Tag Archive for: Dark Circles

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Surprising Health + Skin Benefits of Caffeine

In preparation for our journey to Australia, (aka, the coffee capital of the world), the website Good Food in Australia has just published an insightful critique into Melbourne Coffee Culture and has discovered that it’s part of the city’s fabric and DNA. Good Food proposes that quite simply, Melbourne has the world’s best coffee culture! To say that we are excited is simply an understatement.

Screen Shot 2016-02-02 at 3.24.48 PMImage via Thrive Market

Fact: Americans consume more than 580 million cups of coffee each day as part of their daily ritual. Studies have shown that daily consumption of caffein has been shown to have a slew of health benefits including, improving muscle performance and stamina, aids in eye-health, contains anti-cancer properties, promotes weight loss, improves overall cardiovascular health, sharpens your brain, and reduces the risk of diabetes to name a few.

Research is emerging that unroasted coffee beans provide numerous skin-related benefits when applied topically.This is especially true of one of the most commonly grown species of the coffee plant, Coffea arabica.

Coffea arabica seed oil is extracted by cold pressing green coffee beans. Its high concentration of essential fatty acids, sterols, and vitamin E make it a potent antioxidant that can offer protection against skin damage such as sunburn cell formation and DNA degradation. It can also assist in the prevention of the development of photoaging and inflammatory skin disorders. Caffeine’s ability to constrict small blood vessels and reduce inflammation is an asset in a number of creams designed to minimize dark circles and sagging skin under the eyes (our favorite eye treatment which contains caffein).

In a placebo-controlled clinical study of 40 female participants, a topical mixture containing Coffea arabica was applied twice daily as a facial wash and once per day as a lotion and night cream. After 12 weeks, treated subjects experienced significant improvements in the appearance of wrinkles,firmness, redness, and texture, compared to the control group.

These impressive results were due to Coffea arabica’s ability to increase production of collagen and elastin and to protect against the loss of moisture.

When Brazilian scientists tested Coffea arabica seed oil on human skin, they found a 1.5-fold increase in elastin production and a nearly 2-fold increase in collagen production compared to the controls. These two proteins are essential for smoothing wrinkles and preserving the firmness and flexibility of facial skin.

In addition, treated skin cells had nearly 7-fold higher expression of aquaglycerolporins-3 (AQP-3) and a 2-fold increase in the amount of glycosaminoglycans. These proteins act as a tag-team to halt moisture loss and improve skin hydration. First, glycosaminoglycans behave like a sponge to bind and trap water molecules in a water reservoir, then AQP-3 transports them to the upper layers of the skin where they reduce excessive facial dryness and fine lines.

Bottom line, we’re telling you that caffein is not only beneficial from a health standpoint, but also promotes ample anti-aging infusions topically. So….get your coffee on!

References: 

  1. Velazquez PMC, Dieamant GC, Eberlin S, et al. Effect of green Coffea arabica L. seed oil on extracellular matrix components and water-channelexpression in vitro and ex vivo human skin models. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009 Mar;8(1):56-62.
  2. Kitagawa S, Yoshii K, Morita SY, Teraoka R. Efficient topical delivery of chlorogenic acid by an oil-in-water microemulsion to protect skin againstUV-induced damage. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2011;59(6):793-6.
  3. Koo SW, Hirakawa S, Fujii S, Kawasumi M, Nghiem P. Protection from photodamage by topical application of caffeine after ultraviolet irradiation. Br J Dermatol. 2007 May;156(5):957-64.
  4. Palmer DM, Kitchin JS. A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and tolerance of a novel phenolic antioxidant skincare system containing Coffea arabica and concentrated fruit and vegetable extracts. J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Dec; 9(12):1480-7.
  5. Available at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/04/09/coffee-mania/2069335/. Accessed August 2, 2013.
  6. Available at: http://www.ico.org/botanical.asp. Accessed August 2, 2013.
  7. Product monograph: Lipactive Green Coffee. Green TechNaturally. January 2008.
  8. Product monograph: Crodarom Green Coffee. Crodarom.
  9. Kaczvinsky JR, Griffiths CE, Schnicker MS, Li J. Efficacy of anti-aging products for perioribtal wrinkles as measured by 3-D imaging. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009 Sep;8(3):228-33.
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How to eliminate dark circles and keep it that way, Dr. G reports

The skin around the eyes is naturally thin and is constantly exposed to oxidative stress from environmental stressors such as sunlight, smoking, and air pollution. This constant assault gradually breaks down the fibrous network composed of proteins, elastin, and collagen, resulting in thinner skin in the eye region as you age. Facial expressions like laughing and frowning further contribute to the destruction of the skin proteins and stimulate the formation of wrinkles (crow’s feet), dark circles, and bags under the eyes. We sat down with Dr. G to find out what we can do to banish those unwanted dark circles for good. 

Screen Shot 2015-03-02 at 9.49.13 AMPhoto via Byrdie

Retinoid’s: “Using an eye product that contains Vitamin A (Retinol) is so beneficial for many anti-aging purposes (brightening, fine lines), but because Vitamin A increases collagen production, it creates an increased plump appearance to the eye area which helps to fade the visual appearance of dark circles.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD 

Brightening Ingredients: “Skin brightening ingredients are so important to use when working to eliminate dark circles. The most powerful naturally-based brightening ingredients include skin brightening Vitamin K, Arnica and Soy and Rice Bran Peptides. These heavy treatment oriented ingredients work together to break up the dried blood trapped within the bags underneath the eye area while simultaneously working to increase circulation to move the excess colored fluid out. Using treatment-based products are most beneficial for long-term benefits vs. using a concealer and calling it a day.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD 

Cool Water and compress: “Always rinse off with cool water as warm water will add to increased inflammation and darkness. Keep a tea bag in the freezer, add cool water, and apply onto the eye area for a quick spa treatment – you’ll be amazed how fast-acting this trick is for reducing puffiness and darkness and brightening the overall eye area.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

Makeup Remover: “Aggressive rubbing of the eye area can lead to inflammation and even broken capillaries that will only add to the issues underneath the eye area. Selecting a gentle non-toxic makeup remover is key (try Tatcha’s Camellia Oil Cleanser) and work to pat the eye area free of any and all makeup vs. rubbing.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

Sunscreen: “The thin skin just underneath the eye area is especially prone to increased hyper pigmentation as a result of over sun exposure, so be sure to extend your sun blocking agent underneath the eye area too. Using a lightweight, oil-free and fragrance-free formula is highly recommended so that it won’t cause heightened irritation to the eye are. Look for SPF based products that contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as a safe option.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD 

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