When you're undergoing treatment for rosacea, an inflammatory condition that causes facial flushing and increased skin sensitivity, drinking caffeinated beverages may undermine the treatment's benefits. The American Association of Dermatologists states that caffeine may aggravate rosacea, increasing the redness in your cheeks, nose, forehead or chin. However, the temperature of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea may play a greater role in triggering rosacea flare-ups than caffeine itself.
Significance
Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, the facial redness and inflammation associated with the disease have several widely identified triggers. Direct sunlight, hot or cold weather conditions, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and thermally hot beverages provoke rosacea flare-ups in many people who have this inflammatory skin condition, the AAD states. However, clinical research has not confirmed that caffeine is an active agent in provoking inflammation in people with rosacea.
Treatment
Because there is currently no cure for rosacea, treatment involves relieving symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Topical antibiotic medications, oral antibiotics and certain acne medications may reduce the inflammation and small papules or pustules that may appear with rosacea. You may need to continue medication for one to two months before you see improvements in your skin, MayoClinic.com notes. Laser treatment or electrosurgery may reduce the appearance of enlarged facial blood vessels. While you are undergoing treatment, your dermatologist may recommend that you avoid caffeine and other common rosacea triggers.
Conflicting Evidence
MayoClinic.com notes that any substance, environmental condition or medication that increases blood flow to your face may worsen your rosacea symptoms. In its guide for rosacea patients, the AAD lists caffeine as one of the condition's "common triggers." However, according to Dr. Jonathan K. Wilkin, the heat of coffee may be the culprit in facial flushing, not caffeine. In an article published in the "Journal of Investigative Dermatology" in January, 1981, Wilkin reports that a group of study participants who suffered from rosacea had no increased facial flushing after drinking hot coffee or water. However, participants did experience flushing after drinking both coffee and water heated to 140 degrees F. Wilkin concludes that heat, not caffeine, is the triggering agent in coffee, tea and other hot drinks. More research on the effects of caffeine on rosacea is needed to confirm the results of Wilkin's study.
Prevention
Preventing rosacea flare-ups requires identifying your personal triggers, says the AAD. Although certain triggers appear common among people who suffer from rosacea, every individual responds differently to foods, beverages and environmental conditions. If you find that hot cocoa, hot apple cider or hot tea increase your inflammation as much as coffee, your skin may be responding to heat rather than caffeine. If you don't want to give up coffee, try drinking it at a milder temperature to determine if heat may be causing your reactions.
Topical Treatment
Skin care companies are exploring the potential of caffeine as a topical treatment for a number of skin conditions, including rosacea, reports Skincare-news.com. Manufacturers of these products claim that caffeine, when applied to the surface of the skin, causes the superficial facial blood vessels to contract, which may reduce blood flow to the skin. Clinical evidence has not confirmed that caffeine-based topical treatments can improve the symptoms of rosacea. Talk with your dermatologist about rosacea treatments that are right for you.
