"The skin becomes firmer."

As a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Prof. Dr. Robert Oellinger focused exclusively on aesthetic procedures 20 years ago. Whether as senior physician at the renowned Swiss clinic Aesthea in Rheinfelden or as a university professor, Dr. Both practical and scientific research work are important to Oellinger. Skin tightening and cellulite in particular are topics that repeatedly lead to controversial discussions in cosmetics. New, innovative active ingredients are rare and, accordingly, many cosmetic products do not pass the endurance test of daily use. A lot has been tested, little has convinced and so the frustration of those affected is correspondingly high.

Prof. Oellinger, why is cellulite such a stubborn problem for so many women? And where does cellulite come from anyway?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: For decades, the Cellulite researched. This long period of time already shows how difficult and complex it is to approach the problem. Young women are already affected, but of course older ones too, as everyone knows. Body weight and the hormonal situation play a role, but are not decisive. It is becoming increasingly clear that the changes in fat and connective tissue are the determining factors. Immediately under the skin is a collagen fiber network, which is primarily stable. If fat cells accumulate under the mesh, the pressure can no longer be withstood and it is pushed outwards. None of this would be so bad if there weren't fibers at irregular intervals that pull down perpendicular to the skin and cause irregularities (orange peel skin).

Does that mean there is no cure for this problem?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: As far as I know, not a herb (laughs). However, in addition to some interesting apparatus-based and partly invasive methods, there is an approach against cellulite that amazes me as a doctor and scientist.

Which is?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: There are up-and-coming Swiss companies that have set themselves the goal of winning the battle against dents. And it really seems as if they have succeeded in this ambitious mission. The company Skin689, for example, starts with its own and patented active ingredient CHacoll®, namely exactly where you have to start: With the weakened connective tissue. The active ingredient stimulates neocollagen synthesis - this strengthens the dermis, the fat cells are pressed down and the skin surface becomes smoother. So no attempt is made to use dehydrating ingredients such as e.g. B. caffeine, to catch a so-called immediate effect, which is not sustainable, but rather gets to grips with the problem in the long term.

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

Regarding the active ingredient: What do you think makes it particularly special?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: In addition to the aforementioned reduction in the area of ​​the fat lobules, the evaluated ultrasound images also showed a clear increase in skin density – i.e. a more compact skin structure. This in turn shows us that we now have an effective approach against cellulite.

What is the reaction of your patients?
Prof. Dr. Oellinger: I have to tell you that, despite the good study results, we were a bit skeptical at the beginning. However, our patients were already impressed by the first results after around three to four weeks. But more importantly, we found that with continued use of the cream, the severity of the cellulite actually decreased. The skin becomes firmer, the skin structure is clearly improved.