Caffeine has developed a bad rap. Most often associated with sugar-laden coffee drinks – staples of our standard “American” diet (SAD) – many health-conscious folks seem to avoid the ingredient like the plague.

But all that changes today, because caffeine is not the evil devil it’s made out to be. Quite the contrary actually; it has recently been dubbed one of the richest sources of healthful antioxidants in the average person’s diet! When applied topically, caffeine’s benefits are also bountiful – it can protect against sun damage and ailments including Alzheimer’s and heart disease, make skin smoother, and even reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Here are some caffeinated must-haves for your skin…

ORIGINS GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream
All you Puffy Patties and Dark Circle Daves, it’s time to banish those under eye issues. Whether you experience puffiness or dark circles regularly or are simply suffering from a bout of insomnia, this morning-after eye cream is sure to rescue you from self-consciousville. Using their proprietary complex of caffeine, Panax ginseng, magnolia extract and natural optic brighteners to refresh and reinvigorate, those who use it swear it makes a very noticeable difference. One more reason to give it a whirl: the formula is free of parabens, sulphates, synthetic fragrances and a slew of other stuff we suggest you stay away from.

Tashodi Green Coffee Body Bar
So much more than a bar of soap, this baby will help you rise and shine for real! Comprised of a beautiful blend of natural ingredients including green coffee and grapefruit, the regular side cleanses while the shea butter side infuses your skin with moisture. Fair Trade and 100% Canadian made with essential oils sourced from nature’s abundance, you can feel good knowing it’s both people and planet friendly.

Golden Moor Moisturizing Black Chocolate Mud Mask
A Big Carrot favourite, you’re sure to love this super hydrating, soothing and regenerating anti-aging facial mask. Made mostly of mud from the Golden Moor Bog in Casselman, Ontario (where the quality of the moor is higher than anywhere elsewhere in the world!), along with caffeine, it contains cocoa extract and a bunch of beneficial vitamins and trace minerals. At-home spa day, here we come.

100% Pure Cocoa Kona Coffee Body Cream
All natural, 100% vegan, organic and gluten free, this is another Big Carrot favourite. Bursting with anti-aging antioxidants, vitamins, skin softening fruit oils and moisturizing cocoa and avocado butters, this luxurious cream will leave you with a gorgeous, glowing complexion.

Kynk Naturals’ The Daily Grind
An all-over body scrub so delicious you’ll want to devour it. A mixture of sea salt, oatmeal and flax seeds, it’ll exfoliate your skin so it’s smooth, hydrated, self-tanner ready and free of ingrown hairs. Another excellent reason to pick up this puppy: the healing properties of apricot kernel oil, honey and coffee will prevent those scratches, burns and cuts from scarring. You can pick this up at Noah’s Natural Foods right here in Toronto.