A novel application of the chemistry of caffeine is the latestmarketing ploy aimed at women ashamed of their thighs
One of a woman's great distresses is the orange-peel effect of cellulite in their skin. The latest "miracle cure" for this stubborn condition is a pair of tights which is impregnated with microcapsules of caffeine. They can be purchased online from Tightsplease.com for £33 ($64) for three pairs. The publicity says that as the temperture rises, the caffeine is released directly into the thigh where it increases the metabolism and burns up the fat which causes cellulite.
Reviews on the seller's website are very positive (of course) but the caffeine only remains in the tights for four washes, so what is the chemistry behind this idea?
It does seem to be generally sound. In an article elsewhere (here) I have described the effects of caffeine on the adenosine receptors in the brain. Another effect that caffeine has is that it inhibits the activity of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase which slows down fat breakdown (mentioned here)
Cellulite is essentially fat accumulated beneath the skin of the thighs and buttocks. It takes on the "orange-peel" appearance because of the way the skin is attached to the muscle. So if the enzyme which slows down fat breakdown is taken out of play by the caffeine, fat and hence cellulite will be burnt away quicker.
So my advice to women is: Try it! You never know you may lose those 2cm from your thighs and be a little bit less self-conscious on the beach this summer!
