Caffeine Can Improve Your Skin

No, you don't want to slather your cup of coffee all over your face but you can use one of a number of fairly new beauty products that contain caffeine, to see a noticeable improvement.

We spoke with Dr. Ariel Ostad, a dermatologist who practices on Manhattan's East Side.

"They started putting caffeine into products back in 2004," said Ostad. "Caffeine really originated from the coffee berry, or bean. Coffee berry is a plant that basically has been shown to have some of the most potent antioxidant capabilities, similar to green tea and other teas, that contain this ingredient called poly phenol.

"Coffee berry contains a high concentration of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants basically fight damage. When you apply them topically it can actually help reverse signs of skin damage from the sun.

"You can certainly ingest anti-oxidants, and there are a variety of anti-oxidants. For instance, there's nothing better than juicing, but certainly it makes it easier for individuals, if you can use a product that contains anti-oxidants. Products that contain caffeine that's found in coffee berries, are able to get rid of inflammation on your skin. It gets rid of inflammation that's due to sun damage.

"So once again, you can actually reverse sun damage, whether it be hyper-pigmentation, sun spots, or fine lines around the eyes or on the face.

"The other advantage of caffeine is that because of it's vaso-constrictive properties, meaning it constricts blood vessels, it's great to help get rid of redness on the face. A lot of patients suffer from a condition called rosacea, where they blush easily, they have this sort of permanent blush on their face. Caffeine, when applied topically, helps to reduce redness.

"When a product containing caffeine is applied beneath the eyelids, for individuals who genetically have puffiness beneath the eyes, or they have darkening under their eyes; because of the vaso-constrictive properties of the caffeine, the blood vessels are therefore constrictive when applied and therefore the swelling, the fluid build up is diminished. So bagginess is improved. The discoloration is improved.

"You will definitely see instant results from the caffeine products. The results are not permanent. You have to keep using them, because the effects are short term.

"For people who feel that ingesting caffeine is not good for them, it can cause anxiety, it can rev up your heart and increase your blood pressure, certainly stay away from ingesting caffeine.

But applying it topically, doesn't make a difference. There's such minimal absorption, there's such a small amount put in a small area, you don't really have to worry about the internal effects of caffeine.

"Caffeine happens to be just one of many anti-oxidants that help to improve your skin tone. It's one of the products that really helps your skin look better. However, there is nothing that replaces a healthy lifestyle. I think it's important to eat healthy, incorporate fruits and vegetables in their diet, certainly juicing is a powerful way of getting anti-oxidants into your body. You of course, can improve your skin by eating healthy. Other things you can do? Get adequate sleep and exercise. All those things will help you look great."

Products that Dr. Ostad recommends to his patients:

Zia Ultimates Bodyfirming Treatment

First Aid Beauty Detox Eye Roller

LaRoche Posay Rosaliac

LaRoche Posay Hydraphase

Revale Skin Day Cream

Revaleskin Replenishing Eye Therapy