Coffee and skin care? It might surprise you to learn that in 2006 in the United States over 140 skin care products containing caffeine were launched compared to just 21 in 2003.
Coffee had a hard time of it in the 20th century while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration waffled over whether it was good or bad for you. As we move solidly into the 21st century, more indications of coffee’s beneficial properties are surfacing, and nowhere is that more evident than in the lucrative skin care market.
Primarily, coffee and caffeine are finding their way into skin lotions and creams because of antioxidant properties and tightening and firming qualities. Caffeine applied to the skin operates in three ways – as an antioxidant, a diuretic and a vasoconstrictor. Among others, Avon, Neuturogena and L’Oreal have included caffeine in some of their products.
For years, caffeine has been used in products sold to reduce cellulite. It’s clear that caffeine dehydrates fat cells by somehow energizing them which in turn causes the sodium/potassium component of the cells to vacate. Consequently, water disappears as well. Bottom line – skin on buttocks and thighs becomes smoother.
Caffeine’s vaso-constricting characteristic also makes it a favorite ingredient in eye gels for reducing puffiness and dark circles as well as tightening skin around the eyes. Of course, nothing eliminates cellulite or troubled skin around the eyes completely. The best you can hope for is noticeable improvement, perhaps only for a few hours.
With the explosion in coffee based skin products, it now is seen in body scrubs, face creams and fragrances. A number of products even smell like coffee and contain ground coffee intended as an exfoliate. Some purveyors have even gone so far as to suggest that the absorption of caffeine through the skin will yield the sort of alertness you can expect from drinking coffee.
Not so fast say the dermatologists. None of the products harbor concentrations sufficient to produce the jolt one might hope for from a cup of java. Moreover, absorption is through the skin slow, so it’s questionable whether enough of coffee’s stuff can penetrate to enhance alertness. Infusing the coffee aroma in products, is thought, on the other hand, to stimulate perkiness by association.
Some promising studies on mice suggest that the caffeine in coffee may kill off skin cancer cells on radiated animals. So far, the results appear promising, but cannot, as yet, be translated to humans. However, many sunscreens do contain caffeine since it has been shown to have some sun blocking effects.
A few folks are even suggesting that investment in expensive skin care potions is unnecessary. It’s claimed that you can receive the same benefits by concocting your own home brewed coffee soaps and body scrubs from used coffee grounds. Formulas are even offered.
Hey, now you can shower with your espresso!
By: Robert Knechtel
As we age, our skin (epidermis) loses elasticity and becomes less supple. We develop wrinkles, age spots, our skin becomes drier and in need of additional hydration. Finding the best skin care products becomes increasingly important as we age, particularly the anti-aging skin care variety.
As we get older, our body produces less collagen which is necessary to maintain skin elasticity. This deficit is what causes our skin to wrinkle and sag. The skin discoloration that often accompanies aging skin is due to decreased oil production and increased drying of the skin as a result of sebaceous glands that no longer work well.
The purpose of an anti aging skin care regime is to re-hydrate the skin and keep it as youthful as possible for as long as possible.
The commercial skin care industry abounds with anti-aging skin care products and special formulations to revitalize aging skin. However, there are so many anti-wrinkle skin care creams and lotions for mature skin that it can be difficult to sort through them all to find the best preparations.
An effective way to compare brands is to consider their ingredients. If you know what specific ingredients can do for your skin you can read the labels and get a good idea of the likely effectiveness of particular formulations.
Here are seven of the most effective anti-aging skin care ingredients that can be included in facial skin creams:
1. Idebenone – Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 (also known as ubiquinone) is a powerful antioxidant which has been chemically synthesized into Idebenone which also has strong antioxidant properties. CoQ10 was synthesized because it was found to reduce the risk of heart disease and free radical damage as well as impeding the development of some nervous system and neurological disorders.
This natural enzyme was synthesized in an attempt to increase its effectiveness. Initially, it was taken internally and was found to increase brain function, energy levels, nerve growth factor and serotonin as well as protecting cells and reducing inflammation. There are no known adverse side effects of using this drug.
More recently, skin care manufacturers tested topical versions of Idebenone on damaged skin and found that it was very effective in preventing and even reversing free radical damage caused by sun exposure, diet and lifestyle. As we age, our body has less ability to fight free radicals so the use of this element and other topical antioxidants in skin care preparations can help the skin cells to regenerate and prevent further deterioration.
2. Edelweiss Extract is another powerful antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals caused by exposure to UV sun rays over time, pollution, and the modern western diet which is high in fats and sugars. Furthermore, it prevents the increase of super oxides which actively promote the aging of skin. It also provides a natural protection against harmful ultraviolet rays also making them excellent additives to sun screens.
Edelweiss extract contains bioflavonoids which help to strengthen blood vessel walls. It is therefore an excellent ingredient for wrinkle reduction creams and lotions.
3. Evening Primrose Oil has been used throughout history to treat a variety of ailments. In particular, it reduces inflammation and heals eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Where anti-aging skin care products are concerned, Evening Primrose’s ability to reduce skin inflammation is particularly important. The oil of the evening primrose contains seventy eight percent essential fatty acids and is linoleic and gamma linolenic acids. These components maintain the skin’s water barrier and nurture the membranes of skin cells.
Deficiency in Essential Fatty Acids can hasten the aging process of the epidermis by reducing the activity of the sebaceous glands, increase the likelihood of acne, eczema and psoriasis, cause the skin to become dehydrated and weaken the skin’s surface capillaries. The addition of essential fatty acids in topical preparation and internal medications helps to replace those acids that the body loses and cannot produce on its own.
Consequently, the inclusion of Evening Primrose Oil in antiaging formulas is extremely beneficial as it helps to prevent wrinkles, helps the skin to maintain its shape and texture and slows the effects of time process. The best skin care products are likely to contain it.
4. Shea Butter butter naturally moisturizes and tightens the skin. Like edelweiss extract, it also protects the skin from ultra violet light. It is one of the most effective ingredients found in many age defying skin care products. It is not only a moisturizer that makes wrinkles less noticeable and helps skin to appear smoother, it also improves skin elasticity and suppleness, improves skin tone and removes dry, scaly or rough skin.
This interesting additive contains fatty acids which prevent drying, cracking, wrinkling and burning of the skin in addition to assisting in the regeneration and healing of damaged skin. To be a truly effective ingredient in an anti-wrinkle skin care product, it is recommended that the product contains at least twenty percent of Shea Butter.
5. Vitamin A (Retinol) is another extremely important antioxidant which is particularly beneficial. The small molecular structure of this vitamin allows it to penetrate the skin’s epidermis so that it can act to repair damage in the lower layers of skin as well as stimulate them to produce collagen and elastin. It acts to eliminate age spots and improve the pigmentation of the skin.
Vitamin A also helps to regulate the growth of skin cells. Using it topically helps to improve skin elasticity, and smooth skin that is rough, dry or thicker than normal. Retinol is also important for healthy immune function, digestive health and eyesight. Not only should it be included in anti wrinkle creams, it should be taken internally as a nutritional supplement to ensure that aging skin is fully supported.
6. Vitamin E is an antioxidant enhancer and increases the effects of the other antioxidants in an age fighting formulation. It also promotes healing of damaged skin and has been shown to prevent skin cell damage and inhibits the ability of free radicals to damage skin cells.
7. Vitamin C helps to increase collagen production which smooths the skin out and reduces wrinkles. It also improves blood flow which improves the complexion and can enliven dull skin.
If you read the labels on anti-aging formulations carefully and ensure that these ingredients are included, you will be able to distinguish between products and give yourself the best chance of finding the best skin care products to suit your needs.
By: Ken Black
Women have been using natural skin care recipes for hundreds of years. Romans, for example, would use milk and honey to keep their skin supple and soft. Women have always known that honey is beneficial for the skin, in fact as far back as the ancient Greeks. We have only recently found out, though, that honey has antioxidant properties which rejuvenate the skin and helps with sun protection.
Another natural ingredient is olive oil. This was used by Italian woman for hundreds of years. It made their skin soft and line-free. Citrus juices and sea salts are good for oily skin and other types of oils and dairy products are good for those with sensitive skins.
There are many examples of natural products around these days, blending age old wisdom with modern technology. Unfortunately, lots of these all natural products still contain harsh chemicals which often do more harm than good. That is why you must always check the labels and find out what ingredients do what to you. Many commercial products contain artificial colorants and scents, alcohol and astringents, and are not suitable for everyone, especially people with sensitive skin.
The good thing is that it is cheap and easy to make your own natural beauty products in your own home. That way, you know your skin is only going to be treated to fresh, natural ingredients and you will have more left in your wallet for other things. Have a look at the contents of your cupboards and refrigerator and you will find that you have plenty of ingredients ready. You can make most homemade natural skin care recipes in weekly portions and refrigerate them to use later on.
Here are a few recipes for skin care. They all contain natural ingredients including milk, honey, fruit and vegetables.
1. Cucumber Moisturizer. Peel and remove seeds from a medium cucumber. Mix with the juice from one lime and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend in a food processor until smooth. Apply to the face and leave on for about 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat the skin dry.
2. Honey Facial Scrub. Combine 2 tablespoons of finely ground almonds, 1 tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to the face, rinse with water and pat dry.
3. Firming Honey Mask. Whisk together 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and a quarter cup of flour. Keep whisking until the ingredients form a paste. Apply this mixture to the face and throat. Wait 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Pat the skin dry.
4. Soothing Honey Lotion. Blend together 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and a quarter of a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to any dry patches on the skin, such as hands, feet and elbows. Leave the mixture on for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
5. Moisturizing Honey Mask. Smooth a mixture made from 2 teaspoons of milk and 2 teaspoons on honey over your face and throat. Leave it on for ten minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and pat the skin dry.
6. Apple Honey Mask. Mix one medium sized apple with 5 tablespoons of honey into a paste, using a blender. Smooth this mixture on to the face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it with cool water before patting dry.
7. Honey Papaya Glow. Mash 1 or 2 tablespoons of papaya with a tablespoon of honey to form a creamy mixture. Smooth this over the skin and leave to work for about 20 minutes. Rinse off with water then pat dry.
8. Orange Mask. Cook 3 large carrots before mashing them with 5 tablespoons of honey until the mixture is smooth. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse the mask off with cool water and pat your face dry.
9. Gentle Cornmeal Exfoliate. Mix a half cup of cornmeal, a quarter cup of milk, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 4 drops of tea tree oil into a paste. Gently apply it to the skin. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
10. Banana Mash. Mash a banana in a bowl, apply it to your face for about 15 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. Pat dry.
11. Banana Mask. Mix a medium sized ripe banana, a teaspoon of olive oil and 2 drops of scented oil (perhaps orange or lemon) together then apply the mixture to your face. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, before rinsing off with warm water and patting your skin dry.
12. Yogurt Whip. Mix a cup of yogurt with a tablespoon each of lemon juice and orange juice. Apply this mixture generously to the face. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with cool water and pat dry.
You now have plenty of simple recipes to choose from to make nutritious treats for your skin. Your complete skin care regimen, regardless of skin type, should comprise a cleanser, a toner, an exfoliate and a moisturizer. You should cleanse and moisturize twice a day and after wearing make up or exercising. A mild cleanser is best, one that does not irritate your skin, and your moisturizer should match your skin type.
You might wish to experiment with different ingredients (something that is not such a good idea with commercial products containing chemicals) and see what your skin seems to prefer. There are thousands of different combinations, using only natural and healthy ingredients.
Nearly all skin types benefit from regular facial and steam treatments, perhaps one a week. You can create your own steam treatment at home. You will need a towel, a sink and some hot water. You can follow this with a facial created with olive oil, eggs and lemon juice. You can also experiment with salt, sugar, vinegar, tea bags and oatmeal.
Our skin often reflects how healthy our bodies are inside. It is a good idea to start any natural skin care regimen with a healthy and well-balanced diet. This means you are caring for your skin from the inside out. Water is vital for healthy, well-hydrated skin too.
Our skin is the body’s largest organ and you should try to avoid environmental hazards and pollutants such as harsh chemicals and cigarette smoke.
By: Ken Black