Caffeine

Caffeine is a molecule (an alkaloid) present in more than sixty plant species: coffee, tea, guarana, mate, kola nut. This active ingredient is often present in cosmetics for slimming treatments (reduces the appearance of cellulite and facilitates the dissolution of fatty deposits), energizing and toning treatments or for the eye contour. Indeed, the topical use of caffeine on the eye contour activates blood circulation and helps reduce water retention (draining and decongestant action). This has the effect of fighting against the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. This ingredient, in addition to being illuminating and revitalizing, tightens the skin under the eye to improve its elasticity. In addition, applied to the skin, caffeine has soothing properties (it reduces redness, irritation) and antioxidant (anti-aging effect).

Its mode of action

Caffeine has different modes of action:

Caffeine has strong antioxidant properties. This makes it a good anti-aging ingredient that reduces photoaging and may even be helpful in preventing UV-induced skin cancers.

Caffeine is also used for its anti-cellulite effects. When applied to the skin, caffeine improves microcirculation of blood vessels and stimulates the breakdown of fats during lipolysis. Triglycerides stored in adipocytes (fats) are broken down. In addition, caffeine can stimulate lymphatic drainage systems in the subcutaneous tissue, which allows the elimination of accumulated fat and toxins that appear during lipolysis.

Because caffeine can stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, it helps decongest the area around the eyes and thus reduce swelling. It therefore works against under-eye bags and dark circles.

Use

Caffeine is widely used in cosmetics. It is a versatile active ingredient found in body and face creams, eye creams, milks, masks, gels, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and more. However, caffeine is most commonly found in slimming and anti-cellulite products. These caffeine-containing formulations typically contain 3% caffeine.

Security

Its use is perfectly suited to dry or sensitive skin, often prone to redness. However, its use is particularly effective and remarkable for people with dark circles, bags under the eyes, cellulite, fatty dimples, or "orange peel" skin.

Additionally, caffeine is compatible with all the products in your daily skincare routine. However, you should be careful to follow these usage guidelines. Always test the product to see how your skin reacts (even if caffeine is suitable for sensitive skin). In addition, it is important to respect the application doses. Caffeine should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to the lack of useful clinical data.

Research

« Caffeine has potent antioxidant properties. It helps protect cells against the UV radiation and slows down the process of photoaging of the skin. Moreover, caffeine contained in cosmetics increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin ».

Herman, A., et A. P. Herman. « Caffeine’s Mechanisms of Action and Its Cosmetic Use ». Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, vol. 26, n^o 1, 2013, p. 8-14 Source

Caffeine, the chemical stimulant in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks, has demonstrated both anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties ».

« Further studies (…) found that topical application of caffeine sodium benzoate and caffeine have both a sunscreen effect and enhance UVB-induced apoptosis and may be good agents for inhibiting the formation of sunlight-induced skin cancer ».

Stallings, Alison F., and Mary P. Lupo. "Practical uses of botanicals in skin care." The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology 2.1 (2009): 36-40 Source

Koo, S‐W., et al. "Protection from photodamage by topical application of caffeine after ultraviolet irradiation." British Journal of Dermatology 156.5 (2007): 957-964 Source

Li, Yi-Fang, et al. "Caffeine protects skin from oxidative stress-induced senescence through the activation of autophagy." Theranostics 8.20 (2018): 5713-5730. Source

« (…) to evaluate the effectiveness of an anticellulite drug composed mainly of a 7% caffeine solution. (…) tests showed, in treated patients, statistically significant reduction of thigh circumferences in more than 80% of the cases and reduction of hip circumference in 67.7% ».

Lupi, Omar, et al. "Evaluation of the effects of caffeine in the microcirculation and edema on thighs and buttocks using the orthogonal polarization spectral imaging and clinical parameters." Journal of cosmetic dermatology 6.2 (2007): 102-107. Source

« Topical caffeine is an effective means of treating infraorbital dark circles. When applied topically, it can be an asset in treating dark circles that result from subcutaneous vascularisation, telangiectasias and oedema due to leaky vessels ».

Vrcek, Ivan, et al. « Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Evaluation and Treatment ». Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, vol. 9, n^o 2, 2016, p. 65‑72 Source

PERCUTAFEINE gel, http://agence-prd.ansm.sante.fr/php/ecodex/rcp/R0326259.htm, consulté le 28/03/2022

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Caffeine

Caffeine is a powerful natural active ingredient that can help with many issues.

Its mode of action

Use

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Research

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