Is Caffeine Causing my Acne?

Having acne sucks. One day you feel like your skin is improving, and then WHAM! You wake up the next morning with skin worse than before. What gives?

There are many different things that can cause acne, but one of the worst culprits may be a part of your morning routine: Coffee. With its high caffeine content, coffee can wreak havoc on several parts of your body, skin included. So let’s take a look at why your acne keeps popping up, and how to get rid of it for good.

cup of coffee surrounded by a book, a sweater, a candle, and a to-go tumeric latte

CAFFEINE AND ANXIETY

Caffeine has a powerful, potent effect on your body. Not only can it lead to caffeine addiction,but it can also cause some pretty severe anxiety. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, which means that it can make anxiety significantly worse, especially for those already suffering from it.

When the body experiences surges of anxiety, it channels its “fight or flight” response system. Unfortunately, this response is made up of several different functions that can contribute to acne big time.

First off, there’s the increase in oil production, thanks to sebum-producing cells. When we become stressed or anxious, our bodies’ cortisol levels rise significantly. This in turn leads to overactive sebum-producing cells. Now, we’re left with clogged pores, which is arguably the biggest contributor to acne.

Then, there’s the issue of blood flow. Our survival instinct of “fight or flight” means that blood flow is directed to more important ligaments for survival, such as arms and legs. The blood flow that would usually go to your face is redirected, and the necessary white blood cell count is diminished. Basically, the white blood cells aren’t there anymore to fight off bacteria, acne-causing ones included.

It’s worth considering cutting caffeine out of your diet, especially if you’re struggling with acne or anxiety. If low-energy levels are your concern, there are tons of caffeine-free alternatives out there that will still give you the boost you need.

At Moonlit, we're reaching for SUTRA Black. It's perfect for providing natural energy, reducing anxiety, and detoxing from the inside out. As mentioned before, skin health is an indicator of internal health, so detoxing is a great place to start your battle against those pesky pimples. With the power of activated charcoal, red reishi mushroom, and raw cacao, you can kiss your skin problems goodbye.

woman in bed holding up a cup of coffee in a mason jar

DEHYDRATION: SKIN’S WORST ENEMY

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health. While you can’t always tell what’s going on inside your body, your skin can be an important indicator of health. One of the biggest signs of dehydration? Your skin.

Even the smallest amount of dehydration can make itself known on your skin. Dry skin, clogged pores, and overproduction of oil are all signs that your body needs more water. Yes, you read that right; Not enough water can make your skin oily! It seems crazy, but it’s true. When your body is in need of hydration, it can overcompensate by producing too much oil, particularly on the face.

silk sleep mask and two bottles of facial oil lying on silk pillowcase

While sipping on water throughout the day will certainly rehydrate you, it can be hard to undo the damage done to your skin. Sometimes it takes an extra boost to add moisture back into your skin, which is exactly what Moonlit Skincare specializes in.

Whether your skin is dry, flaky, oily, or clogged, Moonlit Skincare’s Midnight Shift Overnight Facial Oil is the perfect remedy. The mixture of ginseng and papaya moisturizes your skin, while the grapeseed oil goes to work to firm your collagen. Plus, it smells like lavender, which will send you off to a sweet slumber in no time! You’ll wake up to refreshed, moisturized skin, free of toxins and bacteria.

photo credit: Grey & Elle

5 DECAF TIPS FOR SMOOTHER SKIN

Aside from the products already mentioned, there are 5 additional ways to banish acne for good. With some simple swaps, you’ll be on your way to your healthiest skin yet!

1. GET LOTS OF SLEEP!

Sleep is the time where your skin is able to repair itself. When you aren’t clocking enough hours, your skin doesn’t have the time to regenerate its cells and keep wrinkles at bay.

2. EAT FOODS WITH ANTIOXIDANTS

We’re talking about you, superfoods! Load up on colorful fruits and veggies to boost antioxidant intake. SUTRA Black and Gold are also great ways to increase your antioxidant levels.

3. LIMIT YOUR TIME IN THE SUN

The UV rays of the sun are extremely damaging to skin. If you live in a sunny location, make sure to always put sunscreen on before you leave the house.

4. EAT HEALTHY FATS

Healthy fats include nuts, olive oil, fish, and avocados. The fatty acids will help your skin maintain a youthful glow.

5. AVOID STRESS & MANAGE ANXIETY

Light exercise and cutting out caffeine are great steps towards managing anxiety. By keeping calm, your cortisol levels will remain stable, and your skin will thank you.

So next time your skin starts acting up, don’t lose hope! Just think about the factors in your life that could be causing your acne outbreak, and act on them. Pretty soon you’ll be back to your glowy self, and achieve better health as a result of the process!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR - LINDSAY WARE

woman in blue chair smiling and holding a fluffy white and gray dog

Beginning during her high school years, Lindsay noticed an immediate dip in energy. Along with fatigue, she also showed signs of lack of concentration, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system. After years of non-conclusive tests at the clinic, Lindsay finally received the correct diagnosis of Celiac Disease from her local Naturopath. After cutting out gluten completely, Lindsay realized how much of a difference changing your diet can make to your overall wellbeing. Instead of drinking 3 coffees a day, Lindsay relies on the natural energies of clean foods to keep her mind sharp and her writing skills flowing.