What are the experimental effects of Caffeine
or Caffeine extracts on the Skin?
Will topical Caffeine be used as an Anti-Aging Product?
Plant extracts and byproducts have been explored for thousands of years as a means of improving the skin look and texture.
Recently, extracts of both cocoa beans and cola nuts, which contain polyphenols and xanthine derivatives, have been tested in mice for possible photo-protective effects against ultraviolet light induced damage. In a study reported by Mitani and Ryu cited below, topical application of these plant extracts before long-wavelength ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure, 'suppressed wrinkle formation'. The authors speculated that the xanthine extracts may have prevented some ultraviolet induced wrinkling by decreasing the inflammation that causes damage to the collagen.
A second study reported by Hirakawa et al in the British Journal of Dermatology, evaluated whether topical application of caffeine applied after ultraviolet exposure could reverse some of the damaging effects of ultraviolet light. These authors again evaluated hairless mice, but in their study, a caffeine extract was applied after the mice were exposed to the shorter wavelength Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. UVB is the wavelength range associated with sunburns and an increased risk of squamous and basal cell skin cancer.
The authors in this study found "that the topical application of caffeine after UVB diminished cumulative photodamage", both visually (less wrinkling and less roughness), and histologically (under the microscope). Specifically, the caffeine applications appeared to increase the removal of the damaged 'sunburn' cells, perhaps removing some of the ultraviolet-damaged DNA that may increase the risk of skin cancer.
Do these studies mean the coffee consumption will improve aging skin and wrinkles? NO!
First, these studies were done in mice, not men! The authors of the studies point out that the levels of caffeine applied topically can reach higher concentrations in the skin that can be obtained orally. In addition, injesting very high amounts of caffeine can be associated with potentially serious side effects such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Potential future uses for caffeine-containing skin care products, include as an additive to sunscreens or as an after-sun care product.
References:
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine: Topical application of plant extracts containing xanthine derivatives can prevent UV-induced wrinkle formation in hairless mice. Hiroaki Mitani, Akemi Ryu Vol 23 Issue 2-3 Page 86-94 April/June 2007
British Journal of Dermatology: Protection from photodamage by topical application of caffeine after ultraviolet irradiation M.Kawasumi, P.Nghiem Vol 156 Issue 5 Page 957-964 May 20 |
