Leaves: Caffeine

Question 1

What is the key benefit of caffeine in skincare?

Answer 1

• rich source of antioxidants in skincare
• combats photoaging

Question 2

How does photoaging occur?

Answer 2

• UV-exposure stimulates skin inflammation
• cells secrete enzymes that break down collagen and elastic fibers
• increases production of free radicals leading to cell damage

Question 3

What are some cosmeceutical applications for caffeine?

Answer 3

• eye creams
• cellulite cream

Question 4

What causes puffy eyes and dark circles?

Answer 4

• skin under eyes amongst thinnest in the body
• easy for blood vessels to show through skin
• results in swollen and dark appearance under eyes
• skin of color may also be prone to developing hyperpigmentation
• post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can also occur on eczema or dry skin

Question 5

How do caffeinated eye creams work?

Answer 5

• temporary effect: vasoconstrictive
  decrease redness / puffiness, reduce eye bags
• longer term benefits: anti-inflammatory, improves microcirculation, decrease discoloration

Question 6

What is cellulite?

Answer 6

• Cellulite commonly affects thighs, buttocks and hip area
• resulting in a dimpled, lumpy appearance of skin
• linked to structural changes in fatty tissue under skin
• fibrous bands linking skin to muscles tighten
• resulting in fat being pushed to skin surface
• linked to hormonal factors such as pregnancy / genetics, weight gain

Question 7

How does caffeine combat cellulite?

Answer 7

• prevents fat cell accumulation
• stimulates fat degradation
• slimming cream (3.5% caffeine) significant short term improvements in thigh and upper-arm area

Question 8

What is the potential limitation of caffeine?

Answer 8

• typical 3% caffeine concentration for skincare
• caffeine toxicity from cellulite cream can become a problem when high concentrations of caffeine are applied on larger areas of skin