The effects of Atlas Cedar essential oil on cellulite?

Giving the skin a "dimpled" appearance, cellulite is primarily found on the thighs, stomach, arms, and buttocks. The main causes of cellulite formation are an unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, hormonal disruption, and poor blood circulation. Most often, cellulite results from an accumulation of fats in the hypodermis which disrupts the structure of the adipose tissue and causes the swelling of adipocytes. This is then referred to as adipose cellulite. There is also aqueous cellulite, due to a dysfunction of the venous and lymphatic circulations which leads to a build-up of water in the subcutaneous tissues and a swelling of the skin. Even though it is generally harmless, cellulite is often considered unsightly, hence the desire of many people to eliminate it, using natural ingredients such as Atlas cedar essential oil.

Despite its numerous benefits for the skin, to date there is no study or scientific evidence attesting to the effects of the Atlas Cedar essential oil on cellulite.

Some sources suggest that Atlas Cedar essential oil may have lipolytic and lymphotonic properties that allow it to act at the microcirculation level to reduce swelling of the skin tissues and the grainy appearance of the skin. These effects are thought to stem from the oil's richness in sesquiterpenes, such as atlantone, β-himachalene, α-himachalene, and γ-himachalene. These compounds would enable the essential oil to exert an effect on cellulite by stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation, primarily targeting so-called aqueous cellulite.

However, despite these claims, evidence remains lacking on this matter. Therefore, it is challenging to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of Atlas Cedar essential oil in combating cellulite. It would be interesting to conduct investigations to learn more about the potential effects of this essential oil and its components on orange peel skin.

Are there solutions to cellulite?

Despite the fact that cellulite is difficult to eliminate, several habits can help prevent its onset and limit its development. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is a crucial factor in combating the appearance of cellulite. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring good hydration, and regularly engaging in physical activity. Beyond lifestyle, massage can also have a positive impact on cellulite. Indeed, regular and localised massages on areas prone to cellulite can promote circulation and good vascular function. To reduce cellulite and give the skin a smoother appearance, it is also possible to resort to aesthetic medicine techniques, such as cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, pressotherapy, and focused ultrasound.

Once established, cellulite is difficult to eliminate, hence the importance of preventing it.

• CHAOUCH A. & al. Analysis of moroccan atlas cedarwood oil (Cedrus atlantica Manetti). Journal of Essential Oil Research (2004).

• RAWLINGS A. & al. Cellulite and its treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2006).

• GHANMI M. & al. Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential of Cedrus atlantica (Cedarwood oil). Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants (2016).