Caffeine, as all coffee and tea lovers (and not only them) know, makes us more cheerful, cheerful, and energetic. In cosmetics, this ingredient plays a similar role, so it appears in the formulas of a wide variety of products for the face and body. What's special about it?
- What is caffeine
- Effect of caffeine on the body
- Indications for use
- Restrictions on use
- Caffeine in cosmetics
- Tools Overview
- Cosmetics with caffeine: video
What is caffeine
Caffeine is a transparent substance discovered by the German chemist Runge, who isolated it from coffee beans in 1819 and gave it a name. However, caffeine can be called differently - guaranine, mateine, theine - depending on the plant from which this substance was extracted. But in all cases we are talking about the same molecule.
For cosmetic purposes, caffeine is extracted from the shell of coffee beans, as well as from tea leaves, guarana fruits, and holly (mate) shoots. All of these plants are rich in caffeine to varying degrees and have been consumed for hundreds of years in Eastern and Latin American countries as energy drinks. Caffeine in dry form is crystals that dissolve only in hot water. That is why plants containing caffeine are usually infused with boiling water.
One cup of coffee contains 120 milligrams of caffeine, a cup of tea contains half as much, and a cup of mate contains twice as much.
The tonic properties of caffeine have been known for a long time.
Effect of caffeine on the body
The main word that is most often used when describing the functions of caffeine is cheerfulness. Indeed, any drink based on caffeine-containing plants works as a stimulant, spurring all processes in the body. As a result:
- drowsiness decreases;
- heart rate increases;
- pressure increases slightly;
- the nervous system is excited;
- concentration improves;
- digestion accelerates.
Caffeine simultaneously activates the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems. A normal dose is considered to be drinking up to four cups of coffee per day. Excess may lead to addiction, increased excitability, and insomnia.
This “drink” acts on the skin in the same way as on the body as a whole - it invigorates great, setting into motion everything that has slowed down and stagnated. Thus, caffeine activates the following processes:
- removal of excess fluid, thereby reducing swelling;
- fat breakdown, resulting in promoting weight loss;
- toning of blood vessels, while improving microcirculation;
- strengthening cell membranes, retaining moisture in the upper layers of the skin;
- lipid synthesisthat protect the skin.
In addition to its lipolytic and drainage effects, caffeine also has a rejuvenating effect on the skin, stimulating the synthesis of cholesterol, a lipid that plays an important role in the protective function of the skin. With age, its quantity decreases, and the skin becomes defenseless against external aggressors. The result is dryness, increased sensitivity, decreased elasticity.
Another property that is not without reason attributed to caffeine is the ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation and protect skin cells from damage caused by solar radiation.
In cosmetics, caffeine is responsible for lymphatic drainage
Indications for use
Cosmetics containing caffeine are recommended for anyone who struggles with excess fat deposits, has a tendency to puffiness, or suffers from dry skin caused by age-related changes.
Restrictions on use
The effectiveness and safety of caffeine in cosmetic formulas depends on the dosage:
if there is too little, the result will not be noticeable;
if there is too much – the skin may react with irritation.
Caffeine in cosmetics
In cosmetics, caffeine is especially valued for its lymphatic drainage properties and ability to locally fight fat deposits. It is not surprising that this substance is given a central place in the formulas of remedies against:
- cellulite;
- swelling of the eyelids and bags under the eyes;
- double chin.
Caffeine is widely used in cosmetics, because its sphere of influence is not limited to the fight against fat deposits and swelling. Caffeine is used in creams for dry and aging skin, as well as in after-sun products due to its ability to retain moisture and restore the lipid mantle of the epidermis.
The concentration of caffeine in cosmetics is 1-5%.
Tools Overview
Creams and gels with caffeine will not fail when you need to act quickly and effectively: for example, to reduce the appearance of cellulite before the summer season or to remove traces of insomnia from the face (dark circles and puffiness under the eyes).
Facial products
Anti-aging creams with caffeine
Anti-wrinkle and skin firming cream LiftАctiv Supreme, Vichy
It contains two caffeine complexes so that the skin has enough energy to fight wrinkles and defeat loss of elasticity.
Night moisturizer “Anti-aging care, Youthful glow 25+”, Garnier
Successfully fights the first signs of age: smoothes the skin, gives it radiance, moisturizes – also thanks to caffeine.
Idealia eye contour cream, Vichy
This is both a treatment and a concealer that reduces wrinkles, bags and dark circles under the eyes. Such versatility is largely due to the caffeine included in the formula.
Anti-wrinkle creams with caffeine
Intensive concentrated anti-aging care for the eye contour Redermic R Yeux, La Roche-Posay
It is proof that caffeine does an excellent job of reducing the signs of photoaging, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Especially in combination with retinol.
Cream for the skin around the eyes “Anti-aging care. Youthful glow 25+" moisturizing, Garnier
Contains so-called youth cells and caffeine, which allow the skin to work in a youthful mode.
Cream for the skin around the eyes “Age expert 55+”, L’Oreal Paris
Designed to reduce wrinkles and “awaken” the skin’s drainage system.
Body skin products
Cosmetics with caffeine for the body
Modeling body gel Body Sculpter, Biotherm
The product for the hips and waist area contains a high concentration of caffeine 5% for an ideal silhouette.
Anti-cellulite body concentrate Celluli eraser, Biotherm
Harnesses caffeine's anti-orange peel properties to visibly reduce the appearance of bumps and hollows in the skin in 4 weeks.
Cosmetics with caffeine: video
Many industrial and home cosmetics contain caffeine for the face. A substance of plant origin helps to activate metabolic processes in the skin and effectively improves its condition.
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a neurostimulant found in coffee fruits, tea leaves, kola nuts, and guarana vines.
The substance is part of drinks (coffee and tea). Once in the human body, the plant alkaloid participates in metabolic processes, stimulates the nervous system, accelerates heart rate and increases blood pressure. Its use leads to an increase in the production of digestive enzymes, gastric secretory activity, and blood sugar levels. Caffeine has a mild analgesic effect.
Due to its therapeutic properties, the product is included in a number of medications. Caffeine in ampoules or sodium caffeine benzoate in tablets is used to eliminate many pathological conditions of the digestive, excretory, and cardiovascular systems.
Medicines are prescribed in neurology to increase mental and physical performance, stimulate mental activity and motor activity, reduce fatigue and drowsiness.
Effect of caffeine on the skin
The substance has the ability to be quickly absorbed into the upper layers of the skin and enter the bloodstream through the peripheral circulatory system. This feature of caffeine is widely used in cosmetology.
The product has restorative, anti-inflammatory, tonic and antioxidant properties. When using a plant alkaloid, it is possible to obtain numerous positive effects:
- blood microcirculation accelerates and oxygen flow to tissues increases:
- inflammation and swelling are eliminated;
- muscle tone increases;
- the secretion of sebum and the functioning of the sweat glands are normalized;
- local immunity is strengthened;
- old cells are removed, regenerative processes are accelerated;
- the breakdown of adipose tissue is activated;
- collagen and elastin are produced in large quantities;
- water balance in cells is restored;
- free radicals that affect the aging process of the skin are neutralized;
- the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays are reduced.
This therapeutic effect of caffeine makes it possible to improve the condition of the skin in a short time. It becomes tightened and smooth, inflammatory processes go away, cellulite and increased pigmentation are eliminated.
Experts recommend using the cosmetic when signs of skin aging appear, to strengthen and accelerate hair growth. It is indicated for weight loss, acne therapy, and swelling under the eyes.
Methods of application
The active plant component is included in facial skin creams, cleansing and toning products for the dermis. Caffeine prevents the breakdown of vitamin C, which prevents wrinkles. The rejuvenating effect of such a cosmetic product is ensured by the content of UV filters that protect against harmful environmental influences and keep the skin moisturized.
Caffeine cream
Eliminating congestion, improving blood microcirculation and lymphatic drainage - these effects of caffeine are especially noticeable in the area around the eyes. To remove puffiness and bags under the eyes, you can use the following creams:
- Idealia, Vichy. The product helps to enhance collagen synthesis and increase skin elasticity. Eliminates congestion, swelling, lightens pigmentation of the dermis.
- Redermic R. Yeux, La Roche-Posay. Anti-aging cream reduces deep wrinkles, brightens the skin and effectively restores it.
- L Oreal Paris. A product with caffeine for aging skin improves lymphatic drainage, increases the elasticity of the dermis and reduces wrinkles.
Idealia, Vichy
Redermic R. Yeux, La Roche-Posay
L Oreal Paris
Anti-aging cosmetics include face creams with caffeine. Among such funds are:
- Anti-wrinkle cream LiftActiv Supreme. Vichy. It has a stimulating effect on metabolic processes in cells. Neutralizes the effects of free radicals. Increases skin elasticity.
- Night moisturizer Garnier, designed for anti-aging care. Slows down the aging process. Leaves skin fresh, firm and radiant.
LiftActiv Supreme. Vichy
Night moisturizer Garnier
Scrub
Before using a mask or to eliminate acne on oily skin, use a coffee scrub. For dry and inflammation-prone dermis, a composition with smaller particles enriched with natural components that nourish and moisturize the skin is suitable.
DIY scrubs are often used to care for facial skin:
- Coffee-almond. The ground nut peel is mixed with coffee grounds. Take 2 tsp. each component and 1 tsp granulated sugar.
- Coffee-salt. Ground coffee and sea salt are used in equal proportions.
- With yogurt. Ground coffee is added to the milk product and used for dry and sensitive skin.
- With foam for washing. To prepare it you will need the same amount of ground coffee and care product. Foam before use.
- Oatmeal scrub. Freshly ground coffee and oatmeal are taken in a 2:1 ratio and brewed with boiling milk. Apply to the face and leave for 10 minutes until completely dry.
- Coffee-olive. At 2 tbsp. l. coffee grounds use 0.5 tbsp. l. olive oil and 6 drops of lemon essential oil.
The cleanser is applied along the massage lines and lightly rubbed into the skin with your fingers.
Wash off with hot or cold water if there is a need to close the pores. After half an hour, apply a nourishing cream.
For oily skin types, this procedure is indicated 2-3 times a week, for normal skin types - once, and for dry skin - 2 times a month.
Tonic
It is easy to prepare a facial toner at home that contains a plant alkaloid. To do this, use mineral water to which liquid caffeine is added. The components are used in a ratio of 10:1. The resulting lotion has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It makes the skin healthy, fresh and elastic.
A homemade tonic prepared according to the following recipe is effective in anti-aging care.
- distilled water - 200 ml;
- pearl powder - 2 g;
- caffeine - 2 g;
- ascorbic acid - 2 g.
All ingredients are thoroughly mixed in a glass container and placed in the refrigerator for storage. If pearl powder does not dissolve well, this is normal. Just shake the product well before use.
Mask recipes
Using liquid caffeine in ampoules, you can prepare masks to care for problem skin, which often develops pimples, blackheads and inflammation.
The mask will also be useful for pronounced age-related changes in the dermis.
For wrinkles
A composition is prepared from natural ground coffee, honey and sour cream. The components are taken in equal proportions. Add 1 egg white to the resulting mixture and beat everything thoroughly. Apply to previously cleansed skin, avoiding contact with the area around the eyes. Leave for about 20 minutes, after which the composition is washed off with water.
To soften and moisturize the dermis, use a mixture of ground coffee and olive oil. The components are used in a ratio of 1:2. A little sour cream is also added to the mask. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes.
A mixture of 1 tbsp reduces wrinkles well. l. coffee grounds and 1 chicken protein. This composition is thoroughly beaten and applied to the skin in several stages. When the product dries on the face, apply the next layer. Wash off with warm water after 20 minutes.
This recipe is often used. Take crushed green coffee, kefir and full-fat yogurt in equal quantities. The mixture is infused for 20-25 minutes and slightly heated in a water bath. The warm composition is distributed over the surface of the face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Keep for 10-15 minutes and then remove.
Before applying a cosmetic product, the skin is not only cleaned of dirt, but also steamed using a hot, damp cloth. This preparation allows you to enhance the effect of the mask.
For acne
A recipe for preparing a composition that includes coffee, cocoa and milk is in great demand among women.
Prepare the cosmetic mixture according to the following scheme:
- Place 2 tbsp in a glass or porcelain container. l. cocoa powder and coffee.
- Add 60 ml of milk or liquid cream. The components are thoroughly mixed.
- Apply to clean skin for 15 minutes, then rinse with water.
Effectively cleanses the skin of the face and eliminates inflammation with a product that includes white or blue cosmetic clay (2 tbsp.) and 2 tsp. ground coffee. Add 2 tsp to the mixture. orange powder made from dry citrus peels.
Boiled water is gradually introduced into the composition, achieving a uniform consistency. Add a little salt, which is pre-quenched with apple cider vinegar. After mixing well, apply the product to clean skin for 5-7 minutes, rinse with warm water.
A mask made from coffee grounds and low-fat cottage cheese deeply cleanses the skin of sebaceous plugs. Products are taken in equal proportions. The mixture is applied to previously cleansed and steamed skin. Massage lightly for 1-2 minutes and then hold for another 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and rinse with cool water.
Reviews
Irina, 34 years old, Vologda. My problem skin causes a lot of trouble. Pimples and inflammation often appear on it. It is difficult to choose a cosmetic product for care in such cases. I tried a lot of industrial and folk cosmetics and decided to stick with caffeine. It gives a good effect. I use it in masks and scrubs. The pores are perfectly cleaned, the skin becomes healthier and more attractive.
Svetlana, 41 years old, Novoshakhtinsk. I have been using DNC cosmetics containing caffeine for several years now. This gel is of natural origin, absorbs well and does not cause allergies. I use it as a mask every 1 day for 7-10 days. This course of treatment provides good results. Inflammation and irritation disappear, pores narrow, the skin becomes matte, smooth and fresh. The tightening effect is almost instantaneous.
Caffeine benzoate helps well in the fight against excess weight. Its solution contains the potent substance caffeine sodium benzoate, auxiliary components and is available in ampoules of one or two milliliters. The package contains ten ampoules. Thanks to the active substance, it helps to adapt to fat metabolism, which allows you to break down fat and accelerates the process of losing weight.
How is caffeine benzoate used in ampoules for weight loss?
For weight loss, this solution is usually used when preparing a mask for wraps. The auxiliary components of the masks are available to everyone, so you can prepare them at home. The main thing is to check for allergies to all components and study contraindications.
You need to purchase the drug itself, any clay that can be used for cosmetic purposes, and olive oil at the pharmacy. In a bowl, mix three ampoules of caffeine (ampule volume is one milliliter), one pack of clay and olive oil. The amount of olive oil should be such that the consistency of sour cream is obtained.
Take a shower and apply the resulting mixture to steamed skin for twenty minutes. Problem areas to which such a mask is applied should be wrapped in film to enhance the thermal effect. You can drink hot tea and lie down under a warm blanket. The main rule is to be at rest and allow the muscles to relax.
You can add honey, cocoa, or any anti-cellulite oil to this mask to increase the effect.
The best ingredient for making a caffeine mask is clay, which increases blood flow and enhances metabolic processes. Just before adding any components, you need to check for any allergic reaction to them.
Caffeine benzoate in ampoules and capsics: composition for wrapping
You can use another recipe for wrapping. Mix four ampoules of caffeine, a little capsicam ointment and a spoonful of baby cream and apply to the skin of problem areas. Wrap the top with film and you can put on warm clothes. You need to keep the mask on for about twenty minutes.
After the procedure, you need to take a warm shower and wash off the mask. To avoid getting burned from such a wrap, you need to add very little ointment. A slight burning sensation is acceptable, but you should not heroically endure severe pain from the burning sensation. In this case, you must immediately wash off the mask.
Mask with papaverine and honey
There is another type of mask for wraps. Take two ampoules of caffeine and papaverine and one spoon of honey and mix. Apply to skin and wrap in film. To enhance the effect of fat breakdown, you can wrap yourself in a warm blanket or blanket. After twenty minutes you need to wash off the mask.
This wrap helps improve the appearance of the skin, breaks down fat and has a good effect in the fight against stretch marks. The number of wraps required to obtain a visible result should not be less than ten.
To confirm the real effect of this drug, you can independently take photos of problem areas before starting to use caffeine and then after the wraps. If done correctly and all proportions are observed, the effect will be noticeable. The skin will become velvety and smoother, and pronounced bumps will become less noticeable. Of course, with advanced forms it will be necessary to carry out repeated courses of such procedures, but it is worth it.
Reviews from many women who use this drug indicate an excellent effect on metabolic processes, the disappearance of fat and a lifting effect. In addition, caffeine has a tonic effect and makes the skin soft.
Contraindications for use of the product
When carrying out a caffeine benzoate wrap, you should remember the contraindications. It is strictly forbidden to use the drug for high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, the presence of varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, insomnia, increased excitability, arthritis. If drinking coffee drinks is prohibited, this drug is also prohibited for use.
How to use caffeine benzoate tablets
In addition to ampoules, caffeine is available in tablets, which can also be used for weight loss. To do this, you must follow the dosage. You can take one tablet per thirty kilograms of weight. A single dose should not exceed four tablets, and the daily dose is one thousand milligrams. To achieve weight loss, you need to take the tablets on an empty stomach and about an hour before exercise.
One tablet is equivalent to two cups of strong coffee. Therefore, when taking this drug in tablets, you should not drink drinks that contain coffee.
In addition, caffeine in tablets helps with decreased performance and physical activity, increased fatigue, and weakness, which are usually observed in those who go on a diet. Caffeine helps not only to lose weight, but also to maintain the desired performance. But it is best to combine the use of caffeine with physical activity.
The best weight loss effect will be observed by following a protein diet during the period of use and limiting foods with starch and carbohydrates.
Taking this drug is contraindicated:
- in the presence of heart and vascular diseases
- in case of sleep disorders
It is imperative to follow the dosage, otherwise side effects may occur: anxiety, restlessness, headache, vomiting, confusion, tachycardia.
You won't be able to lose weight with caffeine if you stay on the couch and don't move. This drug is effective only in combination with physical activity and proper diet.
Video on the topic of the article