This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight.
Beverages sometimes get swept under the rug when it comes to skincare, but considering how you may actually be drinking far more frequently throughout the day than eating a meal or snack, it’s important to remember that beverages you drink have just as much impact as what you eat.
Drinking enough water is obviously important, but it’s also crucial to avoid beverages that do damage to your skin and weaken skin elasticity, like coffee, soda, energy drinks and alcohol. We reached out to experts to learn more about the havoc these four drinks can wreck on your skin, and healthier alternatives for a glowing, supple complexion.
Read on for tips and pointers from Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO, board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatology surgeon, and owner of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic, Dr. Jose Mier, Founder of Heliotherapy Research Institute and skin health expert, Dr. Cheryl Rosen, Director of Dermatology at BowTied Life and Dr. Kemunto Mokaya, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
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1. Coffee
On its own and in moderation, a cup of coffee really isn't anything to worry about. In fact, it may even help aid weight loss and improve brain function, among other health benefits. However, adding ingredients like sweeteners to your cup of joe can be detrimental to your skin health.
"Coffee is among the most acidic and dehydrating beverages on the market," Dr. Qazi explains. "It's full of toxins that can leave the skin dry and dehydrated, especially when consumed excessively. The caffeine in coffee may bring the rush you desire to get through your day; however, most coffee can rob your skin of the elasticity your desire and reduce your skin's natural glow."
If you're over the age of 40 and are used to creamer and sweetener in your coffee, it may be time to switch to a black coffee. While drinking one cup of black coffee a day has numerous health benefits, drinking it with added sugar will cause skin dryness. Excess refined sugar consumption causes damage to collagen and elastin proteins in the skin. This reduces the integrity and elasticity of skin, making it prone to dehydration and wrinkling.
Instead, Dr. Qazi suggests replacing your morning coffee with morning tea. "Green tea has antioxidants that prevent inflammation, redness, and puffiness from plaguing your skin," Dr. Qazi says. "Not only can green tea replenish the skin with rich antioxidants, but can also boost collagen production." Perfect!
2. Soda
As you probably already know, soda is usually loaded with sugar and chemicals that can be bad for your body. It can promote weight gain and lead to negative effects on your skin.
According to Dr. Rosen, "Chemicals like phosphorus, potassium, and caffeine leach minerals from the bones and can damage the cells in the body. The sugar in soda is one of the leading causes of diabetes, which can also lead to premature aging."
Rosen warns that because of its caffeine content, soda can "dehydrate you, which can further damage your skin" and "make it more susceptible to wrinkles." Drinking soda with lots of sugar may also result in acne.
To kick your soda habit, Dr. Qazi recommends drinking coconut water instead. "Coconut water is rich in Vitamins C, K, and A which are all great for the skin," he explains. "Although coconuts do provide a moderate source of naturally occurring sugar, it's the refined sugars that steal the skin's elasticity and provide the harmful toxins."
3. Energy Drinks
As we age, the skin surrounding our eyes becomes delicate and prone to losing moisture. Unfortunately, consuming energy drinks will only worsen this condition, according to Mier.
These beverages are notorious for dehydrating the skin, resulting in a hollowed-out appearance, increased fine lines, and darker under-eyes. It's crucial to keep this in mind when considering our skin's health.
He explains that these drinks "force the brain to stay alert." This can cause poor sleep, puffy eyes, and "thin under-eye areas are prone to hyperpigmentation and itchiness."
Mier also points out that caffeine often found in energy drinks inhibits the body's ability to remove fluid from tissues, and fluid builds up in tissues under the eyes— causing them to swell.
Caffeine has the potential to constrict blood vessels, leading to an increase in swelling in the affected area, Mier warns. While some individuals may not be sensitive to caffeine, others can experience a stronger reaction.
4. Alcoholic Drinks
If consumed excessively, beverages with high levels of alcohol can cause harm to various parts of your body, including the delicate skin under your eyes.
"Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate," Mokaya explains. "When the veins around the eye area dilate, they are more prominent, and they amplify the darkness of the skin around the eyes," she adds.
Alcohol can also dehydrate you, which can definitely worsen the issue. Alcohol's diuretic properties can lead to dehydration within the body, ultimately resulting in lackluster skin that exhibits dark, noticeable under-eye circles and fine lines.
Mokaya adds that due to alcohol interfering with sleep (hangovers, daytime sleepiness, etc.), it can "reduce the quality of your sleep" and "exacerbate the appearance of dark eye circles" and wrinkles around your eyes.
"To prevent dark eye circles [and premature wrinkling] from nutritional causes, ensure your diet is rich in protein, iron, vitamin B12, folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids," Mokaya advises.
She concludes that "ensuring you also get adequate sleep" is vital for healthy skin at any age, and that it is best to always "avoid harmful practices like smoking and tanning bed use." (Got it!)
