Can Coffee Calm Rosacea? A New Study Says Latte Up!

 

Most of us don’t need another excuse to enjoy our favorite brain-boosting beverage. But good news, latte lovers, science has just given us one more reason to love coffee. To the brew’s already impressive list of benefits—antioxidant powerhouse, fat-burner, performance enhancer, among others—you can now add rosacea fighter.

 

A new study published in the journal JAMA Dermatology reports a significant inverse association between increased caffeine intake, particularly that from coffee, and risk of rosacea. The study analyzed data from over 82000 participants in a longitudinal health study between 1991 and 2005 and found that one-fifth of participants who drank four or more mugs of coffee per day were 24 percent less likely to develop rosacea than the one-fifth who drank less than one cup per month.

 

A variety of specific agents and mechanisms could be responsible for caffeine’s influence on rosacea. Caffeine has a vasoconstricting effect, which would directly counter the vasodilation associated with rosacea. Caffeine is loaded with antioxidant polyphenols which have an anti-inflammatory effect. Finally, hormonal factors have been implicated in the development of rosacea, and caffeine can modulate hormone levels, including levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol.

 

When caffeine intake was separated into coffee and noncoffee sources (tea, soda, chocolate), only coffee itself seemed to be protective. Decaf had no effect.

 

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Triggers include sunlight, spicy foods, strenuous exercise, and hormonal factors. Caffeine has even been named among the potential triggers; however, the National Rosacea Society and other studies identify heat, rather than caffeine, as the catalyst. If you find heat to be causing flushing, try drinking your coffee iced.

 

While scientists are still working to understand all the mechanisms of caffeine consumption in skin condition, there is no question about caffeine’s perks as a topical agent. This buzz-worthy skin care ingredient reduces dark circles and redness, drains fluids to depuff, and exhibits a delightful firming effect. Additionally, the antioxidants in caffeine protect cells against free radical damage. And because caffeine is hydrophilic, it helps skin absorb and retain beneficial ingredients.

 

Caffeine is a key ingredient in Vivant’s Wink Eye Rejuvenation Cream. In addition to a shot of eye-opening caffeine, Wink buzzes with rejuvenating ingredients. Vitamin A propionate, the most effective non-prescription retinoid available, encourages cell regeneration and plumping of thin skin. Peptides stimulate the production of collagen. Kojic acid is a natural pigment inhibitor and brightener. Whole leaf aloe soothes, hydrates and heals delicate skin. Oat extracts are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Antioxidant grape seed oil nourishes and hydrates.

 

If you want to double down on your caffeine benefits, latte up and Wink.