"The skin becomes firmer."

As a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Prof. Dr. Robert Oellinger focused exclusively on aesthetic procedures over 20 years ago. Whether as the head physician of the renowned Swiss clinic Aesthea in Rheinfelden or as a university professor, Dr. Oellinger is equally committed to practical and scientific research. Skin tightening and cellulite, in particular, are topics that repeatedly spark controversial discussions in the cosmetics industry. New, innovative active ingredients are rare, and consequently, many cosmetic products fail the rigors of daily use. Much has been tested, but few have proven convincing, leading to considerable frustration among those affected.

Professor Oellinger, why is cellulite such a persistent problem for many women? And where does cellulite actually come from?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: For decades, discussions have focused on the Cellulite Research has been conducted on this topic. This long period of time also demonstrates how difficult and complex it is to approach the problem. Young women are affected, but of course, older women are too, as everyone knows. Body weight and hormonal status play a role, but are not decisive. It is becoming increasingly clear that changes in fat and connective tissue are the primary determining factors. Directly beneath the skin lies a collagen fiber network, which is primarily stable. If fat cells accumulate under this network, the pressure can no longer be withstood, and the tissue is pushed outwards. This wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fibers that run vertically downwards at irregular intervals, causing the irregularities (orange peel skin).

Does this mean that there is no cure for this problem?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: As far as I know, there isn't a herb that works (laughs). However, besides some interesting methods using equipment and some invasive techniques, there is an approach to combating cellulite that amazes me as a doctor and scientist.

Which one would that be?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: There are up-and-coming Swiss companies that have set themselves the goal of winning the fight against cellulite. And it seems they have indeed succeeded in this ambitious mission. The company Skin689, for example, uses its own patented active ingredient CHacoll® to target precisely where it's needed: weakened connective tissue. The active ingredient stimulates neocollagen synthesis – thus strengthening the dermis, pushing fat cells downwards, and consequently smoothing the skin's surface. So, instead of trying to achieve a so-called immediate effect with dehydrating ingredients like caffeine, which is ultimately unsustainable, they are tackling the problem head-on in a sustainable way.

And this effectiveness has been proven? With what results?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: Two clinical-dermatological studies were conducted by independent, renowned institutes. Various objective measurements revealed positive results: After regular use of the anti-cellulite cream, skin elasticity increased significantly. The area of ​​protruding fat lobules – the protruding fat pads in the subcutaneous fat tissue – was reduced by up to 58 percent over a period of twelve weeks, and thigh circumference was also reduced. These are remarkable results.

Regarding the active ingredient: What makes it particularly special from your perspective?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: The analyzed ultrasound images showed not only the aforementioned reduction in the surface area of ​​the fat lobules, but also a significant increase in skin density – meaning a more compact skin structure. This, in turn, indicates that we now have an effective approach against cellulite.

What is the reaction of your patients?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: I must tell you that, despite the positive study results, we were initially somewhat skeptical. However, our patients were already impressed with the first results after about three to four weeks. But what's much more important: we observed that with continued use of the cream, the severity of the cellulite actually decreased. The skin became firmer, and the skin texture showed significant improvement.