You probably know caffeine as that stuff in your coffee that helps you feel human again after you drag yourself out of bed in the morning. Did you know that the same stuff has some tremendous benefits when added to facial and skin creams? Not only can you perk up your mental state, but you can also perk up your face with caffeine skin cream.
What Is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a naturally-occurring substance that can be found in a number of plants, including coffee beans and tea leaves. Many manufacturers opt to add caffeine to products like soda, and there are several caffeine-containing “alertness aids” on the market that can keep you awake after a rough night’s sleep. When you take caffeine internally via a tablet or food source, it stimulates your central nervous system. Although it is safe in small to moderate amounts, very large doses of caffeine can cause harsh side effects. Everyone seems to tolerate different amounts of caffeine differently.
How Does Caffeine Work?
As caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, it has a few effects throughout your body. For one, it reduces inflammation and constricts small blood vessels, which makes it an invaluable resource in medications used to treat pain and even migraine headaches. These very same properties have led scientists and dermatologists to the realization that caffeine can also reduce inflammation and constrict small blood vessels beneath the skin when applied topically. For this reason, you can find a number of skin creams that contain caffeine on shelves around the world.
What Effects do Caffeine Skin Creams Have?
When you apply skin creams containing caffeine to your skin, you may notice one or more effects. First and foremost, caffeine has dehydrating properties, even when applied topically. Thus, these creams help to draw out moisture and improve the appearance of the skin. Many eye creams, for example, contain caffeine in order to reduce puffiness, and these eye creams work – but not permanently. The effects wear off over time, and the product must be applied over and over again to maintain the results. Many cellulite creams also contain caffeine; the anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the appearance of cellulite for as long as the user continues to apply the products.
Is It Safe?
There have been several studies on skin creams containing caffeine over the last several years. One such study found that healthy, living skin readily absorbs caffeine, but that experimental skin samples grown in laboratories did not. In another study, scientists applied caffeine skin creams to mice who had damaged cells due to exposure to radiation. They found that the caffeine creams stimulated damaged cells to essentially destroy themselves, which could prove useful in humans as a method for treating non-melanoma skin cancer.
In short, skin creams containing caffeine can improve the appearance of your skin, and some studies suggest that caffeine creams may even work to destroy pre-cancerous cells. However, you need to apply these creams regularly to continue enjoying the results they provide.
