Ditch the Coffee for Clear Skin: Herbal Alternatives to Caffeinated Drinks

We know, we know. You can't live without your morning coffee. Trust us, we get it. Coffee is a common staple for most people. It's one of the most popular ways to get an energy boost, but if you’re looking for clear skin, it may be time to consider ditching the coffee in favor of herbal alternatives. While you may have heard that caffeine can be beneficial for your overall health, it can be quite the skin enemy. In this blog post, we'll discuss why caffeine can be harmful to your skin, and how switching to herbal alternatives can benefit your overall health and wellbeing. 

Why Caffeine Can Be Harmful to Your Skin 

Caffeine is a stimulant that dehydrates the body and increases stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine.¹ This can lead to inflammation, which is bad news for your skin. Increased stress hormones can cause breakouts, puffiness and dryness, while dehydration can lead to dullness and wrinkles.² A study shows that for an average intake of about 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily, about 15 percent of the fluid was lost.³ Not only that, but caffeine also blocks certain absorption of nutrients essential for healthy skin such as vitamins A, E, B2 and B6. The combination of these factors means that too much caffeine in your diet could result in premature aging and uneven skin tone.  

Herbal Alternatives to Caffeinated Drinks 

If you are looking for an alternative to caffeinated drinks without sacrificing the taste or kick your crave, then there are plenty of herbal solutions available. These include turmeric tea which has anti-inflammatory properties; ginger tea which helps reduce acne; green tea which boosts metabolism; rooibos tea which helps brighten skin; hibiscus tea which tightens up your skin; licorice root tea which helps fade dark spots; peppermint tea which helps reduce puffiness; lemon balm tea which reduces stress levels; and butterfly pea flower tea which helps enhance memory, boost collagen, regulate glucose in the blood, and lower anxiety. You could even make your own blend of herbs! To amplify flavor (and health benefits) even further, opt for wellness powders in place of traditional teas like butterfly pea flower powder, and have fun creating mocktails and blue matcha lattes (recipe here). There’s never been a better time to go herbal!

The Benefits of Ditching Caffeine for Herbal Alternatives 

Switching from coffee to herbal alternatives can have a positive effect on both physical health and mental wellbeing. Physically, it will help keep skin hydrated and clear while reducing inflammation caused by excess caffeine consumption. Mentally, it will help reduce stress levels as some herbs like butterfly pea flower tea contain calming properties that promote relaxation. Additionally, many herbs are packed with antioxidants that help protect against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.  

How To Make the Switch and Enjoy the Benefits for Your Skin 

Making the switch from coffee to herbal alternatives may sound daunting at first—but don't worry! Here are some tips on making the transition easier:

1. Start by slowly decreasing your caffeine intake until you find yourself drinking mostly herbal teas instead of coffee. 
2. Experiment with different types of herbs to find out what works best for you. 
3. Don't forget about flavorings like honey or lemon juice - they make all the difference! 
4. Don’t give up on achieving clear skin – stick with it until you see results!  

If you're looking for clearer skin, then it might be time to ditch the coffee in favor of herbal alternatives. Making the switch from caffeinated drinks to herbal alternatives isn't easy - but it's totally worth it when you consider all the amazing skin and health benefits that come along with it! If you're ready for healthier looking skin, improved digestion, and better mental clarity - try replacing at least one cup of coffee per day with an herbal alternative like hibiscus tea or butterfly pea flower tea. You'll be glad you did! So, what are you waiting for? It's time to ditch those caffeinated drinks and start rocking those herbal alternatives. You might just find yourself feeling more energized than ever before!

Sources:

1. Lovallo WR, Farag NH, Vincent AS, Thomas TL, Wilson MF. Cortisol responses to mental stress, exercise, and meals following caffeine intake in men and women. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2006 Mar;83(3):441-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2006.03.005. Epub 2006 May 2. PMID: 16631247; PMCID: PMC2249754.
2. Choi JW, Kwon SH, Huh CH, Park KC, Youn SW. The influences of skin visco-elasticity, hydration level and aging on the formation of wrinkles: a comprehensive and objective approach. Skin Res Technol. 2013 Feb;19(1):e349-55. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2012.00650.x. Epub 2012 Jun 4. PMID: 22672420.
3. Zhang Y, Coca A, Casa DJ, Antonio J, Green JM, Bishop PA. Caffeine and diuresis during rest and exercise: A meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2015 Sep;18(5):569-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2014.07.017. Epub 2014 Aug 9. PMID: 25154702; PMCID: PMC4725310.