If you’re relying on energy drinks to power through your day, your skin might be paying the price. According to an esthetician, these popular beverages could be wreaking havoc on your complexion—causing everything from acne to dehydration and dullness. In a recent viral post, she explained how the high sugar and caffeine content in energy drinks can throw your skin off balance in more ways than one.
Jordyn Cicon, an esthetician and aging skin specialist, recently shared several reasons on why you should quit drinking energy beverages for better skin.
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
1. High Sugar Content
Most energy drinks are loaded with sugar—sometimes more than a can of soda. Excess sugar increases insulin levels, which ramps up inflammation and oil production. The result? More acne-causing congestion and irritation on the skin. Cicon says these "spike insulin, triggers inflammation, and leads to clogged pores."
2. Caffeine Overload
High caffeine intake can spike cortisol (the stress hormone), which may disrupt hormones and contribute to acne along areas like the jawline and cheeks. Over time, that stress effect can wreak havoc on your skin's clarity and balance. Cicon adds, "Cortisol goes up—and so do your breakouts."
3. Artificial Ingredients
Energy drinks often contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. These can irritate the gut, and since gut health is closely linked to skin health, this disruption may show up as breakouts, redness, or dullness. "Inflammatory and gut-disruptive—both bad news for your skin," she says.
4. Dehydration
Caffeine acts as a diuretic, pulling water from your system and leaving your skin dehydrated. Dehydrated skin often overcompensates by producing more oil, increasing your chances of clogged pores and acne. "They act like diuretics—and dry out your skin," she says.
5. Excess B Vitamins
Many energy drinks are packed with B12, B6, and biotin. While these nutrients are important in moderation, too much—especially for acne-prone individuals—can cause or worsen breakouts. In particular, high levels of biotin can disrupt other B vitamin balances needed for healthy skin.
Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with acne or oily skin, it might be time to take a closer look at your energy drink habit. Cicon suggests trying low-sugar alternatives like matcha or green tea—or switching to acne-safe beverages. As she puts it, “Small changes in what you drink can lead to big changes in your skin.”
