Coffee's potential influence on acne development
**Impact of Coffee on Acne and Hormones: A Comprehensive Look**
Regular consumption of coffee, particularly in excess, can have significant effects on acne and hormone levels, as recent studies suggest.
### Acne
Excessive caffeine intake can stimulate the production of cortisol, a stress hormone, which may lead to an increase in sebum production, potentially causing acne [1][2]. Furthermore, excessive coffee consumption may lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate acne by causing skin irritation and promoting the clogging of pores [3].
### Hormone Levels
Caffeine can disrupt hormonal balance by increasing cortisol levels. This stress response can affect other hormones in the body, potentially exacerbating conditions like acne [4].
To mitigate these potential negative effects, there are several alternatives to consider:
1. **Reduce Caffeine Intake**: Limiting coffee consumption to moderate levels can help avoid overstimulation of cortisol production [3].
2. **Choose Low-Caffeine Beverages**: Opting for herbal teas or decaf coffee can help reduce caffeine intake while still enjoying a similar beverage experience.
3. **Balance Diet and Hydration**: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and maintaining adequate hydration are crucial for supporting skin health [3].
4. **Consider Coffee Alternatives**: Plant-based coffee substitutes or herbal drinks like peppermint tea or chamomile tea can provide a relaxing and caffeine-free start to the day.
5. **Hormone Balancing Foods**: Incorporating foods that support hormone balance, such as greens, seeds, and fermented foods, into your diet can counteract potential hormonal imbalances [4].
6. **Avoid Aggravating Foods**: Being mindful of other foods that can exacerbate acne, such as dairy products, dried fruits, and greasy foods, and opting for healthier alternatives can also help manage acne.
It is essential to note that acne may run in families but can occur at any age regardless of family history. A systemic review found that reducing sugar intake could help improve acne [5]. Additionally, higher glycemic foods, including those with high sugar content, may increase the risk of acne [6].
People with acne may benefit from limiting or avoiding sugar in their coffee. Over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be used to treat acne. If acne does not improve within a few weeks or is severe, a person should see a dermatologist [7].
Coffee, despite its potential drawbacks, contains antioxidants that can be beneficial to the skin and may improve acne when used in conjunction with acne medications [8]. However, drinking coffee could make acne or oily skin worse for some people, especially when sugar or milk is added [9].
People can enjoy coffee without worsening acne by using decaffeinated or half-caffeine coffee, cutting back on sugar, reducing low-fat or skimmed milk, or using dairy alternative creamer [10].
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5757784/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6306175/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5953505/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116042/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6214350/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6235037/ [7] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/acne/treatments/over-the-counter [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5575680/ [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5880478/ [10] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-and-acne#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5
- Incorporating foods high in antioxidants, like certain types of coffee, into a balanced diet can aid skincare and potentially improve overall health-and-wellness.
- To promote mental-health and better sleep, one may consider reducing caffeine intake from coffee and opting for decaf alternatives or herbal teas.
- For those following a healthier nutrition plan, choosing low-fat or skimmed milk alternatives for their coffee might help manage fitness-and-exercise goals.
- People who advocate for a plant-based lifestyle may find that the numerous CBD-infused coffee products cater to both their caffeine needs and their focus on wellness.
- Property managing a skin-care regimen can include avoiding acidic food items, such as dairy products, as they may exacerbate existing acne issues.
