How To Build A Skin-Loving Cup Of Coffee, From Research

Derms, estheticians, and skin care experts will always tell you that the first step in maintaining healthy skin is what you consume in the morning. Whether you consume coffee, matcha, or chai, the contents of the cup can have an effect on your skin.

While caffeine itself will not have a negative effect on your skin (relief! ), other ingredients can. Here are five simple ways to make your morning drink beneficial for your skin, so that you can enhance your daily ritual.

According to the FDA, the normal daily caffeine intake limit is 400 mg1 (i.e., about four cups of coffee a day is shown to be safe for healthy adults). If you know your caffeine metabolism is on the slower side or if four cups make you feel jittery, it’s probably best to limit yourself to two cups per day.

The objective here is to minimize the side effects of consuming too much caffeine2, which include dehydration and difficulty falling asleep (to name a few) — both of which can affect your skin.

To ensure that your cup of coffee does not affect your sleep, try to stop drinking it at least four to six hours prior to bedtime, as research indicates that a dose of caffeine (specifically a 400 mg dose3) can disrupt sleep.

Choose your milk with care.
If you intend to add creamer or milk to your coffee, you should be cautious about the product you select. In one study cited by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), for instance, those who consumed skim milk were more likely to develop acne than those who consumed other types of milk or plant-based “milk.”

The AAD notes a theory that hormones in milk increase the likelihood of acne breakouts. Milk consumption has also been associated with an increase in IGF-15, a hormone that stimulates oil glands to produce more sebum. This results in an oilier complexion, which can lead to clogged pores in some individuals.

If you wish to consume alternative milk, almond, flax, coconut, hemp, and cashew milk are the most blood-sugar-friendly options.

Add collagen to your beverage.
If you are going to consume caffeine daily, why not make it beneficial for your skin instead of merely minimizing the negative effects? Adding collagen powder to your coffee is a quick way to achieve this.

Read more • mindbodygreen.com