Tea And Coffee: Here’s How They Affect Your Skin!

For millions of people, enjoying a cup of hot beverage is a part of their routine. They look for a caffeine hit for a burst of energy and without it, they feel sluggish as our bodies can become reliant on it over time. 

Caffeine lovers can be divided into two types of people: one section of people happens to be die-hard lovers of tea (chai) and the other is major coffee addicts. So, whether your cup is filled with tea or coffee, your choice of beverage sets the base for a productive day. 

But what if we tell you that both tea and coffee have a wide range of benefits to offer and not just on your health, but also on your skin. Let us tell you about the pros and cons of these most significant beverages on your skin if you are sipping cups after cups.

The caffeine content in Tea and Coffee:

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), more than 95 percent of adults consume caffeine regularly - largely from coffee and tea. 

Though caffeine is mildly addictive, it is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for safe and daily consumption, but in moderation. The FDA recommends limiting your intake to 400 mg of caffeine per day.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest:

• The average cup of coffee has between 50 and 200 mg of caffeine (decaf has 2–25 mg)
• The average cup of tea contains around 25–100 mg of caffeine (herbal teas have none)

Skincare benefits of Tea and Coffee:

Both tea and coffee can benefit the skin if consumed in moderation. 

• Green tea is known for fighting premature aging, treating acne, moisturizing the skin, reducing redness and inflammation
• Black tea heals your skin and builds a stronger skin barrier against sun damage. It increases the skin's fighting potential against issues caused by too much UV exposure
• Coffee increases blood flow, decreases inflammation, helps you in getting brighter, healthier, and glowing skin
• Drinking coffee can help to fight against skin cancers like malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (because of its high antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties)
• Coffee ground extracts when used topically boosts collagen production and also helps in preventing the appearances of wrinkles
• You may find tea and coffee extract (caffeine) in eye creams, body scrubs, face masks, and a variety of other anti-aging products

Side effects of caffeine

Just remember to drink tea and coffee in moderation for their antioxidant benefits, as having more than four to five cups per day can bring a lot of health risks like:

• Restlessness
• Shakiness
• Headaches (Must avoid if you have a migraine)
• Dizziness
• Dehydration
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Elevated heart rate
• In extreme cases, it can cause epileptic seizures

Tea vs Coffee - Which one to choose?

Tea or Coffee? It is one of the most debated questions! But so far we have learned that both tea and coffee, in terms of antioxidants, caffeine content, health, and skincare, offer an impressive list of benefits. So, the choice of which one to consume is up to you. If you need an extra jolt of caffeine, opt for coffee. If you love the taste of tea, then treat yourself to a nice cup of it. 

Tea and coffee, both are great for your complexion and your overall health (they differ in just a slight way).