Researchers have found that products containing caffeine, such as Brooklyn Botany Arabica Coffee Body and Face Scrub, $14.99, can dehydrate the fat cells, making them smaller and less visible. That said, it's a temporary result and you'd have to use it every day.
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Another promising option are products that contain retinol, like Paula's Choice Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment, $24.65. Retinol promotes collagen production, which can help thicken the skin, thus making your cellulite harder to see. In a study, after six months of using a retinol product twice a day, doctors saw more skin elasticity and less cellulite.
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The American Academy of Dermatology says that a treatment called Cellulaze works well for long-term cellulite reduction, though they note that more research is needed. A small incision is made in the skin and a laser fiber is inserted. This laser works two ways: it zaps the bands that are causing the cellulite and works to make the skin thicker. Patients see results that last for years, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
Image via andresr/Getty
Image via andresr/Getty
Another process that has been FDA-cleared is called Cellfina. In this procedure, a doctor puts a needle under your skin to cut the fibrous tissues that cause cellulite. It's been shown to last more than two years, and is designed to treat individual trouble spots, dimple by dimple. Unfortunately, as with laser treatments, it's quite pricey: It'll run you around $4,000.
Image via Imaxtree
Image via Imaxtree
Using the same technology that doctors use to break up kidney stones, doctors administer the shockwaves twice a week for six weeks. Patients generally see results and the price tag is much lower than the other treatments we've discussed. That said, more research needs to be done and doctors aren't yet sure how long the results last.
Image via Imaxtree
Image via Imaxtree