Acne and Coffee
Coffee has been one of the most consumed beverages for centuries. It’s full of flavor and aroma, yet studies are revealing potential consequences of caffeine consumption. One of the most concerning links on coffee’s long list of side effects is its potential connection to acne. Before diving into theories and studies, it’s important to better understand the complexities of acne.
Acne, according to Medical News Today, is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an excess production of oil, or ‘sebum’. When pores become blocked the skin becomes swollen and red, whether it’s a blackhead, whitehead, or papule. A host of variables can trigger acne, like “hormones, bacteria, genetics, and some medications.” Stress, diet and lifestyle habits like too much sun, smoking, and alcohol consumption have also been identified as potential causes. In light of this, is coffee’s effect on acne worth our attention?
Coffee and Acne Studies
The conclusion of the British Journal of Dermatology’s 2019 study states: “there is an association between the increasing number of daily cups brewed of caffeinated coffee and acne exacerbation.” Researchers identified a link between “one or more cups” and “increased odds of persistent acne.” Thus, anything and everything in moderation applies here. However, findings do reveal that current notions on linking diet and acne should be revisited.
Results of a 2016 study on the effects of caffeine intake among acne patients revealed minor adverse effects. It was indicated that caffeine, known to increase inflammation, was largely responsible. This suggests that the vasodilatory effect of caffeine supports the notion that this stimulant gives rise to further outbreaks. In other words, experts are in agreement that while the effects are not extremely severe, acne can indeed be adversely impacted. As with any stimulant, it appears that our bodies overreact in doses that exceed moderate intake.
How Does Coffee Affect Acne?
In an effort to answer the questions posed before, let’s examine how coffee affects the skin. As hinted at before, anyone who’s accustomed to the all-too-familiar physical, psychological and mental effects of caffeine knows that this stimulant can affect the skin. While coffee cannot directly cause acne, evidence is pointing to the fact that it can increase its severity.
Various studies confirm that “abnormal production of hormones and increased oil production in skin can occur in response to caffeine”. It’s been observed that the skin has high sensitivity for such triggers, whether it’s an increase in metabolic activity; an influx of water, salt and other electrolyte minerals into skin cells, or different hormones released by the adrenal gland.
The truth is, the skin and endocrine systems are closely linked and this is why our bodies respond to so many environmental changes with changes to our skin. From tingling to acne, it’s clear that coffee has some influence on this particular environment.
Coffee and Acne: A Recap
From this review, it’s clear that coffee’s effects on acne are prevalent, but how extreme? Does the occasional cup pose some concern? It’s entirely subjective. Moderation appears to be the solution when it comes to lifestyle habits like coffee consumption, depending on the severity of one’s acne and the levels of consumption.
Can you completely avoid breakouts? This is harder to answer because there are a variety of factors that differ for everyone. There’s no guarantee that removing coffee from your diet will eliminate acne, but it does appear to lessen its severity. As with any dietary choice that affects our health, the best advice is to experiment and observe.
Benefits of Coffee
Studies have also indicated that coffee carries certain benefits for skin health. It’s true! But isn’t this a confusing conclusion? Coffee might be both beneficial and detrimental depending on whether it is consumed in moderation. This is due to the presence of polyphenols and antioxidants, which are known to lower inflammation and the presence of free radicals in the body.
This means that coffee may do much more than offer a simple caffeine buzz. Drinking coffee may be beneficial in ways we don’t even know, but at the same time, as with any habit, practicing moderation is key.
Unwanted Effects of Coffee
Caffeine causes many adverse side effects that go beyond acne. According to the health and lifestyle pages of Harvard, ingesting caffeine over-consistently can lead to a variety of side effects, such as the following: insomnia, anxiety, irritability, frequent urination and restlessness.
Finally, caffeine consumption is also linked to gastro-intestinal issues like acid reflux. It can also disrupt nutrient absorption and cause our cells to become more permeable. This leads to an increased secretion of cholesterol and lipids, which in turn raises inflammation.
Does Diet Affect Breakouts?
The truth is, acne’s prevalence stems from a variety of sources, not solely the diet. Diet can cause a shift in the body’s metabolism, and it’s true that various foods, such as dairy, can worsen acne. However, when it comes to this type of skin condition, other variables such as hormones and bacteria are just as important.
The one thing experts agree on, though, is that it pays to pay attention to how certain beverages and foods affect you. Not every diet works for everyone, and changing a particular food or drink can mean the difference between severe and mild acne.
Moderation is Everything
Given the evidence, excessive caffeine consumption can indeed affect one’s skin; and the further one ventures beyond moderation, the more the likelihood of more breakouts increases. Ultimately, it’s potential impact on acne and other related skin issues should be taken seriously.
What about more moderate caffeine consumption? Regular, yet small amounts have been said to have no significant impact on one’s skin. For example, a recent article from Health spoke on the matter, claiming that “not every acne sufferer needs to go cold turkey on their morning cup of joe.” Here, it appears that small amounts can still provide that ‘energy boost’ while having minimal effects on our skin.
Finding a Balance
As with anything, finding the balance between too much and too little makes all the difference. Understanding one’s own sensitivities can help to aid in this process and is the best way to protect oneself from outbreak after outbreak. It’s suggested to stay mindful of one’s own daily habits, the many stressors and the corresponding effect on one’s skin. In this case, being aware of the effects of caffeine on our skin can be a great first step.
As with any lifestyle habits that can directly affect our skin, the best advice is to experiment and monitor what works for you, and also to consult with a dermatologist. This way, you’ll identify when and why breakouts occur, and how to better manage them, whether it’s reducing the use of certain products or changing the type of food and drink you consume.
