Will My Skin Look Better If I Stop Drinking Coffee?

Your skin may look better if you stop drinking coffee, particularly if it was causing dehydration or exacerbating conditions like acne. However, everyone is different, and cutting out caffeine alone may not affect your skin in a noticeable way. A balanced diet and a skincare routine that is tailored to one’s individual skin needs may also be helpful in achieving healthy-looking skin ( 30 ).

Is It Good To Cycle Off Caffeine?

Cycling off caffeine (taking breaks from consuming it) may have some potential benefits, such as reducing tolerance and dependency. However, if done too frequently or for extended periods, it may also lead to withdrawal symptoms and decreased energy levels. It’s always a good practice to listen to your body to find what works best for you.

Is Decaf Coffee Completely Caffeine-Free?

Decaf coffee is not completely caffeine-free; it still contains trace amounts of caffeine. On average, a 8-fluid ounce cup of decaf coffee contains about 2.4 mg of caffeine ( 31 ), compared to 96 mg found in regular coffee ( 3 ). While this amount may be negligible for most people, it’s important for those who are highly sensitive to caffeine or trying to eliminate it completely from their diet, to take note. With this in mind, if you’re looking for a truly caffeine-free alternative, herbal teas or caffeine-free alternatives like chicory may be a better option.

How Can I Reduce My Caffeine Intake Without Giving Up Coffee Altogether?

If you want to reduce your caffeine intake without giving up coffee altogether, there are several options you can try: Gradually decrease the amount of coffee you drink each day until you reach your desired level. Experiment with alternative brewing methods that may extract less caffeine from the beans (such as cold brew or pour-over). Try mixing caffeinated and decaf coffee to gradually decrease your caffeine intake. Substitute some of your coffee drinks with herbal teas or other alternatives.

Blog Editorial team Daphne Catherine Spyropoulos, PhD

Daphne Catherine Spyropoulos, PhD

Gut-brain psychology researcher, Clinical Experience at Harvard Medical School and Yale Neurology

Dr. Daphne Spyropoulos is a gut-brain psychology researcher and therapist. She has gained Clinical Experience at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Yale Neurology. With a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, she specializes in researching how gut microbiome composition affects mood and neurodegenerative disorders. Passionate about holistic health approaches and preventive medicine, Dr. Spyropoulos advocates for a proactive stance in healthcare.

Experience

Gut-brain psychology researcher
Published author of 5 books
Clinical Experience at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Yale Neurology

Education

Fordham University, Counseling Psychology PhD,
American College of Greece, Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy MSc
Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Communications, Media and Culture, BA