Most people come across advice that drinking unpasteurized black coffee can darken their skin. But is this true? There is significant debate in the scientific and medical communities about whether black coffee has potential health benefits and detriments. In this article, we’ll take a look at the latest research and provide some insight into does drinking black coffee make your skin darker.
Taking too much caffeine has long been linked to skin darkening. Drinking large amounts of caffeine can have a direct effect on your skin, as it stunts blood circulation and creates inflammation in your cells. Subsequently, your skin may become less vibrant and may even darken. When we look at scientific research results, it appears that moderate caffeine consumption may not darken your skin, however drinking too much black coffee can darken your skin.
A 2018 study by Tharwat University of Science investigated how caffeine affects the skin on a cellular level over a 12-week period. The study concluded that a moderate amount of caffeine consumed daily did not darken the skin, however, excessive caffeine resulted in an increase in melanin production. Melanin is a pigment in the skin that darkens the skin color.
Researchers from the 2018 study argued that excessive caffeine intake depletes hydration levels in the skin cells, leading to increased skins’ pigmentation. This implies that if you consume too much black coffee, your skin may become dry and darker. While this truth has been medically proven, the effectiveness of black coffee on your skin might vary from person to person, as everyone’s skin type is different.
Furthermore, the effects of coffee on the skin have been magnified by combining coffee with other skin care products, like lotions, cream, and sunscreens. Coffee contains active compounds that might have an inflammatory effect on your skin if mixed with other components. This may also result in your skin becoming darker.
Inflammation
Despite all the discussion, drinking black coffee alone, is not enough to trigger darkening of your skin. Some dermatologists believe that caffeine induces increased levels of inflammation and other tissues similar affects. In addition, the darkening of skin is reflective of larger circulating levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone released in response to inflammation.
As mentioned, drinking too much black coffee can dehydrate your skin and make it look dry. When your skin is dry, your body naturally produces more melanin and your skin may start to look darker. This could have an adverse impact on your skin, making it look dull and unhealthy.
Apart from affecting the skin, black coffee can also cause some issues when consumed in excessive amounts. Caffeine can affect your nervous system and lead to headaches and fatigue. It can also cause your muscles to become tense, insomnia and other sleep problems.
The effects of black coffee on the skin have been disputed, with some doctors arguing that it can darken the skin and others insisting that it does not. It is important to note that, due to the differences in people’s skin types and other factors, it is nearly impossible to say definitively without a medical examination.
Studied Effects
Most of the studies conducted on the effects of coffee on the skin have given mixed results. Some researchers suggested that there is a clear connection between excessive consumption of black coffee and darkening of the skin, while others were unable to prove any relationship.
A study conducted by Pune University investigated the effects of caffeinated drinks on the skin and discovered that excessive consumption of coffee can weaken essential proteins in your cells and increase the levels of cortisol in your blood. This can cause your skin cells to become weaker and dehydrate and eventually leads to inflammation.
The study also suggested that mixing coffee with UV rays can further increase the skin darkening effect. Long-term exposure to UV rays can result in an increase in melanin production and cause skin darkening.
Overall, the conclusion of many studies conducted on the effects of coffee on the skin is that excessive consumption of black coffee can cause darkening of the skin if combined with certain environmental factors.
Preventative Measures
While the effects of black coffee on the skin are still widely debated, some doctors suggest that it is better to take preventive measures to keep your skin healthy. One way to do this is to reduce the amount of coffee that you drink and limit your exposure to sunlight.
Wearing SPF sunscreen can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays. Additionally, make sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated.
You should also pay attention to other factors that may cause damage to your skin. Smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol use have been shown to have negative effects on your skin, including wrinkles, dryness, dehydration, and darkening of the skin.
In summary, drinking black coffee does not necessarily darken the skin, however, if you drink too much, you may be at risk of skin darkening. As with any dietary change, it is best to consult your doctor or a dermatologist before drinking black coffee or any caffeinated beverage.
Bad Effects
Excessive black coffee drinking can have some bad effects on the skin that could ultimately make it darker. Your body is designed to process a certain number of stimulants, such as caffeine and other active components, like theobromine. When these stimulants are taken in larger amounts, it can have an adverse effect on your body, including lowering the quality of your skin.
Consuming large amounts of coffee can reduce the amount of antioxidants available in the body, which could result in oxidative stress causing the production of free radicals. This can weaken the skin cells and increase inflammation, resulting in the darkening of the skin.
In addition, black coffee has diuretic properties that can cause the body to produce more urine and sweat. This could lead to dehydration and fluid loss from the body, resulting in the skin darkening.
Another effect that black coffee can have on the skin is the stimulation of melanin production. The compound found in black coffee can stimulate the release of enzymes that produce melanin, which is responsible for the colour of the skin. Therefore, when the melanin levels get too high, it can cause the skin to become darker.
It is also important to note that black coffee can amplify the effects of other skincare products. Many skin care products, such as lotions and creams, contain caffeine and other active compounds, and taking coffee along with these products can amplify the effects. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when combining black coffee and skincare products.
Genetics
Another factor that can affect how much your skin darkens when drinking black coffee is genetics. Everyone’s skin is different and everyone’s melanin levels vary. People with darker skin will naturally be more prone to having their skin darken when drinking black coffee compared to someone with lighter skin.
Studies have also shown that when people have low amounts of melanin, the coffee that they drink will have lesser of an impact on their skin. This is because coffee needs melanin to work effectively and when there is not enough present, the coffee will not be able to induce any further darkening.
Additionally, certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of skin darkening. People who suffer from hypothyroidism or diabetes can be more prone to skin darkening when drinking coffee, as these two conditions can lower the levels of melanin, making it easier for the coffee to stimulate the production of melanin.
It is important to remember that the effects of black coffee on the skin darkening can vary from person to person, as everyone’s skin type and genetics are different. As a result, it is best to consult your doctor before drinking black coffee to see if it is safe for you.
Conclusion
The truth of whether drinking black coffee will darken your skin cannot be definitively stated, as it depends on a variety of personal factors. However, it is clear that while excessive black coffee consumption may increase the risk of your skin darkening, it is not the only factor that can lead to skin darkening.
The greatest takeaway when it comes to drinking black coffee and its effects on your skin is that moderation is best. To sum up, it is best to keep your caffeine intake under control and combine it with a healthy lifestyle, a well-balanced diet, and regular skin care regime to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant.
