Coffee and skin care? It might surprise you to learn that in 2006 in the United States over 140 skin care products containing caffeine were launched compared to just 21 in 2003. Coffee had a hard time of it in the 20th century while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration waffled over whether it was good or bad for you. As we move solidly into the 21st century, more indications of coffee's beneficial properties are surfacing, and nowhere is that more evident than in the lucrative skin care market.

Primarily, coffee and caffeine are finding their way into skin lotions and creams because of antioxidant properties and tightening and firming qualities. Caffeine applied to the skin operates in three ways - as an antioxidant, a diuretic and a vasoconstrictor. Among others, Avon, Neuturogena and L'Oreal have included caffeine in some of their products.

For years, caffeine has been used in products sold to reduce cellulite. It's clear that caffeine dehydrates fat cells by somehow energizing them which in turn causes the sodium/potassium component of the cells to vacate. Consequently, water disappears as well. Bottom line - skin on buttocks and thighs becomes smoother.

Caffeine's ability to constrict the veins means that it's a common ingredient in many treatments for reducing dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. It also helps tighten skin in this area. While nothing will permanently reduce troubled skin in the eye region or cellulite, these products can bring about changes for a few hours.

Now, the explosion of coffee use in skin products means that you'll find it in fragrances, face creams and body scrubs. Lots of products not only smell like coffee, but also have ground coffee in them as an exfoliant. Some manufacturers even suggest that absorbing caffeine through your skin could produce some of the same alertness effects that drinking a cup of coffee does.

Not so fast say the dermatologists. None of the products harbor concentrations sufficient to produce the jolt one might hope for from a cup of java. Moreover, absorption is through the skin slow, so it's questionable whether enough of coffee's stuff can penetrate to enhance alertness. Infusing the coffee aroma in products, is thought, on the other hand, to stimulate perkiness by association.

A few promising studies in rodents have suggested that coffee's caffeine can kill skin cancer cells. These results have appeared promising, but similar effects have not been translated to humans. There are, however, plenty of caffeinated sunscreens. That's because this substance can have some sun blocking effects.

A few folks are even suggesting that investment in expensive skin care potions is unnecessary. It's claimed that you can receive the same benefits by concocting your own home brewed coffee soaps and body scrubs from used coffee grounds. Formulas are even offered. Hey, now you can shower with your espresso!