Many people rely on their daily dose of caffeine to perk them up in the morning. When ingesting caffeine, Healthline says it improves brain function, help burn fat, increases adrenaline and lowers your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Healthline adds that caffeine may even protect you from Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. Lately, caffeine has become a buzzy ingredient in skincare products.
The Benefits of Caffeine in Skincare
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel tells Real Simple that caffeine functions as an anti-inflammatory when applied topically. Caffeine also has anti-aging properties thanks to its antioxidant content, adds dermatologist Dr. Caroline Chang. Dr. Chang shares with Coveteur that in skincare products, caffeine works to improve circulation and decrease puffiness. That's why it's becoming a common ingredient in undereye creams or serums.
As an antioxidant, caffeine helps protect the skin from UV damage. Dr. Chang also says that caffeine can help with hair loss. She confirms that there have been studies that suggest that caffeine can penetrate hair follicles to promote growth. Other than looking for caffeine in a product's ingredient list, watch out for green tea or black tea as they also contain it.
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Products That Contain Caffeine
If you want to try caffeine-infused products, start in your kitchen. if your brew your own coffee, save the coffee grinds. You can use those grounds to exfoliate your skin in the shower. The coffee grinds will help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. The caffeine content improves circulation and is also said to help reduce cellulite. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using it on your face and just use it on your body.
If you want to try other caffeine-infused skincare products, here are some recommendations from Byrdie, Coveteur and Real Simple:
Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Gel Moisturizer
Origins combine caffeine from coffee and ginseng to energize tired and lackluster skin. It's free from oil and silicone which make it a nice option for those with oily skin. The moisturizer is also enhanced with grapefruit, lemon and, spearmint essential oils to help boost your mood through a little aromatherapy.
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eyes
As mentioned, caffeine is a popular ingredient in eye creams. La Roche-Posay combines caffeine with the gently exfoliating lipo hydroxy acid (LHA) and niacinamide which also has anti-inflammatory properties. This potent eye cream reduces dark undereye circles. La Roche-Posay is a popular brand among dermatologists so this is a safe bet.
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
If you have sensitive skin, try this all-natural caffeine eye cream from 100% Pure. The formula contains green coffee, green tea, coffee cherry, vitamin E and rosehip to reduce puffiness and dark undereye circles. It's a vegan product and it also gluten-free and cruelty-free.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
This caffeine solution from The Ordinary is a very affordable option if you're new to caffeine skincare products. This solution contains a high percentage of caffeine and Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves. At $8, it's an easy product to maintain in your routine if the combination works out well for you.
Youth to the People Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial
This is another option for natural skincare enthusiasts. The combination of yerba mate and guayusa contains four times more caffeine than coffee. Enjoy a microdermabrasion facial at home with this treatment that also has active fruit enzymes, bamboo, and diatomaceous earth.
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