Exploring The Benefits Of A Caffeinated Beauty Routine (Because It's Not Just For A Morning Jolt)

Makeup, haircare, and skincare are all tools to make us look as good on the outside as we feel on the inside. So, it makes perfect sense that caffeinated products are on the rise, as we all seek to buzz with beauty. Caffeine is a natural ingredient found in many plants, including the cacao bean, black and green tea, and, of course, coffee. It is a fast-acting stimulant that can last for hours in the body, increasing our energy levels and mental clarity. When applied as a topical, however, the effects of caffeine are much different.

For this reason, some have expressed skepticism about the efficacy of caffeine in skincare. How long do the effects of caffeine last on the skin? What skin concerns can caffeine actually address? Even more confusing is that actually drinking caffeine can dehydrate us, which is sort of the antithesis of glowing skin. But caffeine, when applied topically, can indeed offer several skincare benefits. And caffeinated beauty goes even beyond facial care to having benefits for our hair and body. Here's how to incorporate caffeine beyond your morning routine, and into your beauty regimen. 

The potential benefits of caffeine in beauty products are well known but seem to have been somewhat forgotten in favor of the latest trending ingredients. To jog your memory, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes our blood vessels tighten, thus reducing blood flow. Its tightening property is naturally coveted in skincare, as consumers seek to rejuvenate their skin and smooth the appearance of wrinkles. Caffeine can also fight free radicals, may slow the effects of aging, and can help protect the skin from UV rays. According to the Dermatology Times, most products with caffeine on the market contain a 3% concentration. Though higher concentrations could mean better potential results. 

Hair follicles also love caffeine, and it can make our hair grow faster, longer, and stronger (via The Hair Fuel.) Caffeine also weakens the effects of the hormone DHT, which can cause hair thinning. When caffeine mitigates this hormone, keratinocytes, which create keratin, the protein from which hair is made, are more easily able to build. 

Should you feel amped to incorporate caffeine into your beauty routine, first identify the areas where you think caffeine could be most beneficial for you. For an all-around, multi-use caffeine skincare product, The Ordinary sells a 5% caffeine serum that also includes hyaluronic acid, formulated for de-puffing and hydrating. Keep in mind, however, that caffeine's effects on the skin do not last long, so daily use of such a serum is both safe and could offer the best results. 

Should want to address weak or thinning hair, opt for a tea rinse, which you can make right at home. First, brew a few cups of black tea, then let it cool in the fridge. Then, transfer the tea into a spray bottle, and after shampooing, generously douse your hair and scalp with it. Using the help of a hair wrap, let the tea soak into your scalp, before rinsing in the shower, and applying your conditioner. This is a wonderful way to reap the benefits of caffeine on your hair, without spending money on a super fancy product. 

If you're looking for smoothing and moisturizing properties might opt for a coffee scrub, such as this one from Public Goods. For your daily shower, Grenade's Caffeinated Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, promises an "extra caffeinated kick to your morning routine." And, should you be concerned about stretch marks or cellulite, you can also opt for a body cream that contains caffeine, like this cellulite treatment from CelluAid.