Their culinary appeal is well established – but did you know that coffee and chocolate also offer health benefits, including the maintenance of healthy skin?
Coffee is the latest cult ingredient in eye creams and oils due to its ability to reduce inflammation and under-eye circles. A 1981 study conducted at Seoul National University found that the anti-inflammatory properties of caffeine were comparable to those of aspirin; whilst an earlier study conducted in 1979 at the University of Tennessee found that adding caffeine to topical anti-inflammatory treatments significantly increased their effectiveness.
Caffeine is also a vasodilator (it acts to dilate blood vessels), so it encourages blood flow around the eye, which is what makes it so effective against dark circles.
As well as being choc-full of antioxidants (pardon the pun!), a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate chocolate or cocoa-containing foods experienced lower blood pressures and small improvements in blood vessel response to increases in circulation. The research also hinted that chocolate lovers had lower levels of insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar.
Because of its antioxidant properties (raw chocolate is the highest known source of antioxidants), chocolate acts to fight free radicals and stimulate circulation, and may act to decrease the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation.
“In a double-blind study in Germany, women who drank a cocoa beverage high in antioxidants called flavonols daily experienced reduced skin redness in response to UV-light exposure—15 percent less than usual after six weeks and 25 percent less at 12 weeks—while a group given a low-flavonol cocoa drink had no change. The women also showed significant improvements in their skins’ texture and hydration, which the investigators believe were attributable to measurably improved blood flow to the skin.” (Allure.com)
Check out our collection of coffee and chocolate skin care below!
Raw Gaia Raw Chocolate Face Pack
Brightens, clarifies and smoothes while reducing pigmentation.
Gourmet Body Treats Chocolate Facial Mask – coming soon!
minimises pores, tightens, firms and clarifies the skin. Smells like a yummy cup of hot chocolate!
The Little Alchemist Anti-Aging Defense Complex
Targeted anti-aging from the best that nature has to offer!
100% Pure Coffee Cherry Sun Damage Corrective Cream
Addresses the signs of ageing and sun damage with coffee cherry, green coffee and green tea.
100% Pure Caffeine Coffee Bean Eye Cream
Backed up by research, this little wonder product is a cult favourite, and a girl’s best friend against dark under-eye circles and puffiness.
Have you tried any of the yummy skin care above? Share your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you.
..Until next time xx
