If you’re looking for a great way to get rid of cellulite or stretch marks, whip up a coffee. No, not to drink, but to make a pack for your hair and skin! The beverage that helps you get started in the morning also seems to have amazing effects on skin and hair – a primary reason why coffee has taken over the beauty industry. Be it battling tanned skin or accelerating hair growth – the brown beans are working wonders for users. Let’s look at how this magical ingredient is finding its way into skincare and haircare.
Coffee Packs For The Bright Visage
Be it homemade face packs or products off the rack – coffee-based face masks and scrubs are gaining popularity by the day. Dermatologist Dr Stuti Khare Shukla explains,
“Caffeine is the phenomenal new ingredient that is being used in a lot of beauty products owing to its wonderful anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used in under-eye creams, as it helps remove dark circles. Secondly, it has shown amazing effects in combating cellulite, hence slimming products also rely on caffeine. It also has antioxidants which aid in battling puffy eyes and help get a better skin.”
Luscious Hair With Caffeine Spiked Products
Not only skincare, but caffeine helps in blood stimulation too, which accelerates hair growth. Many shampoos, conditioners and hair masks are using caffeine as a primary ingredient for better hair care. Trichologist Dr Anand Sharma answers why it works well on hair.
“Caffeine stimulates blood flow to one’s scalp, which keeps the hair and hair follicles healthy. It also promotes hair growth, so we encourage people to use shampoo, hair masks and serum that have caffeine base. Of course, one must use it over three months to see these remarkable effects. In the short term, a coffee hair mask will certainly add a healthy shine to the hair”.
DIY: 2-In-1 Coffee Mask For Hair And Face
This two-ingredient magic mask can be used on hair as well as face for tan removal and adding luscious shine to the hair. Just mix 2-3 tablespoon coffee powder to one cup of whisked yogurt. Now this can be applied as is or can be divided into two parts to add more beneficial ingredients like honey for the face and coconut oil or aloe vera for the hair.
Other benefits of using coffee on your skin may include the following:
1. Cellulite Reduction
Coffee may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin. It’s thought that the caffeine content 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.
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. Keep reading to find out how to make a coffee scrub for cellulite.
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.
3. Anti-Aging Benefits
Applying coffee directly to your skin may help decrease the appearance of sunspots, redness, and fine lines. In fact, one study found a direct correlation 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), thanks to a 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 may be 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 have 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, according to Beverly Hills MD Cosmeceuticals. This is because the caffeine content in coffee is thought to help dilate blood vessels that contribute to dark circles.
To use coffee for dark undereye circles:
Combine ½ tsp each of coffee grounds and olive oil. Add in a couple 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.
How to make a coffee face mask There are many ways to make a coffee face mask at home. The best way is to mix coffee grounds with a noncomedogenic ingredient (meaning it won’t clog your pores). Here’s one recipe to try:
Mix equal parts olive oil and coffee grounds.
Apply to your face in a circular motion.
Leave the mask on between 15 and 60 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water. Repeat up to three times per week.
Coffee is a multipurpose product that can potentially offer a variety of skincare benefits. Still, it’s a good idea to follow up with your dermatologist if you’re not seeing the desired results after several weeks of treatment.
Be sure to give any new skin treatment at least a few weeks before moving on to another treatment, whether it’s coffee-based or not.
Adapted: Healthline and ETimes
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