Anti-cellulite shorts: do they really work? – GOOD SHAPE

First of all, it is worth remembering that cellulite is a inflammation from different causes: excess fat, liquid retention, hormonal changes and skin sagging. Doctors say there is no cure – it just gets better. The good news is that there is no lack of research, be it cosmetics, capsules, aesthetic treatments and now clothing. And can you trust it? It was in search of this answer that magazine investigated studies and heard from technicians and dermatologists.

How the shorts work
This type of clothing is made using state-of-the-art technology. In the piece by Invel, a research company, the polyamide and elastane fabric (common in fitness fashion) is bathed in a bioceramic that is incorporated into the weave. In contact with the body, this material absorbs heat and then returns it in the form of long infrared rays.

“It is a photochemical process that stimulates blood flow to the siteimproving circulation, liquid retention and inflammation”, summarizes Nelson B. Lima, researcher and doctor in nuclear technology at the Institute of Nuclear and Energy Research (Ipen) and collaborating researcher at the Invel Institute of Technology and Research.

Rhodia, a multinational company that supplies raw materials to several lingerie and sportswear brands (Plié, Scala, Trifil, Hope, Lupo, among others), launched the polyamide textile thread named emanates, which has the same function: to stimulate circulation and improve the appearance of the skin. The difference is that the thread itself already contains bioactive crystals that emit infrared radiation.

What the experts say
For dermatologists, there is only one way to know if shorts work: by testing them, and rigorously. That is why the cosmiatrics sector of the Department of Dermatology and the vascular surgery discipline of the Department of Surgery, both at Unifesp, decided to carry out a clinical study to investigate the efficacy and safety of a type of compression tissue in the treatment of cellulite grades 2 and 3 (mild and moderate).

“The objective is to evaluate, in three months, the possible changes in microcirculation and verify improvements in the clinical signs of cellulite”, says Sergio Talarico. Although the study is not yet complete, the doctor predicts interesting results. Expert Doris Hexsel, from the Dermatology Service of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, who studies cellulite in depth, cites a reference in the medical literature about the use of compression shorts, but associated with the application of creams. “There was a slight improvement on cellulite,” he says.

“I believe that the support effect of the shorts is capable of preventing a worsening of sagging, which plays an important role in the development of the problem”, he says. Dermatologist Davi de Lacerda, trained at Johns Hospkins Hospital, United States, adds another possible benefit of shorts: “The compression of this type of fabric and the modeling can facilitate lymphatic drainage”.

Is it easy to use?
According to the manufacturers, the shorts need to be used for at least 60 days to give results. The studies of the brands themselves registered improvement with eight continuous hours wearing the garment. Invel’s shorts, registered by Anvisa as a therapeutic product, withstand up to 100 washes. On the other hand, pieces made with Emana yarn, also registered with Anvisa, do not have an “expiration” date:

X-ray of Invel Bermuda shorts
Technology: fabric plated with mineral MIG3 long infrared type radiator
Action: favor local circulation
company study: 151 women wore shorts for 60 days for eight continuous hours
Result: 65% improvement in the appearance of the skin and reduction of cellulite in grades 2 and 3. It produces benefits such as reduced pain, muscle relaxation, reduction of fat and swelling
Models: in the image above: (1) shorts, BRL 384*; It is (two) leggings, BRL 439*

X-ray of Emana wire (Rhodia)
Technology: thread composed of bioactive crystals that radiate far infrared rays
Action: favoring local circulation. Company study: 15 volunteers between 18 and 45 years old wore the piece that had one leg made of fabric made with Emana yarn and the other with conventional polyamide fabric for 60 days for six continuous hours
Results: increased skin elasticity by 8% and reduced cellulite in grades 1 and 2

Check out other options for anti-cellulite pieces:

Also in the image above: (3) monkey, R$ 179.80*, from Alto Giro; It is (4) body, BRL 83*, by Lupo.

(1) Bermuda shorts, R$49*, by Scala; (two) leggings, R$ 32.90*, by Trifil; It is (3) high waist panties,
BRL 62.70*, by Plié.

*Prices researched in October 2011