What are the Benefits and Risks of Coffee for Your Skin?

Learn about the benefits and risks of drinking coffee for skin care. Find out how much coffee is too much and how to get the most out of your coffee.

What are the Benefits and Risks of Coffee for Your Skin?

Caffeine is a stimulant that can have both positive and negative effects on your skin. It stimulates blood flow and widens or dilates blood vessels, which can help the skin to tighten naturally. It also contains compounds such as chlorogenic acids, which can reduce inflammation around the eyes. However, excessive consumption of caffeine has been associated with stress, which is linked to acne.

The FDA suggests a maximum of 400 milligrams a day (approximately four or five cups). But when it comes to your skin, it's best to limit yourself to one or two cups a day. Coffee doesn't cause acne, but some studies suggest that it may make it worse. Caffeine leads to a greater stress response in the body, which can increase the amount of fat produced by your sebaceous glands. This can lead to breakouts.

Coffee also has antidepressant effects due to its ability to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. Coffee contains many other compounds, not just caffeine, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as idebenone. These compounds can be beneficial when used topically instead of drinking coffee. To get the most out of your coffee, drink it alone without adding milk, cream, or syrup. You can also try a DIY coffee scrub with oils and essential oils for an extra boost. Caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation, swelling and redness under the eyes.

It is also a rich source of vitamin B3 (niacin). However, caffeine is a dehydrator and when our body lacks hydration, it can appear on the skin. The effects of caffeine are only temporary so you may need to reapply topical products regularly. If you're watching your carb intake, you may be wondering if you can still enjoy your favorite coffee drink. The answer is yes! There are plenty of low-carb options available that will still give you the same great taste without all the carbs.

Glenna Matthys
Glenna Matthys

Hardcore internet practitioner. Wannabe beer advocate. Infuriatingly humble beer expert. Devoted coffee evangelist. Hardcore social media scholar. Friendly beer fanatic.