Does drinking coffee cause acne?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Whether drinking coffee is good or bad for your health remains a subject of much debate.

Does drinking coffee cause acne?

Coffee contains compounds that stimulate stress hormones like cortisol. This is one of the underlying causes of acne.

When the body releases this hormone, it increases insulin levels, affecting the oil glands. This leads to increased sebum production, which combines with dirt and dead skin cells to create a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

Coffee is also considered a cause of dehydration and dry skin, forcing the oil glands to work harder to balance moisture, thus creating opportunities for acne to appear.

Additionally, drinking a lot of coffee with milk and sugar can also worsen acne. This is because sugar can increase insulin levels in the blood, leading to increased sebum production and creating favorable conditions for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.

You should avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach and combining it with other sugary foods, as this will only worsen acne.

How can I drink coffee without getting acne?

If you're still worried that your daily habit of drinking coffee with milk is causing acne breakouts, you can try referring to the guidelines below.

First, limit adding refined sugar or sweeteners to your coffee. Try brewing your coffee with plant-based milks like almond milk instead of cow's milk.

To ensure good sleep quality, avoid drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages in the afternoon or before bedtime.

Additionally, you should avoid eating pastries while drinking coffee to limit your sugar intake.

Consume coffee in moderation each day and avoid overconsumption. For optimal health benefits, only pure coffee should be consumed.