From Matcha to Soda: AIIMS-trained dermatologist ranks popular drinks according to how skin-friendly they are

We have all heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but perhaps a more accurate version is: you are what you drink. Beverages are often overlooked when we talk about skin health, but the truth is, that morning latte, that mid-day soda, or even your evening green tea could be influencing your glow far more than your expensive creams.

Dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon Dr Iftekhar Khan, trained at AIIMS Delhi, recently shared a detailed breakdown of popular drinks and their surprising effects on skin health in an Instagram post. His insights are eye-opening because they reveal how small, daily habits can add up to big differences in how your skin looks and feels.

Let’s dive into what Dr Khan had to say about some of our favourite sips:

It’s no secret that bubble tea has become a global obsession, those colourful cups and chewy tapioca pearls are practically made for Instagram. But behind the aesthetic, Dr Khan offers a reality check.

“Bubble tea or boba is perfect for Instagram aesthetics. The tapioca pearls look cute, and it's enjoyable if you like sweet treats. However, it usually contains a lot of sugar, which can affect your skin,” he explains.

Excess sugar can spike insulin levels, leading to breakouts, dullness, and even premature ageing. That caramel-flavoured boba might look harmless, but your skin could be paying the price.

Rating: 8–10/10 (for sugar overload and indulgence).

There’s nothing like a frappe on a hot day, or that iced latte to get you through an afternoon slump. Coffee, after all, is loaded with antioxidants, which are great for skin repair and protection. But there’s a catch.

“Coffee contains antioxidants, but it can sometimes trigger flare-ups or cause weight gain. Black coffee is a much better option for your skin,” advises Dr Khan.

So, while that double-shot caramel frappe is comforting, all the added sugar, cream, and syrups can undo coffee’s natural benefits. If you can stick to a simple black coffee or an Americano, your skin will thank you.

Rating: 6/10

This one gets a gold star. Green tea is a classic in the skincare world, and Dr Khan agrees. “Green tea is rich in catechins and EGCG, which are antioxidants that help fight bacteria and reduce redness,” he says.

Regular consumption of green tea can calm inflammation, reduce acne flare-ups, and even help prevent premature ageing by fighting oxidative stress. It’s no wonder it has been a staple in Asian beauty rituals for centuries.

Rating: 9/10

We all know soda isn’t exactly health food, but Dr Khan digs into why it’s especially bad for skin. “Regular soda often contains artificial sweeteners, which can disturb gut microbiota and affect skin health,” he warns.

An unhappy gut often shows up on your face, think pimples, dull skin, or unpredictable breakouts. If you thought switching from sugar to diet soda was a fix, artificial sweeteners may actually make things worse.

Rating: 5/10

Matcha lovers, rejoice! “Matcha is an excellent choice because it's powdered green tea, packed with antioxidants and other healthy nutrients,” says Dr Khan.

Unlike steeped green tea, matcha involves consuming the whole powdered leaf, which means you are getting a much more concentrated dose of nutrients. It fights free radicals, calms inflammation, and provides a steady energy boost without the crash of coffee. It’s practically a skincare elixir in a cup.

Rating: 10/10

Your skincare routine doesn’t end at your bathroom counter it continues in your kitchen and café orders. Dr Iftekhar Khan’s advice is a reminder that glowing skin is as much about lifestyle choices as it is about serums and moisturisers. While an occasional bubble tea or soda won’t ruin your complexion, making antioxidant-rich, low-sugar drinks like green tea or matcha part of your everyday habits can truly change the way your skin looks and feels.

So next time you reach for a drink, think beyond hydration and consider: Is this sip helping me glow, or holding my skin back?