Does Caffeine Give You Acne?

Does caffeine give you acne? In this article, we talk about how caffeine may affect your skin and also how you can reduce your acne.

We all like/need a good caffeine fix. Coffee especially has become almost a necessity where we feel we can’t function without it. But what is it doing to our skin?

How Does Caffeine Affect Our Skin?

Caffeine doesn’t necessarily cause acne however it may worsen it according to some studies. Caffeine makes us alert and awake but also leads to a heightened stress response. A large cup of coffee can more than double your stress response.

Stress can worsen existing acne as cortisol (the stress hormone) can cause an increase in the oil produced by your sebaceous glands meaning you can be more prone to breakouts.

On top of this, caffeine is a dehydrator, much like alcohol. When our bodies lack hydration it can affect our skin.

What Can You Do To Prevent Caffeine Affecting Your Skin?

Lowering your caffeine intake down to 2-3 cups a day is probably the best way to prevent this along with drinking enough water to hydrate from the inside. Also, monitoring the time you have your last coffee or tea and making sure it isn’t too late as some people are more sensitive to caffeine which will result in struggling to sleep which will also have a detrimental effect on the skin.

It also depends on how you take your coffee. If you’re having cream, a lot of milk or sugar, this too will affect your skin as what we consume plays a huge factor in our skin. Try lowering the amount of sugar by having one less spoonful to start with and maybe switch your latte to an Americano. You don’t have to completely give it up, don’t worry.

Combating Acne

There are several things you can do to try and combat acne such as:

• Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
• Wash the affected area with a gentle cleanser such as DermaQuest Essential Daily Cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
• Do not try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
• Avoid using too much make-up and cosmetics. Use water-based products that are described as non-comedogenic. This means the product is less likely to block the pores in your skin.
• Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
• Try products containing salicylic acid such as DermaQuest Dermaclear BHA Cleanser. (Note: You will need a consultation before purchasing this product).
• Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem.
• Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.
• Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.

For more in depth advice on your skin, book in for a bespoke online skin consultation with one of our skincare experts.