You’re not the only one who thinks that a cup of caffeinated beverages is an essential part of their morning routine. While some prefer coffee, others prefer tea. Tea, however, has almost the same amount of caffeine as coffee. Caffeine is a popular ingredient because of its ability to give us a boost of energy and enhance brain function.
Have you ever wondered what these magic drinks do to your skin and body? Do these “awakening” effects also apply to skin with all the caffeine eye creams and coffee scrubs?
Caffeine’s got A-game: Antioxidants
The antioxidant ferulic acids in coffee has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and body. Green tea however, has epigallocatechin galate (EGCG), which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and protect cells from injury.
High levels of niacin, also known as vitamin B3, are found in coffee. This helps to improve the overall function of the body’s systems. If we’re talking about the skin specifically, it helps to protect skin cells from UV damage.
These wonderful benefits do not mean that you should be soaking your organs with caffeine. You should also be mindful of your caffeine intake when it comes to food mindfulness.
Coffe and sleep:
Caffeine stimulates the brain by blocking the sleep hormone Adenosine. It could also prevent us from getting a good night’s rest.
This is not a surprise to you. Beauty sleep can also be a reality. Sleeping helps to reduce cortisol and heal cells. Lack of sleep for long periods can cause skin and other body problems.
Does this mean I must give up coffee to get rid acne?
You may be especially sensitive if you have acne. Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands, which then produce stress hormone cortisol. This hormone can cause oily skin, which can lead acne.
Cortisol is not the only thing that affects how you drink your coffee. About 65 percent of coffee drinkers have added sugar or cream to their coffee. These coffee drink additions can have a negative impact on acne.
Dairy contains growth hormones, which can lead to acne. Sugar, on the other hand, creates surges of insulin and bursts of inflammation which increases hormones and puts oil glands into overdrive. This makes it a breeding ground for P. acnes bacteria.
It may be a good idea for stubborn acne to have a break from caffeine. You can also try drinking it black to test your skin’s reaction. Cafes now offer many dairy- and sugar-free options. We’re looking at you, oat milk.
Bonus: This may lower the risk of developing skin cancer
A 10 year study on nearly 450,000 people suggests that more coffee could lower your risk of malignant melanomas. Researchers noticed that people who drank more than four cups of regular (not decaf) coffee per day had a decreased risk of malignant melanoma by 20 percent, compared to those who didn’t drink coffee.
Is caffeine able to dehydrate the skin?
Coffee and tea are often misunderstood as being dehydrating for the skin and body. Research suggests the contrary!
They compared people who consumed 3-6 cups of coffee daily with those who consumed just water, and then measured their levels of hydration. The good news is that there was no significant difference in the amount of coffee consumed per day.
Caffeine is mildly diuretic, but consider what coffee and teas contain – almost all water with a small amount of caffeine. You’d use the bathroom regardless if you were drinking water or caffeinated beverages.
This does not mean you can’t drink water or substitute water for coffee or tea. As a rule of thumb, if your pee goes darker than lemonade, drink more pure water.
For truly caffeinated skin look for…
You may find ingredients such as coffee arabica seed oil and caffeine in skin care products. The ingredients are delivered directly to the treatment area via topical application, which has many great benefits.
Cellulite issues: Coffee grounds
Ground coffee is often used in body scrubs and in caffeine/coffee extract to treat cellulite. It is believed that caffeine may constrict blood vessels, reducing the appearance of cellulite temporarily. However, there is not much research. Smooth skin is likely to be due to the exfoliating of coffee grounds and the movement of massaging the skin. It’s still skin-care!
Use coffee and tea extracts as moisturizers and serums
Because of their powerful antioxidant protection, you may find coffee and tea extracts in moisturizing products and facial serums. To help reduce wrinkles, dark spots and other free radicals, look for products that contain coffee or tea extracts.
Eye creams with coffee
Many eye creams contain caffeine as a key ingredient. It can reduce blood vessel constriction, increase circulation, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Caffeinated eye creams are ideal for mornings when the eye area is at its most puffy.
There are many benefits to including caffeine in your skin care routine, whether it’s topically or in the morning.
