Coffee is a popular beverage that has been around for centuries. It is known for its energizing effects, but did you know that it can also be beneficial for your skin? Caffeic acid, an antioxidant found in coffee, can increase collagen levels and reduce premature cell aging. It also has antimicrobial properties, which means it can help protect the skin against germs. Coffee is also a great exfoliant, as it can be used to gently remove dead skin cells and leave the skin soft and glowing.
Many people believe that coffee scrubs can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, there is some evidence that caffeine can increase stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can lead to an increase in fat production by the sebaceous glands and thus make acne worse. Therefore, it is best to reduce caffeine consumption to allow hormone function to be restored naturally and reduce the risk of ovarian cysts. Coffee grounds are also known to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, so you will often find them in eye creams and treatments.
Research from Harvard School of Public Health suggests that drinking more coffee may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26%. When it comes to skin health, Japanese women between 30 and 60 years old who drank coffee had significantly fewer pigmented spots, a marker of skin aging. Coffee can also help with intermittent fasting, which is popular in ketogenic diets to get into fat-burning ketosis. It stimulates adrenal functions, urging the body to wake up, move and exercise inside, which can contribute to a faster drainage of fluid due to its diuretic effect.
It is important to focus on increasing the health benefits of coffee for both the skin and the rest of the body. Women over 65 who drink two to three cups of coffee a day are 36% less likely to develop dementia in the next decade. When drinking coffee for its health benefits, it is best to drink it black or bulletproof without any added milk, cream or syrup as these can have a negative effect on hormones and lead to acne. If you don't like the taste of plain coffee, there are many coffee-infused products available that are caffeine-free.
However, it is important to make sure you are drinking quality coffee beans as mixing them with dairy products can disrupt your intestinal flora (digestion) and lead to skin inflammation.
