Generality
The use of caffeine against bags and dark circles is spreading more and more thanks to the particular properties of this substance.
More in detail, to counteract these imperfections, it is used for topical use, in fact, it can be found in many products for the eye area.
What is Caffeine
Caffeine is a purine-based alkaloid contained in various plants, such as coffee, cocoa, tea, guarana, cola and maté.
Always known for its stimulating activity on the nervous system and for its vasoconstrictor activity, caffeine is used both in the pharmacological field (for internal use) and in the cosmetic field (for external use). In the latter case, however, caffeine is not used for its exciting properties, but for its ability to promote lipolysis and for its anti-edema action.
Action mechanism
The rational use of caffeine against bags and dark circles is in its ability to drain serous accumulations, allowing a rapid elimination of liquid stasis by stimulating their drainage (anti-edema action).
Furthermore, as mentioned, caffeine is capable of stimulating the mobilization of fatty acids in the hypodermis. More in detail, it favors the increase of cyclic AMP within the adipocytes with consequent activation of the lipolytic lipase and promotion of lipid catabolism.
However, this particular activity could make the use of caffeine contraindicated in the presence of "dry" dark circles, dug by more or less deep furrows (wrinkles).
In addition to this, caffeine is also a decent sun filter and can help protect the fine capillaries of the delicate eye area from damage caused by excessive exposure to UV rays.
If taken orally, caffeine also produces a stimulating effect on diuresis and lipolysis, even if it is general rather than targeted. To enhance its draining effect, particularly useful in the presence of bags and puffiness, it should be taken in the form of foods such as black tea (antioxidants + draining effect of infusion and caffeine). On the other hand, the excessive and chronic use of coffee should be avoided, since the excessive amount of caffeine taken by the system in the long run would increase the tiredness of the body, making bags and dark circles more evident.
Contraindications
The transdermal absorption of caffeine present in creams against bags and dark circles is not sufficient to induce systemic effects; it is therefore a safe ingredient even for those particularly sensitive to its action. Therefore, the use of this molecule topically, in general, has no contraindications, except in the case of any allergies.
