Green Tea Extract and Cellulite Reduction

. Green tea is an amazing substance chock full of antioxidants and other interesting compounds with applications in skin care. Green tea and green tea extract contain EGCG (a potent antioxidant), xanthines including theophylline and theobromine, caffeine, polyphenols and other complex organic molecules.

It tastes really good, too.

Green tea extract is found in an increasing number of skin care formulations. But does green tea extract help to reduce cellulite? Read on to learn more.

Green tea and its extracts

Green tea is made from the same plant that gives us black tea. The leaves of the tea bush are gathered and steamed. Then they are rolled out flat and dried. The resultant large, flat leaves retain a significant shade of their original green. (Black tea and oolong tea are prepared by fermenting the leaves.)

Green tea has been consumed as a beverage for thousands of years. In the last few decades, scientists have studied the properties of green tea and found that it has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Applied to the skin, green tea extract helps block UV radiation and aids in preventing the formation of skin cancer.

In case you were wondering, an extract is prepared by steaming green tea and then collecting the active chemicals, then reducing them down to a solid form. In this manner, the potency of a sample of green tea can be increased up to 20 times.

Cellulite and green tea extract

Green tea extract is known to have at least one ingredient that can directly impact cellulite: theobromine. Theobromine is an alkaloid that can penetrate the skin. It is known to stimulate the release of stored fat (similar to the effects of caffeine on cellulite). In addition, green tea extract may contain caffeine which is another good candidate for cellulite reduction.

Generally speaking, green tea extract is also quite good for the skin. It is an anti-inflammatory, which can help to counteract the irritating effects of more powerful skin care ingredients. Green tea extract is an all-around good ally in the fight against cellulite.

Is green tea extract an effective cellulite reducer?

Yes. Green tea extract has a known anti-cellulite action. However, on its own, green tea extract isn't going to make the cellulite melt away. Ideally, green tea extract will be packaged with caffeine and other proven anti-cellulite ingredients in a powerful cellulite reduction cream.

How can I reduce cellulite?

Don't give up on all cellulite creams. Cellulite creams can help you with specific problem areas. With daily application, they can help you get rid of cellulite. They're a good start to treating cellulite and reclaiming the firm, toned body you remember.

Learn about the top-rated cellulite creams.