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How Effective Is Retinol for Cellulite?

Helen Akers
Helen Akers

Using retinol for cellulite can be effective in reducing its appearance. When cellulite creams that contain retinol are used consistently over a period of two to three months, it may make the fat less obvious. Those who use retinol for cellulite are still advised to rely on a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

When applied to the skin, retinol is converted into retinoic acid. This acid is the ingredient used in prescription strength vitamin A creams that are usually used to treat acne and early signs of aging. Retinoic acid works by stimulating collagen growth and normalizing the skin re-production process. It can be effective in giving the skin a smoother and denser appearance.

Considered an exercise to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, side lunges, which can be performed with or without weights, can strengthen and tone the thighs, buttocks and hips.
Considered an exercise to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, side lunges, which can be performed with or without weights, can strengthen and tone the thighs, buttocks and hips.

Since cellulite is caused by fat deposits that show up just beneath the skin's surface, using retinol for cellulite can be effective at tightening the skin that covers those deposits. This can make the fat less noticeable, but it cannot actually get rid of it. The benefits received from using retinol for cellulite tend to be primarily cosmetic and somewhat short-term.

Retinol may be effective at reducing the appearance of cellulite when used for several months.
Retinol may be effective at reducing the appearance of cellulite when used for several months.

Those who rely solely on retinol lotions and creams to fight cellulite's appearance may have to keep using the products. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that gets metabolized by the body. Its effects tend to be cumulative and the skin's re-production process will go back to its former state once retinol use ceases. One of the more effective ways to fight the appearance of cellulite is through moderated weight loss, strength training and regular exercise.

Wearing slimming undergarments can help minimize the appearance of cellulite.
Wearing slimming undergarments can help minimize the appearance of cellulite.

Cellulite can be effectively reduced when a regular physical fitness routine is established and followed. Cardiovascular activity helps decrease the body's overall fat composition and build muscle. Strength training exercises that target the lower body can be effective at reducing cellulite in women. Since females tend to accumulate more fat in the hips and thigh area, lunges and squats can help build and strengthen muscle.

Retinol may be used in conjunction with regular exercise to treat cellulite.
Retinol may be used in conjunction with regular exercise to treat cellulite.

Performing toning exercises that target the areas where cellulite is an issue can result in a tighter skin appearance. Not only are the fat deposits reduced, but the increased amount of muscle tends to come to the surface just underneath the skin. Strength training and exercise are more effective long-term remedies, along with a healthy diet. Some women still experience cellulite deposits despite strenuous exercise and healthy dieting.

Cellulite creams that contain retinol may be effective after two to three months of usage.
Cellulite creams that contain retinol may be effective after two to three months of usage.

The cause of stubborn cellulite tends to be blamed on genetics. In these cases, using retinol for cellulite along with diet and exercise might prove to be more beneficial. While many experts disagree on retinol's overall effectiveness for cellulite, there does seem to be a consensus that it improves the texture and appearance of the skin.

Discussion Comments

anon960647

Retinol is a weaker version of Retin-A. This is why many who complain nothing improved have no results of note if anything at all. Those who use Retin A are likely to have better looking skin and eventually build new collagen. As with anything, results will vary especially for those who are looking for improvement in just a month or two or those who are not patient enough to not put any clothing over their skin for at least 20 minutes after applying Retin A.

SarahGen

Retinol lotion did not work for my cellulite. I used it for several months, massaging it into areas with cellulite. I think this was long enough to see effects but I did not see any change in my skin whatsoever. The lotion moisturized my skin but that was about it.

I don't think that there is any easy way to get rid of cellulite. Exercise is the only way to go. Exercise can be challenging but this is the only way to get rid of cellulite for the long term. Even if retinol cream worked, the results would be temporary as the article said. Or it might not work at all, just as it has been in my case.

literally45

@burcinc-- I use a retinol cream for cellulite and I do recommend it. I have been using the cream for a month and there is a significant reduction in the appearance of my cellulite. My skin is smoother and more even.

I have no idea how long these effects will continue for but I'm very pleased so far. I was not expecting retinol to work so well. I think that this is a good option for many women and the cream is surprisingly affordable. Definitely give it a try.

burcinc

I'm one of those people suffering from cellulite despite exercising regularly and following a healthy diet. I'm thinking about using a retinol product for this reason.

Does anyone here use retinol for cellulite? Do you recommend it or is it a waste of money?

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    • Considered an exercise to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, side lunges, which can be performed with or without weights, can strengthen and tone the thighs, buttocks and hips.
      By: z3zo
      Considered an exercise to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, side lunges, which can be performed with or without weights, can strengthen and tone the thighs, buttocks and hips.
    • Retinol may be effective at reducing the appearance of cellulite when used for several months.
      By: jolopes
      Retinol may be effective at reducing the appearance of cellulite when used for several months.
    • Wearing slimming undergarments can help minimize the appearance of cellulite.
      By: photo25th
      Wearing slimming undergarments can help minimize the appearance of cellulite.
    • Retinol may be used in conjunction with regular exercise to treat cellulite.
      By: puhhha
      Retinol may be used in conjunction with regular exercise to treat cellulite.
    • Cellulite creams that contain retinol may be effective after two to three months of usage.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Cellulite creams that contain retinol may be effective after two to three months of usage.
    • People who rely on retinol lotions and creams to fight cellulite's appearance may be required to keep using the products.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      People who rely on retinol lotions and creams to fight cellulite's appearance may be required to keep using the products.