How to get your caffeine fix from your beauty products

Why stop at your morning cup of Joe?

Caffeine has excellent anti-oxidant properties which can reduce free-radical damage to the skin (Getty)

As a nation, we love coffee - so much so that us Brits drink an estimated 1.7 billion cups of it a day. But unfortunately, the instant energy-boosting hit we get from freshly-brewed java isn’t as good for our skin.

Known to increase stress hormones such as cortisol, coffee can affect your skins natural production of hyaluronic acid which helps to keep skin hydrated and plump.

But, while drinking excessive espressos can have a negative impact on your complexion, when applied topically, caffeine is a beauty game changer - which is why you’ll find it in many of your skincare buys.

In topical form, caffeine has excellent anti-oxidant properties which can reduce free-radical damage to the skin. Something we typically associate with power foods like blueberries, choosing a product which contains caffeine helps the skin to protect itself from UV effects and even reduces the effects of aging.

Similarly, it’s a serious wonder ingredient when it comes to soothing tired eyes. A regular component in eye creams, caffeine works to constrict blood vessels, reduce build-up of fluid and give an instant tightening effect.

If it’s dull, cellulite laden skin that you’re concerned by, you might be surprised to learn that caffeine can help here too. In recent years, coffee scrubs have replaced traditional body exfoliators with brands like Frank Body launching a range of cellulite busting products.

Not only do coffee scrubs help to reduce the appearance of cellulite, improve circulation and tighten, but they are also known to work wonders on diminishing age spots, stretch marks, eczma and psoriasis.

Finally, the protective antioxidant benefits of coffee also extend to your hair. According to several studies, caffeine helps stimulate the hair shaft by blocking the effects of DHT – a checmical known to damage hair follicles – and thus, making it grow faster.

Proof that just about everything works better with a little caffeine, why stop at your morning cup of Joe? Instead, get your energy fix from the beauty aisle.