You know of the damage that can be caused by the sun to your skin, but what about other indulgences like coffee? Coffee is derived from the coffee bean which is roasted, ground and steeped in hot water to make a stimulating drink. The caffeine content within the coffee bean is between 1 and 3 percent, and it is the caffeine that makes the drink addictive. It is also the caffeine within the coffee that is the cause of adverse effects such as dry skin.
Coffee Depletes H2O within the Body
Coffee is a diuretic, which means that the chemicals within coffee expel excess fluids by overproducing urine. In some cases, diuretics are a necessity, such as for sufferers of oedema who due to fluid retention are bloated and in need of relief. But in the everyday person an abundance of urine can equal dehydration. Dehydration is the largest cause of skin dryness, and without sufficient moisture the skin cells become flaky and inflamed. Adding water to the surface will not rehydrate the skin enough, nor will lathering the skin in the best hydrating creams on the market. Only drinking more water will the fix skin problems brought on by caffeine-induced internal dehydration.
Consume Coffee in Moderation
This does not mean that coffee needs to be avoided at all costs; there is room for caffeine and other moisture evaporating delicacies as long as it is in moderation. Moderation means acceptance that even if something makes you feel good and tastes good, it should only be sampled on occasion and in a limited supply. Coffee is regarded by most nutrition and health experts to be perfectly safe to drink two to three times a day. Of course, the less the better, as it is with all moderated goodies.
Safe Coffee Advice to Avoid Dehydration
If coffee is a necessity for you to function, then there are ways to ensure the effects are limited. Drinking a full glass of water or two for each cup of consumed coffee can help alleviate the dehydration caused. Drinking the extra water regardless of thirst is important, because the coffee itself will be purging the moisture from your skin. Ensuring the coffee granule amount per cup is less than two teaspoons can curb the damaging side effects; sticking to one teaspoon per cup rather than two or three can make all the difference and still give the caffeine “hit” that is desired.
Coffee is an obvious staple in many diets. Its stimulating effects are used to get the body going in the morning and as a pick-me-up in the sleepy afternoon. The dehydration and other side effects are manageable as long as there is an overall moderation, which is the key to enjoyment without dehydration.
