Your morning routine might be sabotaging your skin—and you may not even realize it. According to dermatologists, some seemingly innocent breakfast beverages can accelerate skin aging, causing fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull complexion over time.
While fruit juice and creamy coffee drinks may feel like harmless indulgences, their high sugar content can trigger glycation, a process that damages collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful. If you’re looking to protect your glow while still enjoying your morning pick-me-up, it might be time to rethink what’s in your cup.
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1. Processed Bottled Coffees
Many of us need coffee to start our day, but the worst kind you can choose for your skin is a processed, bottled type with loads of sugar. When you make coffee yourself at home, you can choose to sweeten it with a natural, healthy sweetener like monk fruit, or add a splash of a non-fat creamer, for example. Conversely, bottled coffees or lattes often have additives that dehydrate your skin, and as we've learned, this can mean faster wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots.
These kinds of coffees are "full of toxins that can leave the skin dry and dehydrated, especially when consumed excessively," Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO, a board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatology surgeon, and owner of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic, says. "The caffeine in coffee may bring the rush you want to get through your day, however, [this kind] can rob your skin of the elasticity you desire and reduce your skin's natural glow," he adds.
Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, senior clinical dietitian at UCLA medical center, agrees, explaining that many processed coffee drinks have "added sugars, sweeteners, and fats in them." Think creams, syrups, flavorings, and colorings "such as caramel coloring in a bottled frappuccino, for example," she says.
To avoid this, Hunnes and Qazi recommend giving black coffee a shot (no pun intended), as it will still give you a much-needed boost of energy, tastes like a stronger version of your favorite coffee beverage and remains a low-calorie option.
2. Fruit Juice
Fruit juice may seem like a healthy option, but it can actually contribute to aging skin and be full of hidden toxins. Despite being rich in vitamins, many fruit juices are packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes and lead to collagen and elastin breakdown. Over time, excessive consumption of fruit juice can result in premature wrinkles, dullness, and a loss of skin elasticity.
Consider making your own juice at home with fresh ingredients. This allows you to control the sweetness level and even skip added sugars entirely.
