Why You Should Consider Getting A Caffeine Eye Cream

Most of us reach for something caffeinated when we're feeling tired, the most popular breakfast beverage with caffeine likely being coffee. A cup of Joe can be just the boost you need after you roll out of bed.

But did you know your morning cup of coffee may be the perfect pick-me-up for your tired eyes? Not only is caffeine ideal for waking you up when you can barely pry apart your lids, but it might also help reduce dark circles, puffy bags, and fine lines around the eyes.

However, there's much more to it than dipping a finger in your latte and dabbing it on your eye area (please don't do this). Specially formulated beauty products in the form of caffeinated eye creams have made perking up your appearance much simpler, not to mention more hygienic. Plus, many contain additional ingredients that can improve your tired appearance in the blink of an eye. Have we got your interest brewing?

Caffeine eye cream is, as it sounds, eye cream with an added boost of caffeine. Even if you're not a coffee lover, there's no denying the benefits of its main ingredient. Aestheticians and dermatologists alike note how energizing caffeine can be for the skin. Many of these positive effects stem from caffeine being a vasoconstrictor, which is a fancy way to say that it constricts your body's blood vessels.

Tightening up vessels and reducing blood flow isn't usually a good thing, but in the case of puffy eyes, it's fantastic! When a vasoconstrictor is applied to the area around your eyes, it helps to tighten the skin. You can say bye-bye to eye bags and hello brighter appearance. Additionally, caffeine is a diuretic, which you likely already know if you're a coffee aficionado. Diuretics help "relieve water retention, another contributor to puffy, tired eyes," notes dermatologist Anna Chacon (via The Healthy — Readers Digest). Meaning a swipe of caffeinated eye cream is a powerful way to tone, tighten, and decrease the size of undereye bags within minutes. But its benefits may be longer lasting too.

One study found that caffeine may be able to shrink fat cells, essentially dehydrating them (only temporarily, though). Still, the result can be fewer deep wrinkles and less obvious dark circles under your eyes. Regular use is usually required to see a noticeable difference in your appearance because, just like a cup of coffee, the cream's caffeine effects can wear off. Nevertheless, caffeinated eye creams are a great solution to a late night of partying, studying, or just not getting any sleep. In the long run, experts recommended getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, and eating a well-rounded diet to treat under eye circles and bags under the eyes. 

Still, thanks to these caffeinated eye creams' other helpful ingredients, you might also notice more enduring skin improvement. For example, antioxidants in caffeine eye cream can help fight off damaging free radicals, slowing down signs of aging due to environmental pollution or UV rays. Most are hydrating, too, helping your skin stay soft, plump, and supple. Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King told The Healthy that she recommends regular use to both treat and prevent any pesky eye concerns.

Once or twice a day is usually enough to depuff and brighten. The best part is you can use it to perk up your appearance whenever you want. If morning bags are a problem, dab on your eye cream to ditch the dark circles. Alternatively, it can be applied in the evening without worrying about a lasting caffeine buzz.

It's possible to develop a dependence on coffee. Thankfully, it's not the same with caffeine eye creams, as the concentration of caffeine isn't strong enough to produce this type of effect. That doesn't mean the beauty product is without potential side effects, though. Sometimes, caffeine eye creams can cause redness, irritation, swelling, or flaking. Some people also report a slight stinging or burning sensation, which is more common if applied to broken skin.

You may want to talk with your dermatologist if you have sensitive skin. If they give you the go-ahead, there are lots of cool caffeine eye creams to try. The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream comes in a tube and is both lightweight and hydrating. It also includes a special peptide to further combat wrinkles and dark circles. Alternatively, The Ordinary's Caffeine 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum is a traditional bottle and dropper serum containing various natural ingredients to fight puffiness and dark under eye. Pat on the cream, apply a brightening concealer, and you're ready to tackle the day at least looking wide awake. 

Our final tip for these potent eye puffiness fighters? As long as the product doesn't advise against it, try keeping it in the fridge for a caffeine-infused cream that delivers an amazing cooling sensation when applied!