This invention generally relates to improvement of the body and skin appearance, for example enhancing the appearance of sagging, wrinkled, or cellulite-afflicted areas of the skin and body, through the local delivery of a nitric oxide donor, for example, using delivery vehicles such as lotions, creams, liquids, and/or transdermal patches. In some embodiments, a delivery vehicle containing a nitric oxide donor, for example, L-arginine (an important biological precursor) or its derivatives in a sufficient concentration to improve the appearance of a selected area of the body may be applied. In certain cases, one or more agents may also be included that aid in the transfer of the nitric oxide donor into the tissue, which may overcome the resistance to transfer into the skin. Non-limiting examples of suitable agents include agents able to create hostile biophysical environments, for instance, choline chloride, magnesium chloride, and/or sodium chloride.
