As the weather cools down I have a tendency to want more coffee than usual. My java cravings switch from iced to hot, regular to a pumpkin spice latte or a maybe even a salted caramel mocha when I am feeling a little frisky. But did you know that with a few extra coffee splurges a week not only can our waistline suffer but our skin can actually be affected in a negative way too?

Effect of Caffeine Consumption

Too much caffeine in our diet, whether it is from coffee, tea, soda or chocolate can dehydrate the skin leading to the appearance of crepey, sagging skin. Through my extensive training at The International Dermal Institute (IDI) I have learned the various affects of consuming too much caffeine. As a general rule of thumb, as suggested by the IDI, for every cup of caffeine consumed, you require three cups of water to replace what was lost through the dehydrating effects of caffeine consumption. Yes, I actually said three equal amounts of water! It is shocking how dehydrating caffeine truly is. However, what if caffeine is used directly on the skin?

Effect of Caffeine on the Skin

Throughout the years, scientists have found that caffeine carries enormous antioxidant benefits. Both orally and topically, caffeine appears to provide antioxidant protection from free radicals. It has been found that coffee can decrease inflammation by constricting small blood vessels in the body, essentially easing inflammation. Coffee, also acts as a natural stimulant, improving micro-circulation, reducing swelling, flushing away toxins and delivering oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the surface of the skin. Coffee in skincare products sounds pretty amazing right?

Caffeine in Skincare Products

There are a lot of products out in the skincare market that contain caffeine. Here are a few if you want to given them a try:

GinZing from Origins

According to Origins, this eye cream is a clinically-proven morning-after eye cream that instantly reduces dark circles, unsightly bags and puffiness. They claim it rapidly wakes up, refreshes and restores radiance to tired eyes. Sounds pretty good to me and definitely one I need to try!

De-Spot Skin Brightening Corrector from Peter Thomas Roth

A hydroquinone-free skin brightening treatment that dramatically helps reverse the appearance of dark spots and discolorations. This patent-pending treatment contains a skin brightening complex that addresses spots and uneven skintone due to aging, sun damage, pregnancy, and post-acne discoloration. It is formulated with 21st century ingredients, including the maximum clinically tested levels of ILLUMISCIN®, Niacinamide PC, ACTIWHITE™, Chromabright™, Lipochroman-6, and Caffeine.

Java Junkie Body Scrub from Makes Scents Natural Spa Line

Just as your mind is energized with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, so too is your skin rejuvenated as your body is enveloped in freshly ground coffee beans and sea salt. Natural ingredients such as Israeli Dead Sea and Mediterranean Sea salt, sweet almond, coconut, rice bran and avocado oil, along with freshly ground coffee beans and a hint of cinnamon, provide skin-softening effects. Coffee, a natural stimulant, also improves microcirculation, reduces swelling, flushes away toxins and delivers oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the surface of the skin. Stimulate and energize your mind and body with the Java Junkie Body Scrub.

Have you tried skincare products with added caffeine? Let us know what products you have tried and if they were effective!