THE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR SKIN AND CAFFEINE

Aside from waking you up in your morning coffee, caffeine has the power to make your skin glow but the relationship is not as simple as it may seem. This blog explores the good and not-so-good, sharing tips to REVIVE your skin whilst still enjoying caffeine.

The Good:

1. Antioxidant Packed

Caffeine is loaded with antioxidants which protect our skin cells from damage and ageing, which promotes a calm and glowing complexion. Antioxidants work by neutralising free radicals, preventing them from causing harm to the skins structure and elasticity. 

2. Mood Boosting 

The mood enhancing effects of caffeine are not just psychological. It triggers the release of endorphins, helping to improve blood circulation. With this increased blood flow oxygen is supplied to your skin cells, contributing to a revitalised and nourished complexion. Improving circulation also reduces the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.

3. Supports Digestion

Beyond prevention of damage and improving oxygen supply to the skin, caffeine aids bowel movements helping to facilitate the removal of toxins from your body. Which contributes to a clear complexion from the inside out.

The Not-So-Good:

1. Dehydration Dilemma:

As much as a cup of coffee in the morning starts your day off, excessive consumption can lead to dehydration and headaches. To combat this it is essential to maintain balance by following each coffee with an equivalent size glass of water. This ensures that you enjoy the benefits of caffeine without sacrificing your skins hydration. 

2. Poor Sleep

Being mindful of when you consume caffeine is key as to avoid disruption to your sleep pattern. A lack of sleep not only impacts your overall health but also accelerates the ageing process, particularly affecting the elasticity and clarity of your skin. 

The first effects of caffeine are felt 15 minutes after consumption. Whilst levels peak an hour later, caffeine does not completely clear your bloodstream for 10 hours. Due to this it is advised that you stop drinking coffee 6-8 hours before bed. 

3. Dairy Consumption:

Breakouts and acne are driven by a range of factors, for some the addition of milk to coffee may be the cause. Whilst you should not completely exclude dairy from your diet you could explore limiting how much milk you add to your coffee or swap dairy milk for nut or soy. Alternatively you could replace your morning latte with green tea, to still feel that caffeine buzz with the added bonus of further antioxidants. 

To summarise, as with all components of our diet, moderation and mindfulness are key when it comes to caffeine consumption. Finding balance ensures you can enjoy the positive effects of caffeine on your skin and body whilst avoiding its potential pitfalls.

If you are interested in delving deeper into the connection between caffeine & skin, please get in touch with REVIVE for more personalised information.