Up until now, coffee has probably only served the sole purpose of reviving you in the morning, and perhaps seeing you through the occasional slow afternoon at work. Admittedly, it’s an important role, but you’ll be pleased to know that this isn’t the only reason you should keep a cache of fresh, organic coffee beans in your kitchen cupboard.
Most of us have heard about the highly convenient antioxidant properties present in a morning cup of joe. Previously, this has been your only defence against all those coffee haters out there. However, now there’s another reason why coffee truly is a health powerhouse. Turns out, coffee is actually super beneficial for your skin and hair, on account of its antioxidant properties and high caffeine concentrations.
There are a number of ways you can use coffee to bring out that healthy glow in your skin — just in time for summer. Here are six of them:
- Coffee scrub
Caffeine is the stimulant in coffee that makes it so popular with people who aren’t big on mornings. Caffeine is also found in high-end cellulite creams due to its ability to deflate fat cells and diminish the appearance of dimples. In addition, caffeine is an excellent exfoliant for all areas of the body.
Rather than going out and buying an expensive, chemical-infused body scrub formula at your local drug store, why not make your own at home? Mix together one tablespoon of coffee grounds with two tablespoons of coconut oil and one tablespoon of sugar. Massage the coffee scrub into your skin in a circular motion, focusing on areas where you are unhappy with your skin or where cellulite is most prevalent, such as the upper thighs and butt. Once done massaging, rinse the area with water and towel pat dry.
- Puffy eyes eliminator
Coffee once again proves its worth for the sleep-deprived by providing an effective eye-area treatment. If you have problems with puffy eyes in the morning or dark circles under your eyes due to lack of sleep (more on fixing your sleep here), save your coffee grounds from your morning cup and set them aside to cool. Rub the grounds gently under your eyes and around your eyelids, then lie down and relax for twenty minutes. Once the time is up, rinse the grounds off with cool water. You’ll be amazed by the splendor of your eyes!
- Coffee skin brightener
Not only can coffee brighten your mood in the morning, it can also brighten your skin! The caffeine contained in coffee stimulates blood flow and circulation below your skin, making it appear fresher and more vibrant.
Mix one tablespoon of coffee grounds with two tablespoons of plain, organic yogurt and rub gently into your freshly washed face. Leave the paste on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.
- Coffee foot rub
Our feet are perhaps the most underappreciated part of our bodies, considering that they have to bear our weight all day long and receive little thanks and no special treatment for their hard work. Well, you can change all that with a simple foot scrub made from coconut oil and coffee. This scrub removes dead skin, moisturizes tired skin, and generally gives your feet the nurturing they deserve.
Blend together the following ingredients: one cup of organic, unrefined coconut oil; half a cup of a good-quality, organic, ground coffee; and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Soak your feet for 10 minutes in warm water, then rub the scrub onto your feet in a circular motion. Once thoroughly rubbed in, rinse your feet in the warm water and pat dry.
- Coffee scalp exfoliator
Another often-overlooked part of your body is the scalp, which over time can become clogged with dead skin cells, which create problems with dandruff and bacterial invasion. An easy way to avoid this is to apply around one-third to half a cup of coffee grounds to your scalp and (you guessed it) massage in circular motions to work the grounds into the scalp. The best place to do this is in the shower so you don’t make a mess and can easily rinse the coffee out afterwards.
- Coffee face mask
Take your beauty regimen to the next level with this invigorating homemade face mask, incorporating coffee, honey and whole milk. It’ll leave your skin supple, fresh, and less susceptible to UV damage.
Blend together one cup of coffee grounds, two tablespoons of raw honey, and one cup of whole organic milk. Gently rub the solution onto your face, staying well clear of your eyes. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then gently rinse off with lukewarm water.
Not sure which coffee is best for your health? This might help!
—Liivi Hess
