Finally, many people who decide to start using slimming creams also improve their diet and practice sports, so the results come even if not directly.
