There are two major theories on the causes of acne: caffeine or the acidic nature of coffee. While some studies claim that both are responsible for acne, others have shown that the acidic nature can worsen skin conditions. In either case, it is best to stay away from coffee creamers and sweeteners. Instead, opt for an unsweetened non-dairy creamer. Despite the controversy, the truth is much simpler than you may think.
Caffeine causes acne
Although caffeine in coffee creamer and other products has many positive effects, it may actually worsen acne. This is because caffeine is a stimulant that increases your body’s “fight or flight” reaction, and this may have a detrimental effect on the skin. Skin care expert Sophia Ruiz says that while coffee may be okay for some people, others may need to avoid it altogether. So, how can you determine if caffeine in coffee creamer causes acne?
Researchers have concluded that caffeine can cause acne by elevating the stress hormone cortisol, which is released when you are under stress. As the hormone is responsible for acne occurrence, it has numerous negative effects on your skin. For example, it can increase the production of sebum, which clogs pores and causes acne. The hormone’s effect on acne is even worse if you are under a lot of stress.
In addition to making acne worse, coffee has antioxidants, which help protect the skin. But consuming too much of this beverage can make it worse. Besides, adding milk or sugar can exacerbate acne. It is best to drink coffee in moderation and avoid creamers, which contain partially hydrogenated oils and sugar. If you want to avoid coffee altogether, consult a dermatologist. Then, you can decide whether or not this drink is helping you clear up your skin.
Acidic nature of coffee
Coffee, especially decaf, is very acidic. When consumed in large doses, it triggers the body’s stress response. This stress response leads to the release of hormones known to cause acne. Coffee also has a diuretic effect, so it can cause your skin to become dry and prone to acne. This in turn can lead to wrinkles. Eventually, the caffeine in your coffee can lead to acne.
Caffeine and acid in coffee can disrupt the balance of the bacteria in the gut. The microbiome contains many different species of bacteria. In a healthy microbiome, the good bacteria outnumber the bad. But in a dysbiotic gut, the bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria. Diet, stress, and the use of antibiotics can all negatively impact your microbiome. If you’re drinking coffee every day, you’re causing a disruption in your gut flora.
Coffee creamer contains acid, which is another culprit in the development of acne. In an article published in the journal Acne, the author claims that her acne was caused by the acidity of coffee creamer. However, the author states that she drank three cups of coffee every day and it didn’t improve her acne condition. This article cites some of the anecdotal evidence that coffee creamer can cause acne.
Caffeine causes hyperadrenalism
In the first few hours after consumption, caffeine has the strongest effects. The effects of caffeine can last anywhere from four to six hours. The caffeine stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenaline, which increases dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that has been linked with the addictive qualities of heroin and amphetamines. Whether or not caffeine is a cause of HS is unclear.
However, caffeine’s effects on blood pressure and adrenal fatigue have not been studied in the general population. Further research is needed to better understand the effect of caffeine on blood pressure and other physiological processes. Although caffeine is a mildly addictive substance, it can also boost the brain’s production of dopamine, which controls reward centers. The caffeine in coffee creamer can help burn fat in the body, and it also has antioxidants and nutrients that can benefit health.
Another study used rats that were fed caffeine to study the effects of caffeine on the adrenal glands. Researchers measured adrenal weight 20 times per animal using a microscope, and then counted the number of cells and dilated sinusoids. They compared the adrenal weights of the caffeine-fed animals with control rats and the CT group using a one-way ANOVA. For both male and female rats, the caffeine intake did not affect the amount of cortisol secreted, but increased the amount of adrenal hormones.
Caffeine causes cellular damage
Caffeine, commonly found in coffee creamer and other beverage additives, inhibits the cell cycle. This cycle is divided into four distinct phases: S phase, M phase, and G0 phase. In the S phase, DNA is replicated while in the M phase, it is separated and a new cell forms. The G0 phase occurs between cell divisions. Cells progress through the cell cycle in response to mitotic or growth factor stimulation. If they do not receive this stimulation, the cells proliferate and enter a quiescent state called G0.
Research has shown that caffeine disrupts the cell cycle and induces programmed cell death by interfering with key regulatory proteins. Specifically, caffeine affects the tumor suppressor protein p53 (Ser15), which influences cell survival after DNA damage. Caffeine inhibits p53 activity, which is essential for G1/S arrest. In addition, caffeine inhibits the activity of two key checkpoint kinases, ATM and ATR.
A cup of coffee contains about 80 to 175 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the type of bean and roasting method. However, it requires 50 to 100 cups of coffee to reach toxic levels. Pure powdered caffeine, which is marketed as a dietary supplement, is lethal in a tablespoon. This is because caffeine stimulates the synthesis of catecholamine, which is a precursor to the hormone insulin.
Alternative dairy products
If you suffer from acne, you might be interested in an alternative to dairy products. Many of the dairy products we consume contain hormones that can contribute to hormonal acne. Goat milk and coconut milk are excellent dairy-free options. Goat milk is low in lactose and has less Alpha s1 Casein, a protein responsible for milk allergies. Also, coconut milk creamer contains 60+ hormones.
While it is not clear whether eliminating dairy is the only way to clear your skin, the fact is that it can help you see a dramatic improvement in acne and other skin conditions. Many people report having clearer skin after avoiding dairy. If you want to avoid acne, you can start by avoiding coffee creamer and dairy products in general. This will make your skin healthier, clearer, and less prone to other skin conditions.
You can also switch to oat milk or almond milk. Oat milk is better for acne than cow milk, but be sure to avoid soy milk because it contains phytoestrogens, which can disturb hormone balance and cause acne breakouts. You can also switch to almond milk if you want a coffee creamer. Some alternatives are better for your health than others, so it’s important to do your research before switching your milk or coffee creamer.
Avoiding coffee creamer
If you’re suffering from acne, you might have tried reducing the amount of sugar or caffeine in your coffee. While excessive amounts of sugar and caffeine are not good for you, coffee creamer can worsen your acne. You should try to cut back on sugar in your coffee and instead use sugar-free or natural sweeteners. Then, you can resume drinking coffee in moderation. But if you’re suffering from acne, there are more drastic ways you can deal with this problem.
Besides the sugar, coffee creamers can also affect the health of your skin. Artificial sweeteners can negatively impact hormones, cause acne, and contribute to obesity. If you’re not into the idea of drinking coffee creamer, try substituting it with non-dairy creamers. Many of these contain artificial flavors and thickeners. Lastly, don’t use coffee creamers with any artificial ingredients.
Drinking coffee black or using coffee-free creamers is a good idea if you want to avoid acne. It contains more antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which are molecules that damage your skin. You can either apply these creams topically or ingest them. Many dermatologists recommend this for acne patients who want to reduce the appearance of their breakouts.
