Coffee has long since been the first thing many of us reach for when we are feeling sluggish and need a little pick-me-up. But, the benefits of coffee can be more far-reaching than just an energy boost. There are some surprising benefits to using coffee grounds for your skin.Â
So, if you’re looking to feel more awake from the inside out, coffee could be just the answer. It works overtime in the beauty department to make your skin glow. Here we will distill the science of what coffee can, and can’t, do for your skin.Â
1. Exfoliant
Coffee grounds make an excellent exfoliant. The grounds don’t dissolve in water, making them excellent at scrubbing away dead skin cells. Plus, they have various chemicals that can help promote healthy skin, such as caffeic acid, which could help boost collagen levels, for example. There are also anti-microbial qualities in coffee grounds making it an all-around excellent scrub for your skin.
To make a simple exfoliating scrub, simply combine
- ¼ cup coffee grounds
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Lemon juice to the desired consistency
Scrub the mixture into your skin once every few days after washing, let the scrub sit on the skin for a few minutes, and then wash off.
2. Banish Dark Under-Eye Circles
Coffee can help reduce the dark circles and puffiness under our eyes. This is due to the caffeine dilating the blood vessels around the eyes, increasing blood flow in the areas that cause dark circles and puffiness.
To use coffee for dark undereye circles:
- Combine ½ tsp each of coffee grounds and olive oil. Add in a couple of drops of water to make a small paste in your hand.
- Gently pat underneath your eyes without rubbing.
- Leave the mixture on for five to ten minutes.
- Rinse off with water or gently wipe the mask with a soft cloth.
Repeat as often as needed.
3. Acne Treatment
The chlorogenic acids in coffee grounds have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Combining these with the antioxidants and stimulants found in coffee may make it an effective acne-fighting facial scrub,
Acne occurs when oil, dead skin cells, and other harmful substances clog the pores, which can become infected, causing inflammation.
By using the natural exfoliating properties of coffee grounds, it can help to clear away the dead skin cells, unclog the pores, and make an excellent treatment for acne.
4. Cellulite Reduction
There is no conclusive evidence for this, but coffee may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin.
The belief is that caffeine increases blood flow, which, when added to exfoliation from the coffee grounds, could help reduce the appearance of stubborn cellulite.
Using fresh, wet coffee grounds, massage the areas, and gently exfoliate. Over time this may reduce the appearance of cellulite.
5. Kissable Lips
As we come into the winter, dry lips are the curse of cranked-up heating and cold winds. But, by mixing a small amount of coffee grounds with coconut oil, you can keep your lips smooth and kissable all winter long.
The coffee grounds act as an exfoliant, gently buffing away any dead skin cells whilst the coconut oil seals in the moisture.
The mixture can be removed with a damp washcloth after being massaged in – you don’t need to lick it off!
6. Foot Bath
Using freshly brewed coffee along with the grounds can cleanse and soften the skin on your feet.Â
Plus, it can help to remove any dead skin cells from the soles of your feet through exfoliation. Mixed with the stimulating effect of the caffeine and increased blood flow, will leave your feet feeling very refreshed and pampered.
To make a foot bath:
- Brew a few large cups of coffee
- Add both coffee and used grounds to a large bucket or tub
- Allow the coffee to cool so you don’t burn your feet
- Soak your feet in the coffee and use the grounds to scrub away dead skin cells
7. Scalp Exfoliation
Your scalp is naturally acidic, around pH 5.5. And using hair products that have a higher pH may cause damage to the scalp as well as frizziness and dullness to the hair.
As coffee is naturally acidic – medium roast has a pH of around 5.1 – exfoliating your scalp can make it look healthier.
The coffee grounds not only help remove dead skin but can also return your scalp to its natural pH. This can make your hair look much healthier and have a better, natural shine.
To wash, rub coffee grounds into the scalp. Or, rinse coffee (once cooled) through the hair.
8. Brightening Face Mask
A coffee mask could give you that fresh, bright, clean complexion.
Take half a cup of coffee and mix it with a few spoons of milk for a thick consistency. Use this mixture as a face pack for 10-15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
This face mask will help to get rid of dead skin cells, leaving behind glowing skin.
There are a variety of coffee benefits for the skin. Plus, it can be a cheap, environmentally friendly way of treating many types of skin issues.
So, stop throwing away all your coffee grounds and start making your own scrubs and masks to have healthier skin to go along with that energy buzz from your morning caffeine hit.
Always give the treatment a few weeks to work before switching to another option. And, always contact a dermatologist if you have persistent skin issues.
