Caffeine is found in a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea and soda, as well as in some dietary supplements. While caffeine is a stimulant, there is no scientific evidence linking caffeine to acne. Nonetheless, as a stimulant, caffeine may impact certain lifestyle factors, such as sleeping habits, that in turn may cause an acne outbreak.
Effects of Caffeine
According to Medic8, caffeine induces an increase in stress hormones, such as cortisol. These stress hormones are responsible for side effects commonly associated with caffeine, such as insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, raised blood pressure and a sense of heightened awareness. Eastbay Acne & Skin Care Clinic reports that stress and sleep deprivation, both of which are triggered by excessive caffeine intake, may promote acne. Furthermore, caffeine decreases the body's ability to effectively absorb nutrients and also serves as a diuretic. Diuretics have a dehydrating effect on the body, which may impair its ability to remove toxins, as water is a necessary component for optimal toxin removal.
Dietary Influence
Certain caffeinated beverages contain milk or sugar, which studies have found to produce acne. "The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology" published a study in September 2008 in which Jonette E. Keri, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and colleagues discovered a link between diet and acne. Based upon the results of the study, food products with a high glycemic index contributed to symptoms of skin inflammation, such as acne and rosacea. High-glycemic foods cause blood glucose and insulin levels to spike, which leads to the production of a growth hormone known as IGF-1. This growth hormone, which is also found in cow's milk, is linked to acne formation. Mark Hyman, M.D., has also concluded that sugar causes a spike in acne-inducing hormones.
Accumulation of Oil
The Acne Resource Center Online states that caffeine's effect on stress levels elicits the production of the hormone cortisol, which activates oil production in the sweat glands. The accumulation of oil on the skin's surface may clog pores and inhibit the body's ability to effectively excrete toxins. This process leads to an acne outbreak.
Remedies
Excessive consumption of caffeine may have damaging effects on certain skin conditions, stress levels, tissue health and liver function. MayoClinic.com recommends limiting caffeine intake to 200 to 300 mg per day. This is the equivalent of 2 to 4 cups of coffee. Restricting caffeine intake will soften the effects it may have on hormone production, which may help to keep acne under control. Additionally, substituting cow's milk with soy or almond milk and limiting sugar intake may also help to prevent acne. MayoClinic.com's Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., also recommends treating current outbreaks with tea tree oil, zinc supplements and glycolic acid.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?; March 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Natural Acne Treatment; Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.; October 2009
- Dr.Hyman; Do Milk and Sugar Cause Acne?; Mark Hyman, M.D.
- "The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology"; Role of Diet in Acne and Rosacea; Jonette E. Keri, M.D., Ph.D., et al.; September 2008
- Eastbay Acne and Skin Care Clinic: Acne
- Medic8: Caffeine: Drug Addiction
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