Chamjin Korean Medicine Clinic
ACNE & CHARMJIN
[Health Week] [Column] Caffeine, Modern Man's Eternal Best Friend: What Effect Does It Have on Acne-Prone Skin?
The number of modern people who say, "I can't live a day without coffee" continues to grow. In fact, according to a report by a global market research firm, Koreans consumed 405 cups of coffee annually last year, approximately 2.7 times the global average.

While caffeine's benefits for improving concentration and relieving fatigue in our competitive society are evident, increasing caffeine consumption also leads to increasing skin concerns. Online, there's a fierce battle between anecdotal accounts claiming, "Quitting coffee reduced my acne," and counterarguments claiming, "Acne and caffeine are unrelated."

How does the caffeine we consume every day affect acne-prone skin?

While there's still a lack of clear medical evidence proving that caffeine directly affects acne, excessive caffeine consumption can indirectly contribute to several factors that can worsen acne.

The most prominent link is the connection to stress hormones. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, inducing a state of alertness and, in the process, increasing cortisol levels in the body. Increased cortisol stimulates sebaceous gland activity and triggers an inflammatory response, which can contribute to acne. Indeed, the correlation between stress and acne has been consistently highlighted in numerous studies.

Furthermore, excessive caffeine consumption can impair sleep quality. Sleep plays a crucial role in skin regeneration and recovery, and sleep deprivation can hinder skin barrier recovery and exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions. According to a report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of various skin conditions, not just acne.

The concomitant intake of caffeinated beverages is also noteworthy. Beverages containing sugar, syrup, and dairy products can have a complex effect on acne. Dairy products, in particular, can stimulate the production of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), which can increase sebum production. High-sugar beverages can also exacerbate acne by promoting inflammatory responses.

However, the effects are not all negative. There have also been reports that moderate consumption of tea or coffee containing caffeine can alleviate skin inflammation due to the antioxidant properties they contain.

In particular, experimental results have shown that green tea, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), has a positive effect on improving acne symptoms.

However, the efficacy and side effects of caffeine vary greatly from person to person. Acne is a complex condition caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormones, diet, and stress. Therefore, the effects of caffeine can vary from patient to patient. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, tension, increased heart rate, and even acne flare-ups, which can increase stress. Therefore, it's best to consume caffeine in moderation.


Source: Health Week - https://www.healthweek.co.kr
Original article: https://www.healthweek.co.kr/news/view.php?bIdx=8374
List