Is Drinking Coffee Bad For Your Skin?

If you have a ‘don’t talk to me’ policy before you have your morning coffee, we totally get you. Caffeine is ingrained for a lot of people, as much is showering and brushing. But lately, it’s been getting a lot of slack for wreaking havoc on your skin. Is there any truth to this claim? The answer is not a plain yes or no, and below we decode this complicated question. 

How does caffeine affect your skin? 

The negatives

Caffeine has both negative and positive effects on skin, the difference lies in how you take your coffee. For the downside, coffee can raise your stress levels and in-turn induce acne, cause your gut health to collapse, make your skin dry and dud as it constrains the blood vessels, blocking collagen production. 

All these factors come into the picture if you add a lot of white sugar to your coffee, the beans are low quality, the milk used contains a lot of antibiotics, or the creamer is too synthetic. So, if caffeine runs through your veins, it is best that you consume splurge on high-quality beans, organic milk and creamers and brown sugar. The ideal way is to drink it black without any sweeteners and creamers, but that might not be everyone’s ‘cup of coffee.’ 

But, there is an upside too! Caffeine in itself is really good for skin, provided it is consumed in moderation, aka not more than 2 cups a day. So, if you’re drinking up any more than that, it is not too latte to dial back a bit. 

The positives

Coffee, when done right, can offer amazing benefits. Firstly, it is a great antioxidant and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. So if you want to ward off premature signs of ageing or acne, then it’s time for you to rejoice. Coffee can protect your skin from free radicals – for the uninitiated, they are damaging molecules that lead to the aforementioned skin issues. And it is proven that for a majority of people, tea and coffee are their biggest source of antioxidants. 

Also, you can load up on the benefits of caffeine by applying caffeine-infused skincare products. Caffeine reduces swelling and puffiness, which is why it is commonly found in eye creams. You may also mix coffee grounds with honey and use it as a scrub to brighten and nourish your body. (Remember to leave your face out.) This will help reduce cellulite and stretch marks. Caffeine can stimulate enzymes that break down fats, which can dehydrate skin tissues. Although temporary, the result is smoother and firmer skin. If you’re applying a cream for reducing cellulite or stretch marks, then make sure that you’re massaging it really well to stimulate those enzymes. 

A word to the wise: Coffee is not a magic wand that can improve your skin conditions permanently. What it can do, is temporarily change the appearance and as the product wears off, so will the benefits. 

Caffeine-infused products can be used every day in your AM skincare routine for temporary brightening and tightening effects, but don't count on them beyond that!