There are very few things in life as sublime as coffee. We know it best as our loyal companion that makes our workdays more bearable, but it also has tremendous beauty benefits as well. Caffeine has been proven to blast cellulite and even brighten and smooth dull skin. Yup, you heard that right.
According to Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a Board-Certified Dermatologist and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s better to apply caffeinated products topically as opposed to drinking it. Using coffee-infused skin care products penetrate faster and target an affected area faster.
She also notes, “coffee beans are great for exfoliating dead skin cells and brightening the skin. The caffeine in coffee when applied topically will temporarily increase blood flow which will minimize the appearance of cellulite and have the skin appear tighter as well as refreshed.”
So while you’re sipping away at your cup of joe in the morning be sure to save your grounds because it will be the main ingredient in a beauty elixir. Keep reading for three ways to incorporate coffee into your beauty and wellness routine to get glowing, healthy skin.
SCRUB SCRUB, SMOOTH
Any goal worth achieving starts with consistency. This scrub is a favorite because it’s so easy to make and you’ll certainly want to use it every day. The caffeine helps to shrink the size of fat cells, resulting in a tighter effect.
Ingredients:
1 Cup of coffee grounds
1/2 Cup of brown Sugar
1 Cup of natural oil of your choice (we recommend: coconut, jojoba, olive or sunflower)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and apply the mixture to dry skin. If possible, thoroughly massage into skin, showing special attention to problem areas. Make sure that the coffee you use is finely ground to achieve the best results.
Pro Tip: Be sure to cover your drain with mesh so you’re not calling your landlord the next day to unclog it.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, BRIGHTEN
You know how coffee gives us that boost of energy in the morning? Well, it can also do the same for our skin. Candace Crowder, owner of Great Skin by Candace recommends a coffee and yogurt face mask to rejuvenate and perk up your skin in the morning. She says, “the caffeine in coffee will stimulate circulation while yogurt contains high levels of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), a natural exfoliation compound proven to break down dead skin cells and stimulate collagen.” This mask is also loaded with antioxidants proven to lead us to a more glowing and radiant complexion.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons freshly ground coffee (or used grinds from your own morning joe)
2 tablespoons unflavored yogurt
1 tablespoon raw honey
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly and apply a thin layer to face and neck. Let the mask sit for about 15-20 minutes for optimum results. Remove with lukewarm water.
Pro Tip: Splash face with cool water on last rinse to ensure pores are sealed. That will give you a tighter and brighter look, and prevent free radicals from invading your skin.
PUFF OFF
Because of its amazing anti-inflammatory properties, caffeine can restrict the blood flow under your eyes, and reduce swelling, therefore, preventing puffiness and dark circles. It is so effective that almost every product on the market has a certain level of caffeine in its formula as a way to eliminate those pesky puffs.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp coffee powder
4-6 tbsp almond or jojoba oil
A few drops of vitamin E oil (or 2 Vitamin E capsules)
Directions:
Transfer the coffee powder into an empty container and combine almond/jojoba oil and vitamin E in the same container. Mix all three ingredients thoroughly. Pat the cream onto the area around your eye. Make sure to not rub, as the skin around your eye is the thinnest and rubbing too harshly can lead to tearing or aggravation. Let the cream work its magic for 15-20 minutes then rinse with cool water.
And for those who prefer buying their products instead of making them, here are three super effective caffeine-infused products that we love: 1. Frank Body’s Coffee Scrub, 2. Lush’s Cup O’ Coffee Face Mask and 3. Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream. When you consider the beauty benefits of coffee, it’s only right to implement it into your daily self-care routines. Your future self with thank you for it!
