Caffeine Skincare Benefits, Plus 7 Products to Try

If you are feeling logy, reach for some caffeine—to drink or to apply to your skin. Yep: caffeine can also wake up your skin cells, stimulating better blood flow and brightening your complexion. Caffeine does this by leveraging its two key qualities as a stimulant and a diuretic. Particularly effective for undereye puffiness, caffeine can help deflate some of that swollen tissue, making it a prized ingredient in eye creams and gels.

Caffeine skincare benefits

While some cosmetic debunkers dismiss caffeine applied topically in skincare as a gimmick, noting the amounts found in skincare are too minimal to be of significance, there is some equally compelling science behind the idea that caffeine can benefit the skin. Here’s the latest buzz on the perks of caffeinated skincare products:

Combats skin damage

Caffeine functions topically as an antioxidant that can combat cell damage caused by free radicals. It’s one reason caffeine has been popping up as a popular ingredient in some sunscreens. Topical antioxidants mitigate the harmful effects of free radicals such as environmental pollutants and UV radiation, two major culprits behind fine lines and wrinkles.

Reduces redness

Caffeine-containing products may help to reduce redness of the skin by causing vasoconstriction of the blood vessels, causing them to shrink and become less noticeable. Skincare formulations prize caffeine for its ability to penetrate the tough skin barrier and its high biologic activity.

Reduces undereye circles

While skin care products with caffeine can be applied all over, from skin to scalp, caffeine is most commonly found in under-eye treatments. Studies suggest caffeine’s ability to constrict the blood vessels reduces the bluish-gray color that can happen as a result of the undereye skin being thin and transparent. It also helps to reduce the puffiness and swelling that you may notice after a night spent tossing and turning.

Improves cellulite

Caffeine has been thought to improve the appearance of cellulite. Some studies suggest it reduces the accumulation of fat in cells by vasoconstricting the blood vessels and reducing swelling. The skin may also feel tighter because caffeine can improve blood flow and eliminate excess water.

Encourages hair growth & more

Studies suggest caffeine may boost hair growth, making it a sought-after ingredient in the hair products and creams. As for the rest of the body, scrubs that include caffeine may encourage microcirculation of blood, which tends to lend skin a brighter appearance.