A cup of coffee a day keeps the dermatologist away?
Sure we all need a boost now and then, but nowadays it seems caffeine is working it’s way into more and more skin care products. No, this is not just a new strategy to perk you up. New research has revealed positive effects of caffeine and a related compound in the skin.
With all the sunscreens and skin care products on the market, could the secret to protecting your skin from sun damage and preventing skin cancer could be right in your morning cup of coffee?
Believe it or not, this is based on new scientific research has found that caffeine and its related compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can protect mice exposed to high doses of ultraviolet light from developing skin cancers. This is an common animal model scientists use to study skin cancer biology, behavior and development.
Both caffeine and EGCG are found in green tea, and green tea has been recognized for a while as a potent antioxidant and rejuvenating properties in the skin. But the research showed the anti-cancer effect of these products seems to be effective when applied topically or taken orally. Caffeine appears to be more stable than EGCG, and therefore might be the more effective strategy. It’s also more accessible – after all, how far do you drive to get your Starbucks?
