In recent years, arguments over the effects of coffee on skin have raged. Many people have heard claims that drinking coffee can dry up and irritate the skin but the science behind the questions isn’t so straightforward. Scientific research has failed to produce conclusive results to definitively answer the question: “Does drinking coffee dry out your skin?”
Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that improves alertness, concentration, and energy. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic, promoting the body’s natural process of flushing out fluid and toxins through urine. While it can’t be said for certain that your morning cup of java is directly responsible for sapping moisture from your skin, it may contribute to dehydration – a leading cause of dry skin.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, coffee does not directly dehydrate the skin, but the caffeine in coffee does reduce the level of moisture the skin holds. She suggests that the dehydration may have a cumulative effect, meaning that drinking coffee regularly over time can dry out the skin. Engelman also highlighted that the effects on the skin depend on other factors too, as not everyone has the same reaction.
Caffeine also plays a role in reflecting the skin’s exposure to the sun’s rays and make you more vulnerable to burning and aging. Studies have found that caffeine helps to reduce sensitivity to the sun’s radiation and reduce the expected damage it can cause to the skin. UV damage is a major factor in the development of wrinkles and dull skin, so having that extra bit of protection is useful.
Apart from the effects of dehydration and UV radiation, caffeine is relatively harmless to the skin. It won’t cause more breakouts, oiliness or hypersensitivity, although too much coffee might cause an increase in stress hormones, contributing to pimple flares.
Outside of scientific facts, it is important to remember that individual responses to coffee will vary. If you have dry skin or have found that you have been breaking out more often after drinking lots of coffee, then it’s worth cutting down your caffeine intake and seeing how that affects you. Additionally, countering the dehydrating effects of coffee can be done by wearing sunscreen and keeping hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day.
Balancing Coffee Intake
If you’re a regular coffee drinker, the key to preventing the dehydrating effects of caffeine is balancing your coffee intake with water. Having a cup of coffee with breakfast or during a mid-afternoon slump is fine, but it’s important to watch your intake of coffee throughout the day. A cup of coffee every couple of hours is too much coffee for most people.
Replacing some of the coffee with herbal or decaffeinated tea is a good idea to cut down on your coffee intake. Tea is a natural diuretic, but it’s milder than coffee and has the added bonus of providing antioxidants and minerals.
An additional strategy to keep your skin hydrated is to apply an appropriate moisturizer or serum every day. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid to get the most hydrating benefits.
Drinking Less Coffee
If your skin is chronically dry and you want to test the effects of caffeine, try cutting down your coffee intake. Start by having one cup of coffee in the morning and then switching to herbal teas or decaff for the rest of the day. If your skin is still feeling dry, it could be a sign that the caffeine is contributing to the dehydration.
Taking a break from drinking coffee for a few weeks is also a good way to test its effects on your skin. During the break, continue to moisturize and apply sunscreen to your face every day. If you notice an improvement in your skin after several weeks, you may want to reduce your coffee intake.
Limiting Caffeine Intake
Limiting your intake of caffeine significantly can be a challenge if you are used to drinking multiple cups of coffee a day. Cutting back gradually can help you make the transition more easily. When reducing the number of coffees you drink, avoid the temptation to overcompensate by adding sugar to your cup.
Keeping hydrated throughout the day is also an important part of limiting your caffeine intake. Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas – as well as eating hydrating foods, such as watermelon, cucumbers and peppers – helps to keep your skin supple.
Checking the Ingredients
Many coffee drinks contain added cream, sugar and flavorings, which can further dry out your skin. When ordering a cappuccino or latte, ask for the drink to be made with 2% or whole milk, which is less harmful to your skin. It’s also important to check the labels on pre-made coffee drinks, as many of them contain large amounts of sweeteners and sodium that dehydrate the body.
Most cafes now offer almond and coconut milk, as well as low-sugar syrups and other additives, that can make coffee drinks healthier. If you’re making coffee at home, instead of reaching for that packet of sugar to sweeten your coffee, consider using natural sweeteners such as honey and agave syrup.
Protecting the Skin
No matter how much coffee you drink, taking extra measures to protect your skin is always recommended. Using the right products for your skin type and applying sunscreen before going outside can help to keep skin hydrated and less prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging.
It’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough rest. Not only is this important for your overall health, but it can help to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. It is estimated that we lose 1% of our collagen every year after the age of 25, so getting plenty of beauty sleep is essential.
Changing Diets
If you think the caffeine in the coffee may be causing your dry skin, you might want to consider other dietary changes. Eating foods high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is a great way to keep your skin looking healthy.
Berries and other colored fruits are good sources of vitamin C and make great snacks. Vitamin C is beneficial for the skin in a number of ways, but it also helps to reduce dryness and improve skin tone. It is also worth increasing your consumption of zinc-rich foods. It helps to keep skin hydrated and fight inflammation that can contribute to dryness.
Healthy fats are also important for keeping the skin hydrated. Avocados, olive oil, and nuts are all sources of omega-3 fatty acids which help to make the skin plump, hydrated, and less prone to wrinkles. Additionally, increasing your intake of omega-3 fortified foods can help to prevent the skin from becoming dry and flaky.
Conclusion
Whether coffee does or does not dry out your skin depends on the individual and the amount of coffee they drink. People with dry skin may choose to reduce their coffee intake as a precaution. It’s important to keep in mind that other factors such as diet, lifestyle and environment can also affect skin hydration. So don’t just focus on cutting out the coffee if you’re looking for glowing, healthy skin.
