Caffeine in Skincare Products: Do They Work?

Caffeine is not just present in our daily cup of coffee. This antioxidant is also included in many skin care products, mainly due to its anti-aging benefits and ability to help increase skin elasticity. Caffeine can also be absorbed into the bloodstream when applied topically, providing a range of skin benefits. 

What exactly is caffeine?

Caffeine is a stimulant naturally found in different types of plants, including cacao and coffee beans. It is also made artificially and added to food and drinks, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. Caffeine is also present in some types of medications like pain relievers and supplements. 

In skin care, caffeine is used to fight free radicals, soothe inflammation, and firm the skin. According to Dermatology Times, around 3% is the average amount of caffeine present in many over-the-counter skin care products. It is commonly found in under-eye serums, anti-cellulite creams, face masks, scrubs, and more.

How does caffeine act when ingested or applied topically?

When ingested, caffeine acts as a stimulant that works on the central nervous system. It increases alertness, improves moods, and boosts energy temporarily. And when applied topically to the skin, it works as a vasoconstrictor. It constricts the blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the area, which lessens inflammation and makes the area look brighter.  

Caffeine in skincare is marketed as something that can “wake up” your skin. What it really means is that it can improve skin appearance by providing brightening, anti-inflammatory, and wrinkle-reducing benefits. Studies have also shown that caffeine molecules can pass through the skin’s top layer and do their job intradermally. 

How does caffeine in skincare products benefit your skin?

Keep in mind that just because a product has caffeine in it, that doesn’t mean that it can actually bring benefits to your skin. This is why when looking for caffeine-infused formulations, go for medical-grade skincare products. These have highly concentrated doses and target specific skin conditions. They are also sold exclusively at a doctor’s clinic. 

Quality skincare products with caffeine can help improve certain skin concerns by offering the following benefits:

Brightens and improves skin tone and texture

As caffeine restricts blood flow to the skin’s surface, it promotes microcirculation that can make the skin appear smoother and brighter. Eye creams and serums with caffeine may help brighten dark circles caused by puffiness. Caffeine also reduces the production of free radicals, creating plumper and more youthful-looking skin. 

Reduces puffiness and inflammation

Caffeine has an anti-inflammatory effect that can calm the skin and reduce redness. It enhances microcirculation that can constrict the blood vessels and helps reduce skin discoloration. It can depuff bags under the eyes and minimize the look of dark circles due to lack of sleep or exhaustion. If your puffiness, however, is due to genetics, creams and serums won’t do much; you need to consider other aesthetic procedures.  

Helps with fine lines and wrinkles

The antioxidant component and anti-inflammatory properties of caffeine can help protect the skin against UV rays. These can also offer benefits on many signs of aging associated with UV exposure like wrinkles and sagging skin. Caffeine-infused products can reduce free radicals, which are known to cause fine lines and wrinkles.

Helps with collagen production

Some skincare providers claim that green coffee bean oil has amino acids that can assist in the production of collagen and elastin. These are two essential proteins that give the skin strength, structure, and stability. It is also known that caffeine helps neutralize free radicals, which can weaken collagen and elastin fibers. 

Reduces cellulite appearance and firms the skin

Caffeine in topical products like cellulite creams supports blood circulation and reduces localized tissue swelling that can lead to skin dimpling. It can temporarily dehydrate fat cells by stimulating the enzymes that break down fats. This can help reduce the appearance of cellulite and make the skin look firmer and smoother. 

Dr. Sylvia’s Cellu(e)rase with Caffeine is a contouring gel that can help sculpt and tone the skin. It is formulated with Niacinamide, which attracts water to the skin, plumping up the skin from within and reducing the look of skin dimpling. This gel also has aloe and seaweed extracts that support skin tone, firmness, and elasticity. 

Take note: When used in skincare, caffeine is usually combined with other ingredients to freshen up the skin and provide other benefits like hydration, smoothing, and firming. And as many caffeine-infused products provide short-term benefits, it is still advisable to use other products that specifically target your skin concerns. 

You should also consider aesthetic treatments for visible signs of aging and other skin concerns you wish to improve. Cutis Medical Laser Clinics has a range of non-surgical procedures that can treat different signs of aging on the face, as well as shape and contour the body. 

Book a consultation today 

Browse through our website or contact our clinic to learn more about our medical-grade skincare products and anti-aging treatments. You can also schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors to find out which procedures can improve your overall skin quality.