Britain’s love affair with coffee could be taking a toll on our skin, experts have warned.
According to a skin care specialist, a caffeinated morning ritual might be accelerating visible signs of ageing.
Kimberley Medd, who is head of clinic at Face The Future, cautioned that our daily cups could be causing premature wrinkles without us even realising. Try not to exceed one to two cups per day, she warned.
The expert explained that coffee’s dehydrating effect is a key concern for skin health, which can have unsavoury results.
Coffee is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration
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“While coffee has some well-known health benefits, it is also a diuretic, meaning it draws water from the body,” the skin guru warned.
“This can lead to dehydration, which affects your skin’s ability to stay plump and smooth.”
The consequence of dehydration is that “fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable”. This, in turn, leaves the skin looking “tired and dull”.
Without proper moisture, skin loses its elasticity, making wrinkles appear “deeper”.
Coffee also activates the body’s stress response, with the expert warning: “Caffeine is known to trigger cortisol production.”
This hormonal reaction has direct consequences for the skin’s appearance.
Kimberley said: “Elevated cortisol levels break down collagen, the protein responsible for keeping skin firm and youthful. So, your daily coffee fix could be contributing to sagging skin and premature wrinkles.”
But this doesn’t mean skin care enthusiasts must cut out caffeine entirely. Rather, they should consume it sensibly and remember that “moderation is key”.
For ultimate complexion confidence and “reduced wrinkles”, there’s one ingredient women can add to their coffee.
“Coffee isn’t the enemy, but if you’re relying on it throughout the day without proper hydration, you’re putting your skin at risk,” Kimberley advised.
The solution is simple: balance your caffeine intake with adequate water consumption.
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Start your day with a glass of water before reaching for coffee
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Kimberley shared her skin-savvy tips for enjoying coffee without compromising your complexion.
How to protect your skin while still enjoying coffee
- Start your day with a glass of water before reaching for coffee. This helps to avoid dehydration.
- Limit yourself to one to two cups of coffee a day to avoid excessive caffeine intake.
- A splash of almond milk or collagen powder like the Totally Derma Nutraceutical Collagen Drink Supplement can slow down caffeine absorption and support skin health.
- Drink your coffee with an antioxidant-packed breakfast like berries, nuts or avocado to help fight oxidative stress.
Kimberley previously spoke to GB News about skin care and sun damage, naming the “unsung hero” of anti-ageing.