How to drink coffee to protect skin?

Maximum amount of coffee to protect skin

One of the most common myths is that coffee can cause acne. This isn't entirely wrong, but it's worth taking a closer look at the factors involved.

According to Gary Goldenberg, cosmetic dermatologist at Goldenberg Dermatology (New York, USA) and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, consuming too much caffeine can be related to stress, and stress can stimulate the development of acne.

So how much coffee is too much? According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recommended maximum is 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is about four or five cups.

However, according to Whitney Bowe, a board-certified dermatologist in the US and author of the book Dirty Looks: The Secret to Beautiful Skin,To protect your skin, limit yourself to 1-2 cups a day. Excessive consumption of any food or beverage can be harmful. Therefore, drinking coffee in moderation is essential.

The ingredients that come with coffee can have a negative impact on your skin. According to Dr. Goldenberg, industrial milk, white sugar, and syrups can disrupt hormones, leading to acne. Therefore, if you regularly add sugar or cream to your coffee, this could be the cause of your acne.

To limit this situation, users should minimize the use of sugar and cow's milk, especially ready-made coffees that contain a lot of sweeteners. Instead, unsweetened plant milk can be a suitable alternative.

Beware of poor quality coffee

Not all coffee beans are created equal. According to Dr. Goldenberg, poor quality coffee, especially when mixed with cows’ milk that comes from cows that have been given antibiotics, can disrupt the intestinal flora.

Organic coffee, on the other hand, was not associated with this issue. Gut microbiota plays a major role in skin health. According to Dr. Bowe, if the gut is inflamed, the inflammation can manifest itself on the skin.

Therefore, the quality of coffee is an important factor to consider. If you drink coffee every day, choosing organic coffee beans will be an optimal choice.

Benefits of coffee

When consumed properly, coffee can have significant benefits for your skin. According to Dr. Goldenberg, caffeine has been shown to benefit the skin due to its “antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”

Antioxidants help fight free radicals – harmful molecules that cause premature aging and can even lead to acne. For people with acne-prone skin, Dr. Bowe recommends increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet. Caffeinated products are effective sources of antioxidants. Many studies have shown that coffee and tea are among the greatest sources of antioxidants for humans.

If you can't get used to the bitter taste of black coffee, there are still other ways to take advantage of the benefits of coffee for your skin through skin care products.

Although their effects are only temporary, caffeine in topical products may reduce the appearance of cellulite by removing excess water from tissue.

Dr. Bowe also says that coffee grounds can help reduce puffiness and eye bags, which is why the ingredient often appears in eye creams and specialized skin care products.