More information continues to come out about the health benefits of caffeine, including the skin! When it comes to skincare, caffeine has important anti-inflammatory properties, and decreases puffiness. But caffeine is also a double-edged sword. Caffeine is also a diuretic that can cause moisture loss in the skin.
More information continues to come out about the health benefits of caffeine, including the skin! When it comes to skincare, caffeine has important anti-inflammatory properties, and decreases puffiness. But caffeine is also a double-edged sword. Caffeine is also a diuretic that can cause moisture loss in the skin.
CAFFEINE: THE Benefits
The best part of caffeine is what it does. It revives and brightens more than your mood in the morning, but also your skin. Caffeine is a molecule with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. That means that it detoxes your skin and prevents the free radicals which cause fine lines and wrinkles. Free radicals develop in the skin from stress, pollution, UV radiation, and many more. This can make caffeine and other anti-oxidants very important to the skin.
The best part of caffeine is what it does. It revives and brightens more than your mood in the morning, but also your skin. Caffeine is a molecule with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. That means that it detoxes your skin and prevents the free radicals which cause fine lines and wrinkles. Free radicals develop in the skin from stress, pollution, UV radiation, and many more. This can make caffeine and other anti-oxidants very important to the skin.
Similar to anti-oxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, caffeine helps firm and tone skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Around the eye, that makes it powerful for crows feet and wrinkles around the eyes and face.Â
CAFFEINE: THE Concerns
Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic – this means that your body loses water every time you consume it. Loading on iced coffees throughout the day may be depleting your body and skin of the water needed to keep it hydrated and firm. You can reduce this effect by drinking water at the daily recommended amount.
Drinking caffeine throughout the day can negatively affect your skin in other ways, too. As a stimulant, caffeine intake affects sleep in a serious way. Even if you limit yourself to one afternoon jolt – it can impact your ability to reach REM sleep. This means that your skin doesn’t have the time it needs to renew itself and promote cell turnover.
In addition to looking tired, sleep deprivation can stimulate the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can cause acne. To maintain a well-rested complexion, aim for 8 hours of sleep every night and limit your caffeine intake to the morning only. If you have a craving for afternoon coffee, try decaf!
WHAT A HEALTHY BALANCE OF CAFFEINE LOOKS LIKE
Just because you are using caffeine on your skin, doesn’t mean that it will get into you body and give you a jolt of energy. Most skincare formulations use low percentages of caffeine and are formulated to have effects in the dermis and epidermis only. But whether by mouth or by skin, both methods of absorbing caffeine can have an impact on your skin! To maximize the benefits, the key is balance. And you can achieve it! Just try these tips:
- If you need more caffeine intake to stay alert, try to drink more water as well throughout the day
- Try to mix-up or wean your caffeine intake. Less caffeine means less dehydration. Gradually lower your intake. Ex: Instead of a double shot latte, go for a single shot. Or try a ‘half-caff’ coffee
- Use a caffeinated eye cream before going to bed at night. This maximizes the anti-inflammatory properties so you can wake up free of puffiness.
- Find a healthy balance with skincare products. Caffeine is only a part of a balanced skincare regimen!