Can Caffeine Really Wake Up Your Skin?
Most of us start our days with some form of caffeine — usually in the form of a latte, mochaccino, or just your regular black. Now, we’re even using it on our faces.
Caffeine is a strong antioxidant. When applied topically through lotions, eye creams, or masks, this ingredient can help constrict the blood vessels and reduce inflammation and puffiness. It can also tighten and brighten your complexion, as well as reduce wrinkles and smooth away cellulite.
So even if you’re not much of a coffee fan, you can still reap all of the benefits simply by slathering it on your skin. The biggest question is, can caffeine really wake up your skin just like your morning cup of joe wakes up your brain?
Let’s find out!
What is Caffeine?
Did you know that 64% of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee a day? And that’s just in America.
Caffeine – the active ingredient in coffee – is a stimulant known for giving you that morning or mid-day boost when your energy levels dip. You’ll also find caffeine in drinks such as tea, coca-cola, and other carbonated beverages.
But what happens when you put this stuff on your face? Or body even?
It’s not uncommon to find caffeine listed as an ingredient in many skincare products these days. But just like the debate as to whether drinking coffee is actually good or bad for us, caffeine for skincare is also a controversial topic.
Yes, it’s an effective brightener and yes it’s packed with all the antioxidants to slow down aging, but at the same time, it doesn’t have the same effects on your skin as a good night’s sleep would.
Even so, more brands are incorporating caffeine in their formulas. Is it the hero skincare ingredient they claim it to be?
What Are the Benefits of Caffeine for Skin?
Diminishes dark eyes
Dark eyes are often the result of puffiness, in which case caffeine is an excellent choice.
Caffeine, as a topical ingredient, can help improve puffiness and improve circulation in skin. And it’s that boost in circulation that really gets your skin glowing.
However, you should know that while dark eyes caused by puffiness can significantly benefit from caffeine, if it’s caused by something else, caffeine wouldn’t be as effective.
“I wish there was a really great cure for under-eye circles, but not everybody's are caused by puffiness,” Suzan Obagi, M.D., UPMC dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology and plastic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, told SELF. “ only gonna help if your issue is puffiness.”
Reduces Cellulite
Caffeine won’t make you skinny, but topical application can remove subdermal fat. It is also highly effective in reducing cellulite thanks to its role in restricting blood vessels and stimulating the enzymes that break down fat.
You’ll often find caffeine as a prime ingredient in slimming and cellulite creams — that’s because it’s an effective ingredient to help increase blood flow and stimulate the removal of fatty acids.
Decreases fine lines and wrinkles
Owing to its high level of antioxidants, caffeine has been proven to fight free radicals and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
It also accelerates collagen production, boosting elastin production and giving your complexion a more youthful appearance.
According to Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Dr. Vicki Rapaport, M.D., “Coffee is hailed for the antioxidants that are in it. These antioxidants and the caffeine molecule help repair cell damage and are anti-inflammatory, the buzzword of the moment. Drinking it provides anti-inflammatory activity for your cells internally and applying it in creams provides this protection to the skin. It can help reduce the look of fine lines, age spots and saggy skin. It is not all-powerful and won’t turn back the clock miraculously, but it can play a small part in the grand scheme of trying to stay healthy.”
Perks up the skin
As for the whether caffeine can wake up the skin, cosmetic dermatologist Dr Frances Prenna Jones insists it can.
“Similar to when you have caffeine in your diet, in a skincare context caffeine ‘perks up’ the skin and stimulates circulation,” she explained. “It’s also a powerful antioxidant, so topical application can help fight free-radical damage.”
What About Drinking Coffee for Skin?
Now we know how beneficial applying caffeine to the skin can be, how about when we take it internally?
Dr Prenna Jones encourages you to carry on with your coffee habit.
“Coffee is a great thing as it is a powerful antioxidant and stimulates our metabolism. It also keeps our bowels regular- very important for both body and skin. In small quantities it has positive effects, but as always too much of anything is a bad idea- I never drink coffee after midday. Also, for maximum skin benefit do not combine it with milk and sugar, so hold those skinny double lattes. To reap the most rewards, drink it in its purest form.”
Mary Jane Glow Serum
Get that gorgeous glow every day with Mary Jane Glow Serum.
Concentrated with caffeine, glycolic acid, and CBD, this lightweight formula delivers powerful antioxidants to plump, brighten, replenish, and hydrate the skin.
Glycolic acid gently exfoliates to remove top layers of the skin, stimulate new collagen growth, and increase elastin. Comprised of small molecules, glycolic acid penetrates the skin deeply to address issues such as fine lines, acne, dullness, oiliness, and uneven skin tone.
Hemp-derived CBD oil, on the other hand, works by hydrating and locking in moisture for all-day dewiness. A natural antioxidant packed with vitamins A, D, and E and rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, CBD also helps reduce inflammation and fights free radicals responsible for aging the skin.
As for caffeine’s role in this serum, it helps brighten and awaken your complexion.
How to Use
Apply 1-2 drops of Mary Jane Glow Serum onto clean and damp skin. Apply twice daily for best results, and always follow up with a sunscreen when applied during the day.
To keep your serum fresh and effective, store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Always close cap after usage.
Get your Mary Jane Glow Serum, only $30.
