Can Retin-A Treat Cellulite?

Few women want to look in the mirror and see dimply thighs; but the reality is that ninety percent of females over the age of eighteen have some degree of cellulite. While various remedies and treatments have been marketed for cellulite treatment over the years, few have lived up to their promise, leaving many women frustrated, disheartened, and reluctant to wear a swimsuit. One treatment that offers some possibility for cellulite treatment are the retinoic acids found in the prescription anti-aging cream Retin-A. Could Retin-A be the answer to dimply thighs?

The Ugly Fat Known as Cellulite

Although cellulite seems to be a mystery all its own, the reality is that it’s just simple fat. Lying on top of fat is the dermal support structure that’s composed of various components including collagen. Over time, this support structure thins out, allowing the underlying fat to show through, giving rise to the lump, bumpy, cottage cheese appearance known as cellulite. Cellulite is more commonly seen in women for two reasons. Women store more fat in the thigh and buttock areas than do men; and men have a better quality dermal support structure which prevents fat from poking through. Hormonal changes in women also play a role in their increased susceptibility to cellulite.

Why Would It Work?

Retin-A is used both as an acne treatment and as an anti-aging skin treatment. It’s an effective treatment for aging skin because it stimulates cells known as fibroblasts in the dermis of the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen helps to maintain the integrity of the skin, giving it support, resiliency, and the ability to resist sagging. It also stimulates the formation of new blood vessels to increase blood flow to the skin.

The idea behind using Retin-A for cellulite treatment is that it would increase the thickness of the dermal support structure overlying the fat making the lumps and bumps less visible. A small study done on nineteen people showed that Retin-A noticeably improved the appearance of cellulite. Another small study showed that application of Retin-A along with massage resulted in increased skin elasticity as well as improvement in the firmness and smoothness of the surface of the skin. These are all factors which would help to improve the appearance of cellulite.

The Bottom Line?

While the results of these small studies doesn’t suggest that Retin-A for cellulite treatment is ready for prime time, it does offer some potential treatment possibilities. Until then, the best way to treat cellulite is still with diet and exercise.