et Skin Series: Caffeine

CAIRO – 16 February 2018: Caffeine is an ingredient that has a multitude of benefits for your body, when used both internally and externally. When consumed internally, the amount of caffeine contained in two to four cups of coffee a day is not harmful; in fact it can have positive effects on your body. Caffeine is excellent as an ingredient in skincare, because in that capacity, it has the potential to make you “glow”.

It terms of the health benefits of consuming caffeine internally, it detoxifies the liver, cleanses the colon, and may also help in reducing fatty liver in those who have the condition. Caffeine can reduce the risk of developing diabetes due to the high level of antioxidants found in it. A daily dose of caffeine may also aid cardiovascular health, as research at Brooklyn College found that men who consumed 4 cups of a caffeinated beverage daily are less likely to suffer from heart disease than those who never took a sip. However, excess caffeine intake can make one feel restless, irritable and anxious, so moderation is key, as with all things.


Green tea leaves are a good source of caffeine - Via CC/Pixabay

In addition to all the advantages that caffeine has internally, it’s also a skincare savior with many benefits. The antioxidants contained in caffeine can attack free radicals, which are caused by environmental stressors such as pollution and sun exposure. They are also the cause of wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation among other skin concerns, and eliminate them. This will improve the overall appearance of your skin. Because of this, caffeine is widely used in anti-ageing day and night creams. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin inflammation and redness, therefore helping to even out one’s skin tone and give it a firmer appearance.

One of the most common uses of caffeine is in eye creams reducing dark circles. The substance reduces the accumulation of blood under one’s eyes, which contribute to dark shadows, by constricting the blood vessels. It also stimulates blood flow, preserving vibrant, glowing skin.