Skip to main content
Modern workspace with a person typing on a laptop.
Chic haircuts for women over 50 trending in 2026.
Donald Trump discussing maternal healthcare at a public event.

Beauty

This Is The Worst Hot Drink To Have If You Struggle With Cystic Acne, According To Derms

September 28, 2021 by Robyn Turk
shefinds | Beauty
Featured image

We all know that our morning routine can make our break our skincare, but what many of us don’t realize is that this routine is more than just our beauty regimen. Everything you do to ready yourself in the morning can impact your skin’s health, and that includes breakfast.

If you struggle with acne, you might want to take a good, hard look into your diet and see if anything you’re eating or drinking in the mornings may be affecting your skin’s appearance.

According to dermatologists, your cup of coffee might actually be making cystic acne worse…

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
coffee milk worst ingredient cystic acne

"While coffee itself may not significantly worsen acne, added sugar and milk can potentially worsen breakouts, as sugar and certain types of dairy have been associated with acne," Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist from New York City, told SheFinds.

Dr. Garshick explained that the problem lies within foods that have a high glycemic index, meaning they can cause blood sugar to spike.

"It is thought that products with a high-glycemic index may worsen acne as it can trigger spikes in blood sugar, which can trigger inflammation and increased sebum production, and together can contribute to worsening breakouts," she said.

coffee milk worst ingredient cystic acne

So even though a tablespoon or two of coffee isn't typically bad for your health, it can be bad for your skin's health if you struggle with acne.

Dr. Garshick told us, "Milk has been shown to increase insulin-growth factor 1 which can increase sebum production potentially leading to breakouts."

Try using a dairy substitute such as almond or soy milk to avoid triggering acne and skin inflammation when making your daily cup of coffee. Take a look at some of our favorite healthy coffee ingredients here, here and here.

Author:

Robyn Turk is a style and beauty writer, contributing to the SheFinds team. Her work has appeared in StyleCaster, Business Insider, Refinery29, DailyMail and others.

Woman applying sunscreen for sun protection outdoors.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Nina Ubhi demonstrating concealer application on YouTube.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Older woman performing her skincare routine.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare advice from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Butterfly haircut inspiration from Instagram by The Studio.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair washing.
Everyday habits that could accelerate collagen breakdown.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Top summer fragrances and scents for 2026, recommended by editors.
Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson featured on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make regarding fine lines (duplicate).
Hairstyles that enhance facial features and provide a subtle lift.
Pouring vitamin D drops into palm for daily health.
Hailey Bieber's haircuts designed to add volume to fine hair.
Woman applying sunscreen for sun protection outdoors.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Nina Ubhi demonstrating concealer application on YouTube.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Older woman performing her skincare routine.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare advice from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Butterfly haircut inspiration from Instagram by The Studio.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair washing.
Everyday habits that could accelerate collagen breakdown.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Top summer fragrances and scents for 2026, recommended by editors.

Beauty

Summer is my favorite season. If I could bottle up ...

Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson featured on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make regarding fine lines (duplicate).
Hairstyles that enhance facial features and provide a subtle lift.
Pouring vitamin D drops into palm for daily health.
Hailey Bieber's haircuts designed to add volume to fine hair.