I found that when I gave up caffeine in drinks, my sleep improved. So if I take up caffeine in skincare, what’s that likely to do?
Caffeine skincare – what’s that all about then?
Researching this topic has led me to discover the glorious word vasoconstrictor. Try rolling that around in your mouth before you’ve had your morning cuppa. It’s a challenge.
Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it constricts blood vessels. You can see where this is going with regards to skincare.
The idea with caffeine skincare is that applying this vasoconstrictor on inflamed, reddened or puffy skin will help increase blood flow to the area and help it calm down. This is why you’ll see it cropping up more and more as an ingredient in eye creams, since under eye puffiness is so common.
Reports on the efficacy of caffeine in skincare seem to be mixed. It’s no wonder ingredient, though it does have its fans.
This week I’ve been trying out caffeine skincare in the form of a new serum which I was sent by Skin Chemists.
Skin Chemists’ 5% Active Caffeine Biphase Serum works on the appearance of the skin’s texture and firmness by improving circulation and the flow of nutrients to the skin.
The serum itself has a very light, water-like texture. I found the best way to apply it was by placing a few drops in the palm of the hand and patting it on to the face. It’s completely weightless on the skin.
This is for you if you have existing skin damage, especially sun damage or anything temporary such as puffiness after a night on the tiles. If nights on the tiles are a regular feature in your calendar then a caffeine serum such as this is a good addition to your skincare cabinet.
I felt that this was a particuarly good firming serum. It reminded me of ARK Skincare’s firming serum, but lighter. If you like layering products (which I do) then this works well in conjunction with others to help the skin achieved a firmer, healthier tone.
Product details
Pure Caffeine 5% Biphase Serum is available here on the Skin Chemists website, 30ml, RRP £39.90. Currently reduced to £19.99, with free shipping worldwide for orders over £25.
*PR Sample
Find more reviews of products by Skin Chemists here