Caffeine Skin Care Benefits:
All You Need to Know
Caffeine used topically as a skin care ingredient is similar to the caffeine we drink - it is used topically to help treat cellulite and dark circles, but only provides temporary fixes. Just like drinking 10 cups of coffee will never replace 8 hours of sleep (we wish), caffeine can offer quick, temporary “fixes,” but it only addresses symptoms of larger skin concerns and never repairs the underlying problems. It is categorized as a plant extract and antioxidant (ingredients that have the capability to delay cell damage and fight free radicals in your skin).
Caffeine
INGREDIENT CATEGORY: Plant Extract
BEST FOR TREATING:Dark Circles, Cellulite (temporarily)
SKIN TYPES FOR USE: All
SAFETY: Caffeine is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 3% in skin care products
GHS TIP: The effects of skin care products containing caffeine work as temporary solutions, they are not long term or permanent solutions and disappear when you discontinue use.
Top 3 Caffeine Skin Care Benefits
✓ Reduces Vascular Dark Circles
TEMPORARY FIX
When applied topically, caffeine works as a vasoconstrictor - a fancy way of saying it temporarily constricts your blood vessels and reduces swelling of the skin--making caffeine a good temporary fix for minimizing vascular dark circles.
✓ Anti-Aging Benefits
TEMPORARY FIX
Caffeine is high in antioxidants and when applied topically, the antioxidants in caffeine attack free radicals in your skin from UV rays and pollution, providing temporary protection from premature aging. Free radicals are one of the main causes for fine lines and wrinkles as well as loss of elasticity in your skin.
✓ Reduces Cellulite
TEMPORARY FIX
Caffeine acts as a diuretic in skin care products - meaning when it’s applied topically, caffeine will temporarily dehydrate fat cells by preventing excess fluid build-up. Your skin will temporarily appear smoother, firmer, and tighter. Even if it is temporary, we’ll take it.
When to Use Caffeine
SKIN CARE ROUTINE OPTION A:
A cream with caffeine - use 2x a day
SKIN CARE ROUTINE OPTION B:
An exfoliant and body lotion with caffeine to treat cellulite
How to Apply Caffeine
Apply to the area you want to treat
If you are treating dark circles, apply a cream with caffeine twice a day under your eyes
If you are treating cellulite, apply a body scrub with caffeine once a week and apply a body lotion with caffeine twice a day where there is cellulite.
Follow Up With...
Caffeine has literally nothing to do with fighting or protecting from UV damage, so be sure to apply sunscreen daily.
Caffeine in Products
Cellulite
Dark Circles
All Skin Types!
Body scrubs
Creams
Eye creams
Lotions
Over the Counter
Top 3 Caffeine Skin Care Products
We’ve put together a GHS curated selection of our favorite skin care products that contain caffeine for reducing dark circles and cellulite. We only link to products that we absolutely believe in. All the products we’ve chosen are paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free. Remember - results using caffeine topically are temporary and the only way to continue to get the best results is to be consistent with your product usage.
Use in AM & PM
Post cleansing, apply this cream under your eye and above the crease of your eyelid. Blend in by lightly patting with your fingertips.
Price $$
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan
Use in AM & PM
Post cleansing, apply this cream under your eye and above the crease of your eyelid. Blend in by lightly patting with your fingertips.
Price $$$
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free
Use in AM & PM
Post cleansing, apply this body moisturizer to the desired areas you'd like to treat (i.e. any cellulite) twice a day.
Price $$$
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
GHS Tips
Consistency is key
The effects of eye creams, face serums, or cellulite creams containing caffeine work as temporary solutions, they are not long term or permanent solutions and disappear when you discontinue use. For best results, be proactive and consistently use your caffeine skin care products.
Safety Tips
Caffeine is Cosmetic Ingredient Review Approved and safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 3% in skin care products.
SIDE EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE SKIN PRODUCTS:
- There are currently no reported common side effects from topical applications of caffeine
FAQs about Caffeine
Q. Where does caffeine comes from?
Caffeine is naturally in coffee, cola, guana paste, kola nuts, and tea. It’s an odorless white powder in its purest form. It is categorized as a plant extract and antioxidant (ingredients that have the capability to delay cell damage and fight free radicals in your skin).
Q. What is caffeine used for in skin care?Caffeine applied topically is used to treat the following skin concerns:
- Cellulite
- Dark Circles
Q. How does caffeine applied topically benefit my skin?The top 3 caffeine skin benefits are:
- Temporarily reduces vascular dark circles
- Temporarily reduces cellulite
- Anti-aging benefits
Q. What skin types is caffeine good for when applied topically?Caffeine is safe to use topically on all skin types.
Q. Is caffeine applied topically safe for my skin?Caffeine is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 3% in skin care products.
Q. What are common side effects from applying caffeine topically?Currently there are no reported common side effects from topical applications of caffeine.
Q. How long does caffeine take to work topically?The effects of eye creams, face serums, or cellulite creams containing caffeine work as temporary solutions, they are not long term or permanent solutions, and the effects disappear when you discontinue use. For best results, be proactive and consistently use your caffeine skin care products.
Q. Do caffeine skin care products expire?Yes. Look for the expiration date or a POA (prescribed period after opening) which tells you how long the product is good after it’s been opened. If your caffeine product has expired, do not use it - expired products can cause skin irritation, bacterial infection, or breakouts.
Q. What are common brand names used to identify caffeine on an ingredient list for skin care products?- Caffeine
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