When people hear or see the word coffee, most of them can’t hold themselves back from getting their hands on a cup or two of coffee. That’s just it, these people know coffee as just a simple beverage. Even though coffee is recognised as one of the most energising and yet relatively inexpensive drinks in the world, it is surprisingly used for other biological purposes. One of which has to do with improving the quality of our very skin.
Below are eight of the purported benefits that coffee may have for your skin (along with some suggested methods to treat one’s skin)
1] Cellulite reduction
Coffee may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin. It’s thought that the caffeine in coffee is the key to cellulite reduction by dilating blood vessels beneath the skin and improving overall blood flow. In turn, this may help decrease the appearance of cellulite.
(Cellulite is a term for the formation of lumps and dimples in the skin. Cellulite is also known as orange-peel skin, cottage-cheese skin, hail damage, and the mattress phenomenon. Cellulite can affect both men and women, but it is more common in females, due to the different distributions of fat, muscle, and connective tissue. Between 80 and 90 percent of women may experience cellulite at some point in their lives.)
This skincare method is thought to best be used via a coffee scrub because the exfoliation can also smooth your skin and provide an even appearance. For the DIY body scrub, mix ground coffee with a spoon of olive oil and sugar. Use this mixture and massage on the affected area in circular motions. You can follow this routine on daily basis, depending on your skin type.
2] Calming effects
While coffee is renowned for its stimulating effects inside the body, it may provide the opposite effects when applied topically. This is thanks to the antioxidants in coffee. Antioxidants are known to reduce any risks of many diseases including heart disease and certain cancers.
3] Anti-aging benefits
Applying coffee directly to your skin has the possibility of decreasing the appearance of sun spots, redness, and fine lines. In fact, some sources have found direct correlations between drinking coffee and a decrease in photoaging effects.
4] Vitamin B-3 for skin cancer
Coffee is a rich source of vitamin B3 (niacin), due to the breakdown of a key compound called trigonelline. However, trigonelline breaks down into niacin after coffee beans have been roasted. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, niacin maybe helpful in preventing nonmelanoma skin cancers and can possibly prevent other skin growths.
5] Reduced inflammation
Anti-inflammatory effects may be attributed to chlorogenic acid (CGA) as well as Melanoidins in coffee. CGA is also linked to reducing hyperpigmentation that may have a connection with inflammation.
6] Acne treatment
In the case of a wound or frequent skin infections, the regular use of coffee could help combat problems from harmful bacteria. The CGAs in coffee has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Combined with the natural exfoliation of coffee grounds, all these benefits can collectively fight acne.
7] Dark circles
Coffee may also help treat stubborn dark circles under the eyes. This is because the caffeine content in coffee is thought to help dilate blood vessels thus reducing the dark circles.
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.
8] After-sun care
The same anti-aging benefits from coffee can also be used for post-sun care. The key here is to make a soothing treatment that your sunburned skin will appreciate — not a mask or a scrub as you would for other skin ailments.
To make a coffee-based skin treatment for a sunburn:
- Brew a fresh cup of coffee. Then, dilute it with cold water.
- Place a soft cloth or a study paper towel in the water and wring out any excess.
- Gently dab the cloth on the affected areas of skin.
- Repeat several times a day until redness and swelling start to subside.
9] Scalp exfoliator
Coffee is also a great exfoliator for your scalp. Take a half cup of ground coffee and massage your wet hair with it for two minutes. Rinse it off with your regular shampoo and conditioner. This will help to get rid of excess product build-up and dead skin cells.
10] Skin brightener
For a radiant and glowing complexion, you can try a coffee mask. Take half a cup of coffee and mix it with 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.
11] Reducing puffy eyes
Coffee increases circulation and also helps to reduce puffiness as it is high in antioxidant properties. It helps to shrink blood vessels and works great to reduce eye puffiness. Whenever you make a cup of coffee, keep the grounds aside and let them cool for some time. Apply the leftover under the eyes and eyelid area for a few minutes and later rinse it off with cold water. For puffy eyes, you can also try the coffee ice cubes hack.