If it's essential to the start of your day (like me), you're not only doing your body good, but coffee also benefits the skin. Here's why Java could be the elixir of life and restore your skin's glow, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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News flash: If you are reaching for that second flat white, long black or a latte, you’re onto a good thing. Research from the National Library of Medicine found that moderate coffee consumption (approximately two cups per day) could be recommended as a valuable component of a healthy diet and may be an effective intervention measure to increase life expectancy. When it comes to the skin, the facts are also favourable. A 2024 scientific review published in Dermatology Reports examined evidence on the use of coffee-derived ingredients in skincare, including extracts from coffee beans, leaves, berries, fruit, and spent coffee grounds, which contain a range of bioactive compounds.
These include polyphenols (such as chlorogenic acids), flavonoids, and alkaloids. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect the skin from environmental damage. Dermatologist Dr Longwill says, "Clinical studies have shown that caffeine may help protect against free radicals and reactive oxygen species caused by UV radiation, thereby also helping to slow down the signs of photo-ageing." She adds, "Some studies also suggest that topical caffeine may have photo-protective benefits like sunscreen and even a role in preventing skin cancer formation."
Coffee berries, flowers, and nectar are of interest to cosmetic formulators because these extracts contain three times as much caffeine as coffee beans. According to dermatologist Tiffany Libby. “Caffeine decreases the production of reactive free radicals. It helps improve circulation, and is also a vasoconstrictor (which means it makes the blood vessels constrict, or tighten), which instantly brightens the skin."
Coffee is your skin’s daily antioxidant boost
Clarins Double Serum, $130.
Lovers of this serum swear by its skin-brightening, hydrating benefits. Caffeine and turmeric, in fact, are all of the 21 potent plant extracts that together give skin that lit-from-within glow. I have used this serum on and off for over a decade and don’t plan to stop any time soon.
Coffee extract reduces puffiness
In the same way, coffee can boost your energy; once harnessed in skincare, it can reduce undereye puffiness. "Puffy eyes tend to be caused by fluid build-up in the area or dilated blood vessels visible under the sensitive and delicate eyelid skin," explains dermatologist Dr Longwill. Since "Because caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, it will penetrate your skin and constrict the blood vessels, which will reduce the puffiness." Additionally, she adds that decreased blood flow can also help lighten the appearance of dark circles -that’s a win win.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, $15.
I have yet to try a product from The Ordinary that hasn’t impressed me. This under-eye serum is no different. Caffeine, green tea, soybean, and turmeric extracts, with vitamin C, help combat dark circles, pigmentation and puffiness. The brand says the high-five per cent concentration of caffeine delivers an impressive wake-up call to the under-eye area - I agree.
Dissolves fat
Experts agree, that using topically caffeine can reduce subdermal fat, it converts fatty acids that can then be removed by the blood circulation and metabolised to energy. However, caffeine won’t reduce the number on the scales, it’s no skinny quick trick.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist, $43.
Also, a cult beauty buy this mist is part of the heal-all Eight Hour Cream family. Refreshing, it instantly wakes up the skin while soothing dryness. Stacked with a superfruit blend of antioxidants and vitamins from acai, goji, mangosteen, noni, pomegranate and coffee seed extracts, it will be a valuable addition to your winter beauty routine.
A visible hangover cure
A hangover is visible on the skin, and coffee does the opposite of alcohol. Alcohol dilates blood vessels in the skin, causing worsening redness and swelling, caffeine can help neutralise that. But what really makes coffee extracts even better for the skin is combining them with other antioxidants, like vitamin C, niacinamide and turmeric. This is when your skin will really start to glow.
Q+A Caffeine Eye Serum, $15.
The three ingredients in this eye serum target puffiness. Caffeine improves circulation, de-puffing the skin. Green tea extract strengthens the skin, while pomegranate extract is a famous superfruit that offers brilliant antioxidant protection. All that is delivered with a refreshing rollerball applicator - which, when chilled in the fridge, is divine. Q+A skincare is exclusive to Life Pharmacy.
Find out why it’s one of our faves.