Does Drinking Coffee Cause Dark Skin?
In recent years there has been some debate about whether drinking coffee affects our skin colour. While some claim that drinking coffee causes darkening of the skin, others see no correlation between the two. To get a better grasp of the issue we will here discuss the facts, ask some experts, and then hopefully reach a reasonable conclusion.
Skin colour is determined by our genetics as well as by exposure to the sun. Sun exposure causes our skin to produce melanin, which is what gives us our color. Melanin is activated by ultraviolet radiation, so excessive exposure to sunlight creates the need for the skin to produce more melanin, thereby causing a darkening of the skin. Experts agree that coffee does not contain UV rays, and therefore drinking coffee cannot cause a darkening of the skin.
However, some people advocate that coffee can still darken the skin by upsetting its natural balance of melanin. The theory is that excessive drinking of coffee reduces the natural hydration of the skin, increasing the need for more melanin to be produced. The end result being a darkening of the skin. Again, experts do not agree with this as they say that while drinking coffee might decrease the hydration of the skin it would have to be in extreme cases that would have other much more obvious health implications.
There is also the fact that some people are already genetically pre-disposed to a much darker in skin tone than others, and for such people, drinking coffee may not even affect the amount of melanin already present in the skin. Some experts believe that these people are confusing the feeling of being dehydrated with a feeling of having darker skin, as dehydration in some cases can cause a darkening of the skin due to the increased melanin production mentioned above.
What is more, it is not necessarily the act of drinking coffee itself that can cause darker skin. Evidence suggests that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to darker skin in some cases, as caffeine is known to act as a diuretic, meaning it can reduce the amount of water present in the body. Dehydration again leads to the same result as previously discussed. However, it is not just coffee that can cause this effect. Other caffeinated drinks such as tea, and also smoking can have the same result as hanging out in the sun.
Overall, while it is true that if excess caffeine is consumed, or we’re exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period, some darkening of the skin might occur, scientific studies have not been conclusively able to show that drinking coffee causes dark skin.
Effects of Overexposure to Sunlight
Overexposure to sunlight is a concern for many, with the effects being far more damaging than simply darkening our skin. This is because solar radiation from the sun is composed of both UV-A and UV-B light. UV-A radiation is often considered the ‘safe’ UV radiation as it only causes superficial changes to the skin, but that isn’t to say it has no effects at all. Over time if exposed to UV-A radiation without adequate protection the skin can become thicker causing it to age prematurely.
UV-B radiation on the other hand is far more dangerous as it can penetrate deep into the epidermis, causing potential genetic damage to cells which can result in a number of skin problems. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, sunburns, age spots, wrinkles and most concerningly, skin cancer. It is advised to always wear sunscreen and a hat when exposed to the sun for any length of time.
It is also important to note that sunburns and overexposure to sunlight don’t just happen in summer. As stated before, UV-B radiation is still present during gloomy or cloudy days, making it important to have adequate protection from the sun all year round.
Effects of Caffeine on Skin
To understand the effects of caffeine on our skin we must first learn about the difference between caffeine and coffee. Caffeine is a mild stimulant, found not only in coffee, but also in tea and some soft drinks. It works by blocking the effects of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in increased alertness and energy levels. This is why it is often found in energizing drinks.
How exactly does caffeine or coffee affect our skin though? Studies have shown that whatever beneficial antioxidant effects coffee may have, these are drastically cancelled out by its diuretic properties. This means that caffeine promotes an increase in urination, causing dehydration and reducing the hydration of the skin. Dehydration can potentially leave the skin vulnerable to damage as the skin is less adequately supported by fatty acids and proteins.
This means that too much coffee, or other caffeinated drinks, can cause irritation to the skin and in some cases, redness and swelling. This same dehydration can also lead to the skin appearing dry and flaky, and can even cause wrinkles if overdone.
Possible Side Effects of Coffee
The excessive consumption of coffee can cause a range of side effects, the most common being anxiety, jitteriness and a racing heart. This is because of the high amounts of caffeine present in coffee which, like any stimulant, can cause arousal and anxiety in people if too much is consumed. So, if you or someone you know finds that they have ever increasing levels of anxiety or jitteriness then it might be wise to cut down on the coffee consumption.
Another serious side effect of over-consuming coffee is the increase in blood pressure and heart palpitations. These can be signs of greater underlying heart or vascular problems, so if you have any such symptoms then it’s advised to see a doctor immediately. What is important to remember is that these side effects are more likely to be caused by the excessive consumption of caffeine, rather than coffee itself, as discussed above.
Skin Care Tips
When considering taking care of your skin, it’s important to first understand your own skin type. Depending on your skin type you may need to take different approaches to skin care. Generally speaking, though, it’s advised to keep your skin hydrated, either through drinking plenty of water or using moisturizing products, as well as limit your exposure to the sun.
Exfoliation is also key to maintain healthy looking skin. By removing dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, you promote the growth of new cells, leaving your skin looking fresher, healthier and more glowing. Finally, be sure to use moisturizing products as well as sunscreens to protect your skin from both dehydration and the sun’s UV rays.
Precautions When Drinking Coffee
While drinking coffee is generally safe, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is important to take precautions when doing so. As discussed above, too much caffeine can cause dehydration and this can be a particular problem if you’re already dehydrated. To combat this be sure to drink plenty of water while drinking your coffee.
The second important factor to consider is the type of coffee mug you are using. This is because plastic, paper or Styrofoam mugs can cause skin irritation if touched regularly. It is best to use a mug made of ceramics, glass or silver to ensure that the heat and chemicals present in the coffee do not come into contact with the skin.
Finally, it is important to remember that coffee does contain acid which when consumed in excessive amounts can damage teeth, so be sure to drink plenty of water afterwards to help clean the teeth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although drinking coffee may provide some positive health benefits and keep us alert, it is still important to take precautions whenever drinking it in order to avoid any negative side effects. As for whether or not it can cause darkening of the skin, it is likely not the coffee itself, but rather the dehydration and overexposure to sunlight that can have this effect. All in all, coffee is best enjoyed in moderation.
