As a regular coffee-drinker, you must have found yourself wondering, does drinking coffee age your skin? The answer isn’t easy and science has not yet come to a solid consensus on this matter. What we can tell from research is that coffee affects human body and mind, and it could also play a role on the body’s largest organ – the skin.
Caffeine and Its Effects on Skin
Evidence does exist that consuming caffeine causes dehydration. One 2015 study showed that participants who drank eight eight-ounce cups of coffee a day experienced nearly three times the amount of skin redness than those who did not, indicating greater-than-normal levels of dehydration.
Several other studies have found that the antioxidants found in coffee, primarily hydrocinnamic acid and polyphenols, have some positive effects including reducing inflammation and blotchiness.
That being said, people with highly sensitive skin, or a pre-existing condition, may find that it has a larger effect due to their more fragile skin and more pronounced dehydration.
Prof. Leif Rodkjer, of the department of Dermatology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, explains that the effects of coffee on skin appear to be a bit of a mixed bag. Despite the fact that coffee has antioxidants – which can be beneficial to skin – the amount of caffeine means that it is also a diuretic.
Preventing Skin Damage Caused By Coffee
In order to combat its dehydrating effects, doctors advise drinking plenty of water in addition to coffee, to prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Drinking coffee will help to naturally cleanse the skin of toxins and dirt while smaller amounts can even prevent wrinkles.
Moreover, a skincare routine that includes applying a moisturizer, an antioxidant-rich serum, an exfoliator and regular sunscreen can help protect the skin from any potential damage caused by drinking coffee.
Adding hydrating foods to your daily diet can also help prevent the dehydration effects of coffee. Foods like spinach, avocado, sweet potato, tomato, watermelon and strawberries are packed with the essential vitamins and minerals that help the body—and the skin—maintain its ability to retain moisture.
Coffee and Aging
It is also important to consider drinking coffee in the context of people’s overall lifestyles. Unhealthy eating, smoking, sun exposure and an otherwise unbalanced lifestyle will have an impact on skin health as well, which can often be a greater factor than drinking coffee.
In conclusion, the research is quite varied on the effects of caffeine on skin.It appears that while the occasional caffeine boost may be beneficial,too much caffeine can have an adverse effect. Incorporating skin-loving foods and drinks into our daily lives can be a great way to protect our delicate skin from the potentially negative effects of caffeine from coffee – and from premature aging.
Caffeine and Skin Health Benefits
On the other hand, there are multiple studies which point to other positive effects of caffeine on skin health. In particular, caffeine can help protect skin from UVB radiation damage, reducing the risk of skin cancer. Studies have also shown that caffeine can protect and tighten the skin, even helping to reduce wrinkles or fine lines.
A 2012 study showed that caffeine reduces the signs of fatigue by increasing circulation in the skin and providing a temporary boost. Additionally, pregnant women can also benefit from caffeine, as it may reduce the risk of certain skin disorders, such as stretch marks.
Above all, it is important to find a moderation point and understand the potential benefits and risks. Stress, fatigue, and unhealthy habits can also contribute to premature aging, so understanding the whole picture is key.
Healthy Habits
Working on a regular skin care routine is a great way to start. It is also important to protect your skin from the sun, with mineral sunscreens which provide UVA and UVB protection, or physical hat/umbrella for extra protection.
Overall, it is important to take into account our lifestyle and diet when assessing the effects of drinking coffee on the skin. Coffee can be enjoyed in moderation and can be beneficial if you add hydrating and antioxidant-rich foods to your daily regime. Always remember the importance of balance, even when it comes to our daily cup of joe.
Alternative Beverages
If you are looking for alternatives to coffee that might have a lesser impact on skin health, there are plenty of great options available.
Green tea is a great choice, due to its antioxidant content. It also has a slightly milder caffeine content than coffee, so it is still a great pick-me-up while being less dehydrating. Other options including chicory root coffee, which has a lower caffeine content, but still a great flavor.
Herbal teas are also a great way to start the day – with the added benefits of herbs like lavender and chamomile that can support better skin health. Certain juices can also be a great way to start the day, especially homemade juices or smoothies with ingredients like fruits, spinach, and kale which can provide a natural boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
Adapting to Lifestyle
At the end of the day, the best way to assess the effect of drinking coffee on skin is to observe the simple “less is more” principle. This means it’s important to take into account your lifestyle and diet, as well as the amount of coffee you’re drinking specific to your unique body.
The good news is that it is relatively easy to adjust your coffee consumption levels in order to obtain the health benefits associated with coffee, while also keeping skin looking as youthful and hydrated as possible.
So, if you are a coffee lover, there’s no need to kick the habit completely – but to ensure a healthy and glowing complexion, keep coffee consumption to a moderate level and make sure to match it with a healthy lifestyle, including plenty of water, healthy food, and relaxation.
