The race for the beauty-conscious to start slimming is on as the summer season sets in.
But if you are pinning your hopes on the myriad of topical slimming products - gels and creams - to do the magic, your chances of success will indeed be very slim.
For a Consumer Council study has found that there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of these products. At best, the scientific evidence available is inconclusive.
The Council has conducted a survey on topical cosmetic products for slimming or treating cellulite (orange-peel skin or dimpled skin), bearing such claims as "anti-wrinkle", "firming", "body slimming", "face slimming" or "anti-cellulite".
The survey focused on the active ingredients found in product information. Amongst the various ingredients listed, 3 ingredients were found most commonly used, namely peptides, caffeine, and capsaicin.
Medical professionals and pharmacists, however, have put forward these comments on the effectiveness of these ingredients.
First, peptides are short-chain amino acids that are believed to trigger cellular actions to produce proteins for skin repair, hence smoothing and nourishing the skin. They have therefore become popular and are frequently used in anti-aging products.
However, the effectiveness of peptides in cosmetic products depends on a host of factors: the concentration of the ingredient (which was not shown on product labels), its stability in the formulation, the effectiveness of penetration or absorption through the skin.
In the opinion of the experts, their efficacy therefore remained to be seen.
Second, caffeine is one ingredient formulated in many cellulite creams purportedly to reduce excess water in the applied area, and improve the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is a common phenomenon that particularly affects the thighs and buttocks of women.
However, some studies were of the view that the promise of cellulite reduction with any treatment should be regarded merely as speculation due to the lack of sufficient clinical evidence.
Third, capsaicin isolated from hot peppers is the compound responsible for the burning feeling when eating hot peppers. Capsaicin can cause skin irritation, and has pain-relieving properties when applied to the surface of skin.
According to some studies, taking capsaicin together with other ingredients orally may aid weight loss. Capsaicin and capsicum-derived ingredients are used in cosmetics primarily as skin-conditioning agents.
But there are as yet no clinical studies to show that weight loss can be induced by applying capsaicin topically on the skin.
A word of caution: topical preparations containing capsaicin should not be applied to cracked skin or open wounds.
In addition to these active ingredients, various plant extracts (e.g. ivy, algae, gingko biloba, horse chestnut, etc.) or mixtures of these substances that are claimed to be beneficial to the skin are commonly employed in slimming products.
Despite the wide use of plant extracts in cosmetic products, the scientific literature confirming their effects on the skin is still very limited.
The good news is: weight control or slimming is within the reach of most people. The key is through balanced diet and appropriate regular exercise. With patience and perseverance, you will be amazed how well it can do to improve your health - and body.
And a word of advice: if you are to use any products for weight control, consult healthcare professionals beforehand.
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