Breakouts, wrinkles, dark circles, dry skin — everyone has skin problems they’d like to be rid of. But spending a ton on fancy serums, facials, and skincare products may not be the key to glowing selfies.
What about your cup of coffee? Packed with potent antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and brain fog-busting caffeine, coffee beans may contain the secret to healthy skin that radiates from the inside out.
So let’s explore the science-backed benefits of coffee for your skin. You’ll discover why a morning cup — and even the grounds!— belong in everyone’s skincare routine.
6 Science-Backed Coffee Benefits for Skin Health
You’ll find over a thousand bioactive compounds in coffee, including caffeine and antioxidants.[*] These all-stars are responsible for most of the health benefits and anti-aging effects of coffee.[*] So it’s no surprise that researchers say coffee’s skin benefits include the potential to:
1. Slow Signs of Aging
Your skin is the most visible organ, putting your body’s natural aging process on full display. Scientists say environmental pollutants and ultraviolet waves from sunlight (UVA and UVB) are responsible for up to 80% of our skin’s aging.[*][*]
They create harmful free radicals that inflict oxidative stress on our cells, which results in signs of photoaging like dry skin, fine lines, sunspots, and less elasticity.[*]
Antioxidants are your cell’s best defense against the oxidative damage free radicals inflict. Antioxidants scavenge and neutralize free radicals to prevent, lessen, and even reverse those signs of premature aging.[*]
Here’s the best news: coffee is the largest source of antioxidants and polyphenols (like chlorogenic acid) in most people’s diets.[*] According to studies, the antioxidant properties of chlorogenic acid may help improve fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin appearance. It may even diminish UVB damage.[*]
Drinking coffee is even associated with fewer dark spots and greater protection from photoaging.[*]
2. Protect Your Skin from UV Damage & Skin Cancer
Researchers say excessive exposure to UV radiation is the main driver of skin cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world.[*] UV rays cause inflammation and oxidative stress, damage DNA, and trigger mutations associated with skin cancer.[*][*]
Luckily, coffee’s potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may protect cells from UV radiation and prevent skin damage.[*][*] Scientists in one study learned that chlorogenic acid (CGA) not only scavenges free radicals generated from UVB, but actually absorbs its radiation so it can’t damage DNA.[*]
Studies even suggest that people who consume the most coffee have a 20% lower risk of malignant melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) than those who consume the least.[*]
The caffeine in coffee is also being used more in topical skincare products because it can penetrate the skin barrier to work its magic.[*] A recent trial revealed that a sunscreen containing 2.5% caffeine provided 25% more UV protection than one without it.[*]
3. Reduce Acne
The primary triggers of acne and blemishes include hormones, clogged hair follicles, excess sebum (oil) production, and bacteria.[*] These kick off an inflammatory response that sends immune cells to the site of trouble, erupting in a painful, red pimple.
Good news? Scientists say the chlorogenic acid in coffee delivers substantial perks for breakout-prone skin. It’s antibacterial, has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help control oil production, making it one of the best potential treatment options that address the root causes instead of the effect (the breakout itself).[*]
4. Stimulate Collagen Production
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It gives your skin, muscles, and tissues structure.[*] And it’s responsible for your skin’s elasticity and youthful bounce.
Unfortunately, our bodies produce less collagen as we age, leading to a loss of suppleness and firmness and an increase in wrinkles and fine lines.[*] This is why many people add a collagen supplement to their morning ritual or wellness routine.
Combining collagen with coffee is an even better idea! Research shows the caffeine in coffee may boost collagen production to plump your skin and smooth out those pesky wrinkles.[*]
In one trial, participants used a coffee-infused cleanser twice daily. Scientists noticed elevated collagen proteins and improved skin appearance, fine lines and wrinkles, roughness and dryness, and skin pigmentation.[*]
5. Decrease Dark Circles & Puffy Eyes
The skin around your eyes has less collagen than other areas of your body, so it’s more prone to fine lines, water retention/swelling, and signs of aging.[*]
This delicate skin is also extremely thin. So damaged blood vessels and capillaries and poor undereye circulation, the two biggest drivers of dark circles, become very noticeable.[*]
On the plus side, drinking coffee and using caffeine-infused undereye creams may improve blood circulation.[*][*] Clinical trials show that topical caffeine-infused skincare products may reduce puffiness and diminish dark circles.[*][*]
So, while poor circulation causes puffiness and a bluish appearance under the eyes, sending more oxygen and vital nutrients to your skin via better blood flow may promote a healthier appearance.
6. Diminish the Appearance of Cellulite
It’s estimated that up to 90% of women will experience the dimpled skin on their upper arms, thighs, hips, and butt known as cellulite.[*] It appears when fat deposits push against the connective tissue beneath the thin skin in these areas.
Coffee contains lipolytic (fat-busting) properties. So caffeine is often used as an active ingredient in anti-cellulite skincare products to prevent an accumulation of fat in these areas.[*] One small trial of a cream containing 3.5% caffeine reduced the appearance of cellulite by nearly 20% after six weeks.[*]
Using Coffee Grounds To Make DIY Natural Skincare
Your daily cup of Joe can help you score all the benefits of coffee for your skin. When you save those fresh coffee grounds, you can also reap all the perks of applying coffee/caffeine topically to level up your skin health.
The texture of used coffee grounds makes a natural exfoliant to slough away dead skin cells, boost circulation, and scrub your way to smoother skin. Depending on your skin type, you can use a coarse or finer ground (for sensitive skin) to customize your DIY coffee scrub or coffee face mask.
All you have to do is mix equal parts of coffee grounds with:
- Coconut oil or olive oil for a moisturizing exfoliation
- Brown sugar for extra exfoliation (like before shaving)
- Honey for acne-prone skin
Apply your mixture to damp skin, scrub in circular motions (to exfoliate), or leave on for 5–15 minutes (for a mask). Then, rinse with warm water (or cold water for dry skin). Repeat once or twice a week, as they can be too harsh for daily use.
Remember, while research is promising, consulting a dermatologist for a personalized skincare regimen is always best. ☺️
Ditch the Filter; Wake Up Your Glow with IQJOE
Researchers say instant coffee offers more protective, skin-boosting antioxidants than regular brewed coffee, espresso, and coffee substitutes.[*][*] It’s also the easiest, cleanest, and quickest way to snag your caffeine buzz.
That’s why we created IQJOE, an instant adaptogenic coffee that takes you from bean to beaming in less than two minutes. Just add one IQJOE packet to hot water, stir until dissolved, and get ready to brew a brighter, healthier complexion.
Made with organic caffeine from green coffee and sustainable Brazilian coffee, each IQJOE packs a serious punch for your brain health and overall wellness. It contains:
- Magtein®️ (Magnesium L-Threonate) to promote higher mental performance, focus, and mental clarity while reducing stress and anxiety.[*][*][*]
- 8X-Concentrated Lion's Mane Extract, one of the best adaptogens to boost stress resilience, elevate your cognitive function, and even grow new brain cells.[*][*][*]
You’ll score long-lasting, crash-proof, jitter-free energy to blast through brain fog and tap into unlimited productivity.
☕ Nourish your skin from the inside out with the IQJOE Variety Pack — it’s the best way to try every tasty flavor in our cafe-worthy lineup!
✨ Ready for Your Coffee-Powered Glow Up?
From shielding your skin from sun damage and fighting cellulite, banishing breakouts to boosting collagen production and fading wrinkles, coffee’s more than a pick-me-up; it’s a proven winner for keeping your skin looking youthful, radiant, and glowing. So brew yourself a cup, mix up a coffee scrub, and unleash nature’s best-kept beauty secret.
📝 Meeting your hydration and protein goals is also vital for optimized skin health. Tackle these tasks with the Ultimate Sampler — a bundle with every IQJOE instant coffee, IQMIX hydration multiplier, and IQBAR plant-based protein bar flavor!
Written by Lauren Ciccarelli, a writer and research geek passionate about low-carb nutrition, mental health, and meditation. Her 2,500+ articles empower doers with science-backed tips for leveled-up living.
