Did you know that coffee has a lot of potential when it comes to skincare? Blessed with antioxidants, the topical application of coffee especially, brings in a range of benefits.
From coffee masks, to scrubs, pastes and over the counter coffee-based skincare products, there are various topical ways to use coffee. So scroll down to read about the many benefits you can expect from coffee and how to use it right.
Highlights:
Is Caffeine Good Or Bad For Your Skin?
Consuming caffeine gives you energy and works as a stress buster. However, excessive usage of any product is bad, and this holds true for coffee too.
The Good
- The presence of antioxidants in coffee, can internally benefit your health in multiple ways.
- Many studies have shown that coffee boosts your metabolism rate by 3-11 % and burns excessive fat.[1]
- Coffee consumption may lower the risk of many health issues like type 2 diabetes, dementia, Parkinson’s disease etc.
- It also has essential nutrients like riboflavin, pantothenic acid, manganese, potassium, niacin and magnesium. When you get healthy from the inside, it reflects on your skin as well.
- Topical use of coffee also offers a platter full of benefits. It has anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and acne-fighting properties.
The Bad
- While topical use of coffee is good for your skin, it needs to be within a limit. The same rule applies to coffee consumption.
- Too much coffee intake will harm your health. It is known to be one of the most common causes of cancer. Hence, keep your coffee intake in check.
- Caffeine is known to be dehydrating in nature, and when consumed, the dehydration can reflect on your skin too.
- Also, the additives of sugar and dairy in coffee can negatively impact the skin, as these are known to be triggers to acne.
What Are The Benefits Coffee Offers For Skin?
1. Anti-Ageing Properties
Applying coffee on your face can remove the common ageing signs such as fine lines, wrinkles, ageing spots, dark spots etc. Once the ageing signs are gone, you look youthful again. One study has shown a direct connection between coffee and ageing signs. The study stated that coffee contains a good amount of polyphenol which influences your skin’s health.[2]
2. Cellulite Reduction
When coffee enters your skin, it dilates the blood vessels underneath the skin. This improves blood flow in general and reduces the cellulite in your skin.[3] The best way for cellulite reduction with coffee is to use a coffee scrub for your skin. The exfoliation with ground coffee will provide you with smooth and evenly toned skin.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Coffee contains chlorogenic acid and melanoidins which contribute to its anti-inflammatory role. Both compounds are known for reducing inflammation. So if you have inflamed acne on your face, a coffee face pack can be soothing. Also, chlorogenic acid is known for treating hyperpigmentation, which means coffee can help with acne scars too.
4. Treatment Of Dark Circles
You may have noticed, many under eye products contain caffeine. This is because coffee has the potential to dilate blood vessels beneath your under eyes’ skin and enhance the blood flow. The blood vessels are responsible for your dark circles and once they are dilated, the dark circles also fade away.
5. Soothes Your Skin
Coffee is enriched with antioxidants. When you apply coffee to your skin, it reflects a soothing or calming effect. Antioxidants repair your damaged skin and rejuvenate it. If you use coffee topically for your skin, you can expect a soothing relief.
6. Acne Reduction
Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, coffee is antibacterial too. This makes it a great combination for fighting acne. When you use a coffee mask or scrub on your face, it kills the acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. You may see an improvement in your acne problem after a few days of topical application of coffee.
7. Protection From UV Rays
Coffee offers protection against harmful UV rays. According to studies, coffee is considered to be an ultraviolet radiation protectant. If applied topically, it can help you reduce the risk of free radicals. [4]
How To Use Coffee For Healthier Skin?
1. Coffee Mask
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coffee powder
- ½ tablespoon yogurt
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
Steps
- Take a bowl.
- Mix the ingredients together in the bowl.
- Make sure the mixture is lump-free.
- Apply the mask to your face.
- Leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse it off.
2. Coffee Scrub
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground coffee powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon essential oil
Steps
- Mix the coffee and brown sugar.
- Add the essential oil.
- Stir it well.
- Apply the scrub on your face.
- Massage your face in a circular motion.
- Wash your face with water.
3. Coffee & Olive Oil
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coffee powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps
- Mix the coffee powder & olive oil.
- You can add a few drops of water to it.
- Rub the mixture under your eyes. This works well in removing dark circles.
- Rinse it off with water.
4. Coffee Rinse
Ingredients
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Clean cloth
Steps
- Dilute the coffee with water.
- Dip a fresh cloth into the coffee.
- Dab the cloth on the tanned area of your face.
- Repeat the process two times a day.
5. Coffee & Honey
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coffee
- 1 teaspoon honey
Steps
- Mix the coffee powder and honey.
- Apply it to your face.
- Leave it for 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with clean water.
Can Coffee Have Any Side Effects On Your Skin?
Topical usage of coffee does not cause much harm to your skin. But over-consumption of coffee can affect your skin. Excessive coffee intake can increase the production of the stress hormone cortisol. This in turn can stimulate sebum oil production in your body. Your skin becomes oily and acne-prone.
Wrapping Up
Coffee offers multiple benefits for your skin, hair and overall health. Topical use of coffee includes coffee-based over the counter products, homemade coffee masks, scrubs and face oils. If you are opting for a coffee-based product, do ensure that it suits your skin type. While coffee offers anti-ageing, anti-bacterial and acne-fighting benefits, overuse can lead to health and skin issues.
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