But after a day in the sun it seems to have significant benefits. It goes without saying that it is not a replacement for a high factor sunscreen. Studies have shown that applying caffeine to sunburnt skin might actually reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer, effectively encouraging damaged cells to selflessly fall on their swords before they can cause any trouble. While this is true everywhere, it works particularly well on the face and under the eyes, where darker patches are generally more visible and likely to appear. This not only prevents skin puffiness but can make it appear less red too, due to the reduction in the amount of blood at the skin surface. What exactly are the caffeine skin care benefits?Ĭaffeine is a kind of molecule known as a vasoconstrictor simply put, it makes blood vessels smaller. This means that products such as Coffee Scrubs, Creams and Serums, which sit on the skin for longer, are more effective at improving its feel and look. However, even in five minutes, caffeine makes its way into the epidermis, the top layer of skin. But, if in doubt, you could just look up and whisper “it’s for science”.Ĭlearly it takes longer to absorb substances through our skin than stomach – that’s why evolution kindly gave us mouths. Obviously you might get a couple of puzzled looks if you were to put that theory to the test. This suggests that its effects are not only genuine but that you could theoretically get your morning fix just by lying in a coffee bath for half an hour. In fact, a study found that when applied to the skin, a significant amount of caffeine actually makes its way all the way through. Surprisingly, yes – caffeine can be absorbed through skin. Their findings might just cause a bit of a buzz. So grab a coffee, take a sip and read on. However, that’s only if you drink it, right? Surely those caffeine loaded shampoos don’t actually wake you up? Does caffeine-infused skincare really make you glow or is just your imagination saving you from the embarrassment of paying for snake oil? Luckily the boffins in the lab have worked long and hard to get to the bottom of this contentious issue. Caffeine, and all the energising power it brings.ĭrinking caffeine clearly has its effects. Either way we know the real reason we crave it so much. Maybe it was first thing in the morning, after your cat decided 5am was a perfectly reasonable hour to ask for food. Perhaps it was on the train, as your eyes grew heavy, the ticket inspector announcing that once again a crisp packet on the line had delayed your journey. They may reduce swelling and feel ‘soothing.Most of us will have at some point pined for a freshly brewed coffee. Furthermore, caffeine-enhanced skincare products can decrease inflammation and irritation. It is thought that caffeine may temporarily constrict these tiny blood vessels, somewhat masking the darkness under the eyes. With topical antioxidants, you can decrease the harmful effects of free radicals created by environmental pollutants and UV radiation, which are what cause fine lines and wrinkles.” He goes on: “Caffeine has been shown to constrict blood vessels when applied to the skin. But whenever I find a product that contains caffeine, my fast-beating heart skips a beat-because of the benefits for my skin.Īs James Collyer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology in Seattle, explains: “Topical caffeine is best known for its antioxidant properties. It doesn’t work the same as when you ingest caffeine. No, it won’t absorb through your skin and keep you awake at night, or act as a proxy for a cup of coffee. But it’s legit, we swear! Caffeine has multiple benefits as an ingredient. We all thought this when the industry first picked it up in the mid-aughts. It’s often marketed in a way that implies that it will wake you up. You see caffeine advertised in eye creams, moisturizers, scalp serums, and more. If you've scanned the grooming-product shelves lately, something strange may have caught your attention: caffeine, used as a skincare ingredient.
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