Often Consume Coffee with Cream? Doctors Say the Effects on Skin Health

JAKARTA - A cup of coffee is a difficult part to separate from the morning routine for many people. In addition to providing energy, various studies show that consuming coffee in reasonable amounts is also related to a healthier aging process, to help reduce signs of aging on the skin of the face.

According to a dermatologist, the problem is not in the coffee, but in the additives that are often mixed into it.

A survey in 2019 showed that almost 80 percent of the people in the United States added coffee creamer, sugar, or other ingredients to their coffee, instead of drinking it without any additions (black coffee).

The use of coffee creamers, both in liquid and powder form as a substitute for milk, has also continued to increase in recent years.

Based on an analysis of Statista which processed data from the U.S. Census and the Simmons National Consumer Survey, around 182.45 million Americans used coffee creamer in 2020. This figure is estimated to increase to 187.25 million people by 2024.

Quoted from the Newsweek website, London-based cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Nora Jaafar explained that caffeine actually has two sides in relation to skin health.

"Caffeine has a unique relationship with the skin. If used topically, caffeine works as a vasoconstrictor and antioxidant that can reduce swelling and neutralize free radical damage. While if consumed in moderation, caffeine also has anti-inflammatory benefits," said Dr. Nora.

However, Dr. Nora reminded that excessive consumption can actually have the opposite effect.

"The problem is when consumed in excess. Increased levels of the hormone cortisol can damage collagen, worsen inflammatory conditions in the skin, and its diuretic effect makes the skin appear drier and dull," explains Dr. Nora.

Various studies also show that coffee itself is not the main cause of skin aging. In fact, some studies have found that coffee consumption can be associated with a longer life expectancy of up to two years, while helping to reduce signs of aging on the skin of the face.

Although it looks like a simple complement, coffee creamers generally contain several ingredients that are considered bad for skin health, including:

- Hydrogenated oils, which are oils processed by adding hydrogen so that they turn into saturated or solid fats to extend shelf life and increase product stability.

- Corn syrup solids, which is a powdered form of corn syrup made through a water removal process and is widely used in instant food products.

- Synthetic emulsifiers, which are additives that improve the texture, taste, and shelf life of products. Some studies have linked the consumption of certain types of emulsifiers to various health problems.

According to Dr. Jaafar, these three ingredients can affect skin health through different mechanisms.

"Hydrogenated oils can damage the lipid protective layer on the skin, making the skin drier and more sensitive," concluded Dr. Jaafar.

He also explained that the content of corn syrup solids can increase blood sugar levels quickly.

"The spike in blood sugar triggers the glycation process, which is a process that damages collagen and elastin, thus accelerating the appearance of signs of aging," he said.

Meanwhile, synthetic emulsifiers are also considered to be able to disrupt the balance of the intestinal microbiome.

"Synthetic emulsifiers disrupt the gut microbiome, and these imbalances are almost always visible on the skin in the form of inflammation, clogged pores, to the recurrence of acne or rosacea. Basically, these ingredients attack skin health from various sides simultaneously," he added.

For coffee lovers who can't start the day without a cup of coffee, Dr. Jaafar advises avoiding the use of coffee creamer.

"Full cream milk or unsweetened oat milk consumed with food is a much better choice for skin health," he said.

In addition, he also recommends matcha as an alternative to caffeinated beverages. Matcha contains caffeine as well as L-theanine, a natural amino acid found in green tea leaves and black tea. This compound is known to be able to provide a relaxing effect without causing drowsiness.

"When you consume matcha, you get more stable energy without a cortisol spike. Matcha is also rich in EGCG, one of the most powerful antioxidants we know of in protecting skin health," he added.

Dr. Jaafar also added that various natural ingredients such as herbs and mushrooms combined with ashwagandha or maca can be a good choice to help overcome skin problems caused by stress.