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
There is no reason why women over 50 can’t look just as beautiful as they did twenty years ago. Aging is inevitable, it happens to everyone, but with good skin care you can slow down your aging process and defy your age. Ageless beauty is about taking good care of yourself and there are many ways you can have beautiful skin, ward off wrinkles and keep your skin soft and supple.
Sensual Milk Bath
Create a skin rejuvenating spa at home with a sensual milk bath. Take one cup of powdered whole milk and add one tablespoon of grape seed oil, mix well and add to your running bath water. When your bath water is ready, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Whole milk contains lactic acid and this will help to remove any dead skin cells, the grape seed oil contains powerful antioxidants to feed your skin and the essential oils will help to create a beautiful fragrance that will lift your mood.
Grapefruit to Soften Your Elbows
To help keep your elbows soft and supple, exfoliate away the dry skin while having your bath. After your bath, take one fresh grapefruit and cut it in half. Place one half under each elbow and stay in this position for at least fifteen minutes. Allowing your elbows to soak like this will soften the skin and help to lighten any dark areas at the same time.
Lemon Detox
Begin each day with a refreshing home made lemon drink. This lemon drink is quick and easy to prepare and works as an effective body detox. Squeeze the juice from one lemon (or lime) into a mug and add hot water. Drink it slowly. If you do this everyday it will help to flush out all the impurities and toxins that have accumulated in your body and greatly benefit your skin.
Boost Collagen with Blueberries
Blueberries are excellent collagen promoters for women over 50 because they are packed with vitamin C. Boosting your collagen levels is an important part of skin care because will help to protect your skin against wrinkling and help to preserve your youthful looks. Try to include at least
There are tons of resources for men skin care available, along with products made for men. Skin care has been part of many men’s daily regimen thanks to the benefits of great, fresh and young looking skin.
But what about men of color? Black men or Hispanic men? The truth is there is only a limited amount of resources that focus on skin care for Black men, which makes us wonder: does darker skin need different care?
The answer is yes. In African-American men skin there tends to be more razor bumps and burn and ingrown hairs. This is due to the different type of facial hair.
Also men of color can suffer from dark spots and hyper pigmentation which causes the skin to have an uneven tone.
So in order to address these issues a couple of companies and sites have created a special section for Black men skin care which is much needed. I’ve also seen a couple of skin care products for Black men available that work wonders.
Products such as Barc and African Male by men essentials are great examples of products made for Black men.
But of course proper skin care is the same for all men. No matter what your skin color or age, men should always follow a skin care regimen to help maintain a young and healthy looking skin.
Especially in for men with darker skin color, using a facial scrub/exfoliate and skin toner is essential to eliminating or keeping away from dark spots and hyper pigmentation.
Using the right shaving cream and after shave will also help reduce and alleviate razor burn and stop razor bumps.
Use the right skin care products for men and you will definitely keep your skin looking healthy, toned, young and overall attractive.
By: Victor Anicama