Algae and Cellulite Reduction

. Algae is similar to seaweed in terms of its make-up and its utility in reducing cellulite. Algae is found in many, many skin care products and is frequently added to anti-cellulite wraps. Most spas have some variation of an algae treatment to help reduce cellulite and improve the texture of your skin.

Is this simple plant worth all the attention it gets -- and, more importantly, worth your money? Read on for our evaluation.

Algae, the polite name for pond scum

Algae is a very common sight in lakes, rivers and oceans during the summer months. Algae is a simple, usually single-cell, photosynthetic organism (also known as a plant). There are hundreds of species of algae ranging from common green algae pictured above to the vile toxic algae responsible for poisonous red tides.

As a water plant, algae shares many characteristics with seaweed. Algae contains chlorophyll, trace minerals (though not as many as seaweed) and sometimes, in marine algae, collagen.

But what does algae have to do with cellulite?

Cellulite and algae

The connection between cellulite and algae is tenuous at best. Green algae extract has been studied and demonstrates the ability to boost the body's production of collagen. It is also speculated that green algae extract helps to defend the body's deep skin layers from free radical assaults.

Now, this is certainly beneficial, but what does it have to do with cellulite?

Unfortunately, very little. Despite its general utility as a skin care ingredient, green algae has not been connected in any extant studies with the diminishment of cellulite.

Is algae an effective cellulite reducer?

No. Green algae is an effective skin care product, generally speaking. However its methods of action don't help to diminish either the appearance or the underlying causes of algae. Spas offering algae wraps for cellulite reduction may help to tone the skin but will not significantly improve your cellulite.

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.