If it's essential to the start of your day (like me), you're not only doing your body good, but coffee benefits the skin too. Here's why java could be the elixir of life, says editor Trudi Brewer.

News flash: If you are reaching for that second flat white, long black or a latte, with or without sugar, you’re onto a good thing. According to the latest research from British Coffee Association, if you drink between two and five cups of coffee a day, you have a 29 per cent lower risk of early death than non-coffee drinkers. Finally, one of my favourite beverages is beneficial to your overall health, it can lower the risk of chronic liver disease, certain cancers and even dementia. Dermatologists are also behind a daily dose of caffeine this time applied topically, with extracts from coffee berries, the flowers and the nectar of interest to cosmetic formulators, because these extracts contain three times more caffeine than the coffee beans themselves. High in flavonoids and carotenoids, coffee extracts are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory benefits too. According to dermatologist Tiffany Libby. “Caffeine decreases the production of reactive free radicals. It helps improve circulation, and is also a vasoconstrictor, (which means it makes the blood vessels constrict, or tighten), which instantly brightens the skin." Read on to learn more and the cult beauty buys loaded with coffee extracts.

Coffee is an antioxidant boost

Caffeine is a brilliant antioxidant, as well as being a potent inflammatory, which helps defend against damage caused by free radicals. It can even help limit the number of free radicals your body produces, says Dr Longwill. "Clinical studies have shown that caffeine may help protect against free radicals and reactive oxygen species caused by UV radiation, thereby also helping to slow down the signs of photo-ageing," says Dr Libby. "Some studies also suggest that topical caffeine may have photo-protective benefits like sunscreen and even a role in preventing skin cancer formation."

Clarins Double Serum, $130.

Lovers of this serum swear by its skin brightening, hydrating benefits. Caffeine, and turmeric, in fact, are all of the 21 potent plant extracts, together give skin that lit-from-within glow. I have used this serum on and off for over a decade and don’t plan to stop any time soon.

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Coffee extract reduces puffiness

In the same way, coffee can boost your energy; once harnessed in skincare it can reduce undereye puffiness. "Puffy eyes tend to be caused by fluid build-up in the area or dilated blood vessels visible under the sensitive and delicate eyelid skin," explains dermatologist Deborah Longwill. Since "Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, it will penetrate your skin and constrict the blood vessels, which will reduce the puffiness." Additionally, she adds that decreased blood flow can also help lighten the appearance of dark circles -that’s a win win.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, $15.

I have yet to try a product from The Ordinary that hasn’t impressed me. This under eye serum is no different. Caffeine, green tea, soybean, and turmeric extracts, with vitamin C, help combat dark circles, pigmentation and puffiness. The brand says the high five per cent concentration of caffeine delivers an impressive wake-up call to the under-eye area - I agree.

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Dissolves fat

Experts agree, that using topically caffeine can reduce subdermal fat, it converts fatty acids that can then be removed by the blood circulation and metabolised to energy. However, caffeine won’t reduce the number on the scales, it’s no skinny quick trick.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist, $43.

Also, a cult beauty buy this mist is part of the heal-all Eight Hour Cream family. Refreshing, it instantly wakes up the skin, while soothing dryness at the same time. Stacked with a superfruit blend of antioxidants and vitamins from acai, goji mangosteen, noni, pomegranate and coffee seed extracts, it will be a valuable addition to your winter beauty routine.

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A visible hangover cure

A hangover is visible on the skin, and coffee does the opposite of alcohol. Alcohol dilates blood vessels in the skin, causing worsening redness and swelling, caffeine can help neutralise that. But what really makes coffee extracts even better for the skin is combing them with other antioxidants, like vitamin C, niacinamide and turmeric, this is when your skin will really start to glow.

Q+A Caffeine Eye Serum, $15.

The three ingredients in this eye serum target puffiness. Caffeine improves circulation, de-puffing the skin. Green tea extract strengthens the skin, while pomegranate extract, is a famous superfruit that offers brilliant antioxidant protection. All that is delivered with a refreshing rollerball applicator - that when chilled in the fridge it’s divine. Q+A skincare is exclusive to Life Pharmacy.