Statistically speaking, there is a high chance that you've either had or are currently enjoying a cup of coffee today.
Did you know that in the UK alone drinks over 95 million cups of coffee every single day? Are you a coffee lover too?
Do you live for that morning cup ?
If it is, this message is tailored for you, and don't worry, we won't chastise you for your coffee love – especially since I'm sipping a cup as I write this!
For those of you who take your coffee seriously, have you ever contemplated the impact of coffee on your skin? The connection between coffee and skin health isn't widely explored in the skincare world, so we thought it'd be an engaging and relevant topic to delve into.
And if you're not a coffee enthusiast, hang tight because we've got some innovative coffee alternatives and intriguing facts that might just inspire a new favourite morning beverage. ;)
Effects of Coffee on Your Skin
Is coffee a friend or foe of your skin? Well, it's a bit of both.
In the spirit of transparency, we aim to provide a realistic overview of how coffee can influence your skin – both the positives and the negatives. Similar to many things in life, the real answer lies in the context and moderation.
Here are some ways coffee can impact your skin:
Dehydration: Coffee has a dehydrating effect. Dehydration is generally not a good thing, especially for your skin. Dry skin can lead to premature aging, including the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. So, when it comes to the relationship between coffee and your skin, they don't exactly see eye to eye in this respect.
Diuretic Effect: Coffee acts as a diuretic, causing your body to eliminate excess salt and water through urination. If you're already dehydrated, coffee can exacerbate the issue, which is not ideal for your skin. On the flip side, this diuretic property can be a positive for your skin if you have excess fluids or salts causing unwanted puffiness.
Anti-Inflammatory and Protective Properties: Coffee is packed with antioxidants, particularly phenolic compounds (phenols), which shield your body from oxidative stress and inflammation. This could be considered one of the best positive effects of coffee on your skin, as reduced inflammation leads to a clearer and brighter complexion.
Caffeine Boost: The caffeine in coffee can be a double-edged sword. While it provides increased energy and focus, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to issues such as elevated blood pressure, an overstimulated nervous system, adrenal fatigue, sleeplessness, and anxiety. These factors can significantly affect the condition of your skin, resulting in a cascade of negative effects.
However, on the flip side, applying caffeine directly to the skin can help tighten blood vessels, which may reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Protection from Sun Damage: Research has indicated a link between coffee consumption and protection against skin damage from the sun. The presence of polyphenols in coffee has been found to guard against premature aging caused by sun exposure.
Other Effects of Coffee
While we recognise that coffee can influence your internal well-being, which often manifests in your skin's condition, there might not be a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Nevertheless, it's worth considering these factors when deciding on your morning beverage. ;)
Here are some more intriguing effects of coffee:
Positive:
Reduced Risk of Diabetes: Certain compounds in coffee can increase insulin, lower fasting glucose levels, and improve insulin sensitivity.
Potential Protection Against Mental Diseases: Coffee might offer protection against the development of conditions such as dementia, Parkinson's, and depression.
Negative:
Increased Stomach Acid: Coffee can stimulate the release of acid in your stomach, potentially causing upset stomach or heartburn.
Nutrient Absorption: Due to caffeine's diuretic properties, excessive coffee consumption might hinder the full absorption of water-soluble vitamins in your body.
Now that you're armed with knowledge about the potential effects of coffee, both positive and negative, you can choose the path that aligns with your preferences. Here are a few options:
Mitigating the Negative Effects of Coffee on Your Skin with Coffee Alternatives
If you're not a coffee enthusiast or you're interested in swapping out your coffee for a healthier alternative a few mornings a week, we've got some excellent coffee replacements for you. The good news is that you can still satisfy your morning craving for a hot beverage and an energy boost.
Teas: Many teas contain caffeine, but their effects on your body tend to be gentler compared to coffee. This means you can potentially avoid some of the harsh effects of coffee.
Matcha: It provides a clean, energy-boosting release, containing some caffeine and beneficial antioxidants. Its antioxidant content might even surpass that of coffee, making it an ideal choice for your skin. I love to add raw milk and honey.
Black or green tea.
Herbal teas: These caffeine-free options often come with hydrating and healing benefits for your body. They support your nervous system without overstimulating it, while still providing the comfort and warmth you might associate with a cup of coffee.
Dandelion Tea: Many people appreciate dandelion tea for its robust flavour, which is somewhat similar to coffee. It offers the right balance of bitterness and depth and has added benefits like reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and supporting liver health. You can find a variety of organic herbs for making your own herbal teas at home. I like to use buy whole foods online.
Cacao: Did you know that you can brew cacao beans and enjoy cacao as a beverage? Cacao is the natural, unprocessed form of cocoa and is considered a superfood.
What do you think? Some of these alternatives might surprise you with their delicious taste and clean energy boost. But if you're still a dedicated coffee enthusiast and can't part with your beloved brew a few times a week, we have some tips to help you minimize the negative effects.
If You Can't Give Up Coffee, Drink Responsibly (How to Prevent the Negative Effects)
In moderation, coffee doesn't have to be your skin's adversary. However, if you choose to indulge, consider these recommendations to make it a healthier experience for your body.
Start with Water: Begin your day with a glass of water. After a night's sleep, your body is dehydrated, and the last thing you want is to worsen dehydration, which can lead to various negative effects on your body and mind. (I like to add Celtic Salt in my first glass) You can try gel water or sea moss for an efficient and quick hydration boost.
Avoid an Empty Stomach: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can quickly upset your system and kickstart some of the negative effects. Coffee's acidity can be harsh on your gut and hormones, preventing proper food digestion and nutrient absorption. It can also make you feel jittery and anxious.
Try Low-Acid Coffee: Some coffee varieties with high acidity might not sit well with your stomach and gut, potentially leading to skin issues. Minimise these problems by trying a low-acid coffee brands like Clumsy Goat Coffee.
Opt for Organic: Conventional coffee farming often involves the use of pesticides and harmful chemicals, as well as environmental toxins. Always choose organic coffee, which not only supports your health but may also taste better.
Mould-Free Coffee: Coffee is notorious for being one of the most mould-prone crops in the food industry. Unless your coffee has been tested for mould and other contaminants, there's no guarantee.
Explore Bulletproof Coffee: The popularised bulletproof coffee recipes provide added benefits. Instead of sipping your coffee solo, you'll get a boost of healthy fats that can help curb cravings. You can try combining your morning coffee with grass-fed butter or ghee, MCT oil, or collagen. (This is my personal favourite)
Keep It in Check: Limit your coffee consumption to a reasonable amount. Avoid overindulging in this caffeinated beverage, as it can help you enjoy the positive effects while avoiding the negative ones.
Time It Right: Don't drink coffee close to bedtime, and be mindful even in the afternoon. The high caffeine content too late in the day can disrupt your sleep, which, as we know, can lead to various sleep-related skin problems. I personally choose to avoid coffee after 11 AM.
Be Mindful of Additives: Avoid adding excessive sweeteners to your coffee. Opt for natural options like pure maple syrup or honey. (Head over to our From The Hive Section and grab a jar of our pure unpasteurised honey) If you have a dairy allergy, be cautious of plant-based milks with seed oils, as they may hinder digestion. Using raw milk as an alternative can be a healthier choice.
In summary, now that you are well-informed about the potential effects of coffee, both positive and negative, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and health goals.
Whether you continue to enjoy your coffee ritual or choose to explore alternatives, the choice is yours, and we're here to support you in making the best choice for your well-being, coffee lover or not. 😉
Kayleigh x
