Does Caffeine Actually Work in Skin Care?
These days, caffeine is not just for the morning.
Due to its popularity on TikTok and the endorsements of celebrities, caffeine-infused skin care products are becoming more and more popular in the beauty industry as an easy and economical method to give your face a little pick-me-up.
The Purpose of Adding Caffeine to Skin Care Products
Those caffeinated skin-care aficionados might have something, even though it seems too good to be true.
According to Jeffrey Hsu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the codirector of Oak Dermatology in Chicago, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it causes your blood vessels to become smaller and tighter.
Caffeine lowers blood flow to the skin, making it appear brighter and tighter, according to Dr. Hsu. It's frequently used in face care, eye care, and even body care products as an anti-aging or wrinkle-smoothing component.
Proper formulation is the secret to making skin-care products effective. Caffeine, in particular, can be a useful element to revitalize your skin, get rid of dark circles under your eyes, and minimize facial puffiness when used in the proper amounts.
According to a number of studies, including one that appeared in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in August 2020, caffeine molecules are small enough to penetrate the top layers of your skin, allowing them to effectively work intradermally.
It's important to keep in mind that just because a product indicates it contains caffeine, doesn't necessarily guarantee you'll get the results you want, he says.
“In order for caffeine to be effective as mentioned, it must be applied in highly concentrated doses,” says Hsu. “I always recommend that patients go with medical-grade skin-care products, as they are backed by controlled studies that prove the products' formulations, ingredient transparency, and efficacy.”
When evaluating skin-care labels, marketing jargon like “clinically proven” and “pro grade” are not necessarily synonymous with “medical grade,” adds Hsu. “Medical-grade products are dispensed at a physician’s office or a med spa that has a medical director overseeing their operations.”
Possible Advantages of Caffeine-Based Skincare Products
According to Ife Rodney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics in Fulton, Maryland, caffeine primarily affects circulation, making it quick acting, protective against oxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory for the skin.
In addition to preventing wrinkles and fine lines after sun exposure, caffeine may help prevent photodamage. According to studies, using caffeine after being exposed to UVA and UVB radiation is beneficial. "You'll feel better right away and be protected from oxidative stress, but it may wear off over time. Skincare products ought to contain additional active components that can aid in skin restoration.
Aloe, tea tree oil, shea butter, vitamin C, and jojoba oil are some additional substances that are excellent for skin, according to Rodney. All of these contain antioxidants, which lessen oxidative stress and might even aid in the repair of damaged cells, the expert says.
Speaking about skin that has been exposed to the sun, coffee may have anticarcinogenic qualities, according to a growing body of animal research, according to Hsu.
According to a research that was published in December 2021 in the Journal of Biology, Medicine, and Biochemistry, caffeine applied topically enhanced apoptosis, or cell death, in cells injured by sunburn. This statement is made in reference to a study that was conducted with mice. Researchers came to the conclusion that topical caffeine caused squamous cell carcinoma and benign skin lesions to actually die in their cells. Of course, whether the same anti-cancer effects would occur in humans requires extensive clinical testing.
Does Using Caffeine in Skin Care Have Any Drawbacks?
According to Rodney, the primary drawback is that caffeine's skin advantages only last a short time (like a cup of coffee). She claims that caffeine is only a short-term fix and cannot remove wrinkles or under-eye bags. Rodney advises, "You should still invest in other skin-care products that work well with this product and address your unique skin concern over the long term." Examples include a salicylic acid cleanser, vitamin C and niacinamide serums, ceramides-infused moisturizers, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Your skin may become irritated by caffeine and turn red as a result of the increased blood flow. You might wish to start by experimenting with this ingredient in low amounts on a small area of your skin if you have sensitive skin or a caffeine sensitivity.
Hsu advises performing a dime-sized patch test either behind the ear or on the jawline. Before using it, "do it a couple of times and watch how the skin responds."
Dermatologists Love Products With Caffeine for Skin Care
Inkey Caffeine Eye Cream ($9.99, Sephora.com) is one of the best-selling skin care items. According to reports, this recipe has helped the musicians Alana Haim and starlet Gemma Chan get rid of their morning puffiness. According to a report from the March 2022 issue of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, it contains the well-known anti-aging peptide Matrixyl 3000, which is believed to improve anti-wrinkle performance, however more research is required to ascertain how well it can penetrate your skin.
Additionally, caffeine can be found in a variety of products, including cellulite treatments, body washes, and serums. Remember that some products benefit more from caffeine's skin-care benefits than others. Consider foregoing certain products, such caffeine toner. According to Rodney, caffeine toners are unlikely to provide greater benefits than other toners on the market because the concentration is so low and the effects are so fleeting. She claims that a cream or serum with caffeine in it would provide more powerful effects.
The following products are suggested by dermatologists if you wish to test the caffeine-infused skin-care fad.
1. Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cream by Biossance
According to Rodney, this product combines caffeine with plant-based derivatives, which are active compounds that aid in hydrating the face, calming the skin, and accelerating cell turnover. She also points out that it contains squalene, which, according to research published in the April 2022 issue of Trends in Biotechnology, will moisturize the ski
2. Treatment Cream Eye InterFuse
According to Hsu, this prescription-strength purchase contains Kakadu plum extract, which is bursting with antioxidants to help fight free radicals that break down collagen and cause fine lines and wrinkles, which is a factor in the development of early indications of aging. According to a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Phytocosmetics and Natural Ingredients, Kakadu plum extract maintains excellent antioxidant activity even after being mixed with cream.
3. The Common Depuffing Eye Serum with 5% Caffeine and ECGC
Because the caffeine in this product is produced from green tea, which has more antioxidants than caffeine from coffee, Rodney likes it. She claims that antioxidants are excellent for mending the sensitive skin around the eyes. According to Rodney, it also includes hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep the skin around your eyes hydrated and plump. The theory that hyaluronic acid helps renew skin and encourage the creation of collagen, which maintains skin tight and bouncy, is supported by research.
4. Cream to reduce cellulite from ZO Skin Health
This pharmaceutical-grade item, which Hsu suggests, also has plankton extract to moisturize the skin in addition to caffeine. According to a paper that was published in June 2020 in the journal Marine Drugs, marine-based compounds like algae may provide a variety of skin-supporting advantages, ranging from lowering pigmentation to minimizing wrinkles.
To Sum Up:
For good reason, caffeine is becoming more and more popular as an essential component of skin care products. Similar to your preferred Instagram filter, it briefly constricts blood vessels to minimize puffiness and give your skin a fresh, taut appearance.
Although noticeable, its effects are rather fleeting. Use products that mix caffeine with long-term skin-repair components like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or marine algae since these might be your best choice.
Keep in mind that caffeine applied to the skin might still enter your bloodstream. If you're sensitive to caffeine, use it sparingly and consult your dermatologist to determine whether it's the best option for your skin-care requirements.
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