‘Massaging with any cream can help improve blood flow, soften fibrous tissue and boost lymph flow, so improving the skin’s appearance,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall.
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology reported that testers who used retinol creams for six months saw a small improvement in skin firmness, from 11% to 15% on average – and firmer skin can act like Spanx on cellulite. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found 76% of women who used a cream containing caffeine lost an average of half an inch in thigh circumference.