Drinking Coffee May Reduce Rosacea Risk

A new report from the medical journal, JAMA Dermatology suggests that drinking coffee may reduce the skin redness associated with rosacea, a condition which affects about 415 million people worldwide. Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory condition that affects the face in the form of flushing and blushing, and sometimes acne-like bumps. People with rosacea are usually advised to avoid hot beverages, sun exposure, spicy foods, and other things that are considered triggers.

The observational study revealed that women who drank four or more cups of coffee daily were 23% less likely to experience rosacea than those who take in one cup or fewer of coffee per month. Researchers believe that coffee may have lessened rosacea symptoms because caffeine constricts blood vessels, reducing rosacea’s flushing effect, and because coffee contains antioxidants which act as anti-inflammatories.

However, other caffeinated products such as tea, soda, and chocolate were not associated with a reduced risk of rosacea. Chocolate was even associated with a higher risk.

Since the study was purely observational, a causal relationship is yet to be established between coffee and reduced risk of rosacea. However, if you have it, know that science says, at least for now, there’s no reason to think that coffee is making this worse.