Natural substances that stimulate, caffeine, are able to modify the chemical composition in the brain's central nervous system, which plays a role in increasing alertness and energy levels. Generally, caffeine is consumed through beverages such as coffee and tea. However, in a modern context, caffeine is also popular in skincare products such as eye creams, serums, and anti-cellulite creams.

However, the positive effects of caffeine-containing skin treatments are temporary. Research on its benefits is still very limited and yields varying results regarding the effectiveness of such treatments. Here is an explanation of how caffeine-containing skin care products can benefit the skin, quoted from Health.com (01/03).

If you experience eye bags due to lack of sleep, the use of caffeine-containing eye creams can help reduce swelling that makes the eyes look tired temporarily. Studies have shown that topically applied caffeine can improve blood circulation around the eye area, which can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and swelling under the eyes.

Study has revealed that caffeine content has the ability to protect your skin cells from exposure to UV rays and inhibit damage caused by the sun that can result in wrinkles. Skin care products that contain caffeine aim to reduce the negative effects of free radicals that cause premature aging. However, it is important to continue using sunscreen when engaging in outdoor activities.

Lotion and anti-cellulite creams often contain caffeine to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but they will not completely eliminate it. According to information provided by the American Academy of Dermatology, caffeine creams can reduce the water content in fat cells, thus reducing the noticeable appearance of cellulite. Some studies also show that caffeine can increase blood flow, help remove fatty acids from fat tissues, and break down stored fat beneath the skin surface, resulting in smoother skin.

The caffeine content in the cream can increase blood flow to the surface of the skin, which can result in the skin becoming redder. Products with high concentrations of caffeine may also cause a burning or stinging sensation on sensitive skin. If you experience such reactions, it is advisable to discontinue the use of products containing caffeine.

Skin care products that contain caffeine are generally considered safe and should not significantly increase caffeine intake. Most skin care products have a low caffeine content (about 3%). Therefore, although caffeine can penetrate the skin barrier, it is unlikely that a cream with sufficient caffeine content will cause significant side effects or caffeine toxicity.

The recommendation from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is for pregnant women to limit their caffeine consumption to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per day, which is equivalent to about 2 cups of coffee. There is a possibility that the use of skincare products containing caffeine can add additional caffeine to the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

"If you choose to use eye cream, serum, or moisturizer that contains caffeine to reduce swelling on the skin, it is best to apply the product in the morning to achieve the best results. When applying eye cream, use gentle fingertips to gently spread the product in the under-eye area."