6 Benefits of Coffee for Youthful and Healthy Skin

1. PROTECTION AGAINST UV RADIATION

A well-known Czech proverb says: "where the sun doesn't go, the doctor goes". We are all so aware of the benefits of being in the sun, but vitamin D is not the only product of sun exposure. UVA and UVB rays can not only cause sunburn but also skin ageing and cancer.

Caffeine could have preventive effects or even reverse UV damage, according to scientific research. Skin cancer caused by UV exposure is becoming more common, especially due to increased recreational tanning, the use of tanning beds and the deteriorating ozone layer.

UV radiation can affect cell function, especially cell cycle arrest, DNA repair and apoptosis (programmed cell death). The cell cycle is equipped with checkpoints that monitor the cell's proper state - genetic stability. If necessary, they stop the cell cycle so that the necessary repairs can be made.

These checkpoints then form a complex network of signaling pathways. Caffeine acts as an inhibitor of such signaling pathways. It can therefore influence it in some way and thus help to repair the damage caused by UV radiation. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology suggests that the use of caffeine topically, for example in sunscreens, could lead to a minimisation or reversal of UV damage.

2. TOPICAL BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE SKIN

There is an increase in microcirculation of bloodat the sites of caffeine application . This effect brings with it an increase in oxygen and nutrients in these areas. Blood circulation promotes healthy skin colouration. Above all, you will appreciate that in this way revitalized skin produces collagen better.

Collagen loss is usually associated with aging. The body creates collagen naturally on its own, but its production decreases with age. The visible loss of collagen is reflected in the skin by the typical signs of aging - wrinkles. Not enough collagen does not provide the skin with the necessary support and wrinkles are formed.

Collagen production decreases significantly from the age of 25. Creams and products containing caffeine can help with the production of collagen throughout life, protecting the youthful appearance of your skin. Restricted blood and lymph flow results in dark circles under the eyes. Increasing the microcirculation of blood in the area around the eyes can alleviate the formation of these dark circles.

3. REDUCTION OF PUFFINESS

In increasing blood flow, caffeine uses its ability to constrict or narrow blood vessels. In addition to a healthy color in the face, it also means a reduction in puffiness. Swelling is the accumulated fluid in a certain part of the body due to inadequate circulation of blood and lymph.

Thus, cosmetics with caffeine not only counteract dark circles under the eyes, but also counteract the appearance of so-called "bags" or puffiness under the eyes. Caffeinated skin restores the fluid balance in the area of puffiness. This eliminates the puffiness.

4. LOWER FAT CONCENTRATION

When the swelling is removed, the metabolic processes of the subcutaneous cells are also affected. Caffeine promotes lipolysis, the breakdown of fat in fat cells. The functions of drainage and lipolysis define caffeine as a great helper in the fight against cellulite.

Caffeine peels smooth the skin from the outside and inside. They break down fat and water deposits. In turn, the blood-soaked areas receive the necessary nutrients for healthy-looking skin. It is not difficult to make a coffee scrub. Just mix finely ground coffee with a little oil.

5. PROMOTE HAIR GROWTH

You know that feeling of filling your body with energy after drinking your morning espresso? Similarly, caffeine activates hair growth. Caffeinated shampoos and conditioners rely on its ability to energize locally, at the point of hair growth.

Men in particular are plagued by hair loss as they age. Caffeine products actively act on the smooth muscles at the roots of the hair and, by increasing the microcirculation of blood in this area, enrich the hair follicles with the necessary nutrients for hair growth.

In men, the hormone DHT - dihydrotestosterone -is the main determinant of hair density . It results in the narrowing of the hair roots and thus the growth of thinner and weaker hair. Eventually, the hair stops growing altogether.

According to astudy looking into the mechanism of action of caffeine and its cosmetic uses, caffeine affects the activity of the hormone DHT. Therefore, caffeine hair care products are not only effective in promoting hair growth, but alsomitigate and reduce the process of hair loss.

6. ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS

Coffee, due to its worldwide popularity, is one of the important antioxidants in our diet. Its antioxidant properties rid the body of toxins - free radicals that cause aging and disease.

Every day, in addition to the natural free radicals produced by our body's metabolic processes, we are attacked by a number of toxins from a poor environment and an unhealthy, stress-influenced lifestyle in general. Antioxidants, which we take in, for example, from our diet, help us fight such free radicals.

By drinking coffee, we contribute to the increase of protective substances - antioxidants - that prevent free radicals - oxidants - from damaging our health. The antioxidant effects of coffee thus protect against the development of diseases, cancer and also the ageing of not only the skin but the whole body.