There are two types of people: one who believes in 'where there's tea, there's hope', and the second who is of the opinion that 'life begins after coffee.' So, whether you're reaching for a cup of tea or coffee, your choice of beverage sets the stage for a productive morning. Well, you'll be happy to know that tea and coffee both have their own set of not just health benefits but also skin benefits. Whether you're sipping away cups after cups of your favourite beverage or using the ingredient as a topical treatment, here are all the pros and cons of the two most popular morning pick-me-ups.
01Antioxidants
Both tea and coffee are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants are cell protectors that protect your skin against free radicals. While tea contains catechins, coffee is rich in phenolic acids. Catechins are powerful antioxidants that improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and combat free radicals. These free radicals cause your skin to age prematurely. Therefore, green tea is recommended for youthful, glowing skin. Phenolic acids, on the other, are a group of antioxidants that include caffeic acid, p-coumaric, ferulic, gallic and ellagic acid. These contain potent anti-ageing actives, promote even tone, reduce pigmentation and brighten skin.
02Caffeine content
Did you know that 95 per cent of adults consume caffeine on a regular basis? Though it can be mildly addictive, it's best to enjoy caffeine in moderation. While an average cup of tea has around 25 to 100 mg of caffeine, coffee has around 50 to 200 mg of caffeine. Drinking more than four to five cups of tea or coffee every single day may be hazardous to your body as well as skin. While overdose of caffeine causes health concerns such as high blood pressure, obesity, insomnia, anxiety attacks and stomach disorders, it also triggers acne. Caffeine increases the body's stress levels by boosting stress hormones which is one of the main reasons for breakouts.
03Skin benefits
Both tea and coffee benefit the skin if consumed in moderation. While green tea is known for fighting premature ageing, treating acne, reducing redness and irritation, and moisturising skin, other teas are also rich in anti-ageing and inflammation-fighting components. Coffee, on the other hand, helps increase blood flow and decrease inflammation, leaving you with brighter, healthier and glowing skin. Coffee ground extracts when used topically help prevent the appearance of wrinkles and slow down collagen loss.
