The Effects of Caffeine on Acne
Having a morning cup of coffee is not necessarily going to turn a face into an acne pit, but excessive caffeine on a regular basis can exacerbate a host of ailments. Caffeine is also found in more items than one may think, and rather than perking people up, can make them tired and grumpy.
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Effects
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While no scientific evidence exists to prove outright that caffeine causes acne, a link may exist between the two. Stress hormones are increased with caffeine, as is the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands, where hair follicles are attached, secrete sebum and oils that can lead to acne.
Identification
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Acne shows up as little or even big bumps, usually across the face. One need not suffer from tons of these bumps, but can have acne in small patches. Acne pops up when the sebaceous gland overproduces and the sebum mixes with the bacteria in the hair follicles. A plaque is created that clogs the follicles and makes a bump. Blackheads occur when the sebum comes out of the bump; when sebum is contained in the bump, people get whiteheads. The bumps range in severity from blemishes to pustules.
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Misconceptions
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Caffeine is found in more foodstuffs than just the morning cup of coffee. Tea has a healthy dose of caffeine, and even beverages that are marked "decaffeinated" will have some trace of it. Chocolate, soda, hot cocoa, powdered iced tea, chocolate pudding or cereals and many energy drinks all contain caffeine. Avoiding caffeine, however, is not the end-all to conquering acne.
Prevention/Solution
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An overall healthy diet that excludes high caffeine intake, or any caffeine at all, is the best way to help avoid acne. Recommended foods include fresh citrus fruits, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, brown rice and lots of water. An acne-free diet should also be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. The chosen proteins should consist of fish, poultry, legumes and non-fatty meats. A thick, fat-rimmed steak, or other proteins high in saturated fats, can make the skin oily and have a field day clogging the pores.
Warning
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Even if caffeine is not the main culprit behind acne, large doses may eventually have a detrimental effect on the rest of the body. Caffeine puts a damper on the liver, affecting its ability to rid the body of toxins. It also can intensify PMS in women and contribute to high anxiety, mood swings, irritability and even constipation.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo of Slim drinking coffee by Ryn Gargulinski
