"Coffee"ing Up Your Skin Routine Against Dark Circles
Not just good in a morning drink, CAFFEINE is actually great for your skin! It can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Find out why and how.
We've all been there. You wake up after a long night of studying/partying/adulting, and you look in the mirror to see... dark circles.
Ugh!
To make matters worse, you have an early meeting/class/date, and you can't just wear sunglasses indoors (although, we've all considered it). So, what's a dark-circle-ridden individual to do? Cue the ever-present internet search for a quick fix. And what do we find when we type "how to get rid of dark circles" into the ol' Google box?
Caffeine cream, my friend. Caffeine cream for EYES!
But does it actually work? Let's take a closer look.
The Science Behind Caffeine Creams for Dark Circles
Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means that it constricts blood vessels. When applied topically (i.e. in the form of a cream), caffeine can help to temporarily reduce the appearance of dark circles by constricting the blood vessels underneath the eyes. This results in less blood flow to the area and, consequently, less noticeable discoloration.
So there you have it—caffeine creams CAN help to reduce the appearance of dark circles (at least temporarily). But before you go out and buy every under-eye cream with caffeine in it, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First of all, different people will responded differently to caffeine creams—some will see results almost immediately while others may not notice any difference at all.
Secondly, as with most things in life, moderation is key; too much caffeine can actually have the opposite effect and cause your under-eyes to look even more puffy and tired (so read the content of caffeine cream you pick, make sure it doesn't have too much of it).
Finally, while topical application of caffeine can help to constrict blood vessels and reduce darkness in the short term, it won't do anything to address any underlying issues that may be causing your dark circles in the first place (more on that later).
Causes of Dark Circles
There are many possible causes of dark circles, including lack of sleep, dehydration, allergies, genetics, and even certain medications. If you're looking for a long-term solution to your dark circle problem, you may need to address some of these underlying issues rather than relying on topical treatments alone.
But if you're just looking for a quick fix before an important event or date, then by all means reach for that tube of caffeine cream! Just remember to use it sparingly—a little goes a long way when it comes to most topical treatments (including but not limited to caffeine creams).
To sum things up: yes, caffeine creams can help with dark circles... but they're not a cure-all. Different people will respond differently to them; some will see results almost immediately while others may not notice any difference at all. If you're going to use them, be sure to exercise moderation—too much caffeine can actually have the opposite effect and make your under-eyes look even more puffy and tired.
And finally, while topical application of caffeine can help with darkness in the short term, it won't do anything to address any underlying causes of your dark circles.
Here are six of the best caffeinated eye creams online. Some work for all skin types, while others have been specifically designed to treat specific conditions like wrinkles or puffiness - so find out which one is right for you!:
Bea Elias