There are a vast number of cellulite treatments in the marketplace today and with the variety of ingredients contained in them, how do you know which type is going to work? Every manufacturer promises a miracle in the battle against cellulite, but what really will do the best job in eliminating this embarrassing sight?

Cellulite treatments...

Exercise is a first thought to fight back. You can increase firmness and tone muscles, which are positive benefits aside from staying heart healthy, but unfortunately it's not enough to have a miraculous effect on the visible appearance of cellulite. It's primary causes have been found to be more of a product of genetics and aging as opposed to how much exercising one does or does not participate in.

The most current solutions until now have been nothing more than topical treatments. Most remedies, primarily in cream form, contain vitamins, herbs, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories which can help promote blood flow to the affected areas. These creams usually allow the skin to appear softer and smoother, with an overall healthy and dehydrated appearance; however, they are not overly effective in eliminating the cellulite problem and are merely temporary. The damaged contained and fat cells within the skin, only get partially treated. In order to properly complete cellulite treatment, experts say you need to care for the problem internally as well as externally.

Topical treatments also cannot actually penetrate the dermis where much of the cellulite is. Creams and lotions generally reach only the epidermis, or top layer of skin. Many cellulite treatments are primarily unsuccessful because they only focus on the external appearance of cellulite. They are unable to completely fight the damage where it thrives. Dimpling on the surface of the skin is simply evidence of the underlying cause. Basically, a deeper remedy is needed to supplement topical solutions. The fact is, you must reach within to wipe out the damage caused by genetics and aging.

As stated by Murad Skincare experts, "There are nine different avenues by which cellulite and stretch marks can be effectively repaired." "The more of them that you employ, the more success you will have in reducing, preventing and even eliminating your cellulite."

Nine Ways of Treating Cellulite

1. Strengthen blood vessels/increase blood flow
2. Encourage the production of connective tissue
3. Stimulate the production of collagen and elastin
4. Attract water to the cells
5. Repair cell membranes
6. Reduce wasted water
7. Prevent free-radical damage
8. Reduce inflammation
9. Promote exfoliation

One maker of an anti-cellulite product called Thermoderm lists some ingredients that they state: "After exhaustive research and testing...found that the ideal formulation required to remove Cellulite consisted of these natural herbs:

• Horse Chestnut fruit - helps circulation
• Dandelion root - supports the liver to process and eliminate toxins
• Parsley - a diuretic that will help eliminate excess fluid from the tissues
• Gingko Biloba - regulates the tone and elasticity of blood vessels, making circulation more efficient."

There are also secondary cellulite treatments used to reduce dimpling; however, it is important to remember that alone these will do little to reduce overall cottage cheese appearance. They include:

Body Spa Treatments, Body Wraps, Deep-Tissue Massage, A Do-It-Yourself Massage, Dermal Fillers, Electronic Anti-cellulite Devices, Iontophoresis, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Mesotherapy, Microdermabrasion, Nonablative Lasers, Peels, Skin Brushing and Thalassotherapy.

Again the important thing to remember in the treatment of cellulite is to incorporate factors that help eliminate it from the inside out, not just smooth the appearance of the skin's surface.