As temperatures drop in late autumn and early winter, symptoms of dry skin become more common once outdoor humidity decreases. According to nutritionist Jennifer Mo, some popular hot drinks in the winter months can contribute to skin itching or flaking, as reported by the "Express" newspaper. She explained: "While hydration is key, hot drinks, such as drinking more tea and coffee, often lead to skin dryness due to their diuretic effects."
Coffee and hot chocolate can be some of the worst contributors to skin dryness. In discussions with "Everyday Health," David E. Banks, director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetics, and Laser Surgery, stated: "Caffeine can dry out your skin from the inside." Nutritionist Jenny Peers mentioned to "Healthyfood": "A high intake of caffeine (more than five cups of strong tea or coffee) by individuals who do not regularly consume a lot of caffeine will have a diuretic effect, meaning the kidneys will produce more urine. This can generally have a drying effect."
Not only does this contribute to dry skin, but over time it can also increase the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Banks recommended, "For every cup of caffeine you drink, make sure to drink at least one cup of water." Ensuring that you consume enough water is the best way to take care of your skin, and we should drink "six to eight cups of fluids daily." He added: "Water is a healthy and inexpensive choice to quench your thirst at any time. It contains no calories and no sugars that could harm your teeth."
However, coffee and tea are not necessarily "harmful" to health when consumed in moderation. Other ways to care for your skin in the winter include lowering the water temperature when bathing, making it warm instead of scalding hot. Mo said: "Bathing in very hot water can cause severe dryness, so consider lowering the temperature and moisturizing your skin afterwards." It is recommended to moisturize the skin twice a day, in the morning and evening.
