All The Benefits That Coffee Brings To Your Skin

Last updated on : June 19 2023

Coffee As Part Of Your Skincare Regimen

While there is a long list of health benefits of coffee, we are increasingly celebrating its effects on skincare.

Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which means it helps fight off free radicals that cause skin damage. According to a paper published by the American Chemical Society, coffee is the top source of antioxidants for most Americans. It is far ahead of accessible antioxidant beverage sources like tea and wine.

Drinking coffee benefits your skin, but its topical application is more direct and increasingly popular. You may have heard people singing praises of coffee face masks or pastes – now you know why.

Let’s take a look at some scientific sources that show just how great things can be.

The Ways Coffee Benefits Your Skin

Here are seven ways coffee helps your skin.  

1. Coffee Can Help With Acne Treatment

Coffee can help with reducing frequent skin infections and acne.

Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) in coffee is an antibacterial that can sufficiently fight off these infections. Plus, coffee grounds have natural exfoliating properties that further help in reducing and treating acne.

The famous beverage is an effective facial scrub to get rid of acne. Of course, the idea is to use it for topical application, rather than drink it. It is worth noting that freshly ground beans work better than pre-ground and packaged beans. So in that regard, at least coffee applied topically has the same results as brewing a fresh cuppa.

Some people tend to employ used grounds as a way to reduce wastage. It’s a good thought. It’s also less effective. Used grounds do not have the same presence of CGA and caffeine as fresh grounds, so the application is inherently going to be less potent. It’s perhaps still somewhat useful for exfoliation, but for better results, it's best to use fresh ground coffee.

2. Bye Bye Cellulite

Cellulite is troublesome, pesky, and pretty much refuses to go away. Well, where there is coffee, there is a solution. When applied topically on the skin, coffee can improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels.

When applied topically, caffeine is absorbed in the skin, where it encourages blood vessels near the skin surface to dilate. The increased blood flow helps reduce cellulite from appearing on the skin.

Additionally, a good coffee scrub can help shed dead and old skin cells making your skin appear smoother.

Since coffee can reduce water retention in the skin, it becomes easier to do away with the rumpled look of cellulite. Antioxidants present in coffee play another role and can effectively reduce toxins present in the skin. It’s a win-win!

The best application method would be using coffee as a paste. I’ve added a recipe for one further down in this article. You can give it a shot to see how it works out.

As a short term solution, coffee is indeed very effective in getting rid of cellulite. Plus, it’s an effective skincare regimen so that you can try it without worry.

3. Reducing Inflammation And After-Sun Problems

Chlorogenic Acid in coffee isn’t just helpful in getting rid of acne. It has a real use for reducing inflammation as well. Additionally, the melanoidins and polyphenol in coffee help with hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation.

Everyday use for this problem can be with sunburns or after-sun care. While drinking coffee is helpful in these scenarios, another remedy can bring relief faster.

Start by brewing some fresh coffee without any additives. Here are the steps:

• Brew a fresh cup of coffee without any additives (no milk, sugar, etc.).
• Add cold water to this cup and dilute it till you get a comfortable temperature. This part is more of something that you find works for you, rather than an exact measurement. Just remember to be moderate.
• Dip a soft cloth into this water. Wring the fabric, so it remains moist but does not drip.
• Gently rub or dab on affected areas.
• Repeat several times in the day until it gets more comfortable.

4. Get Rid Of Dark Circles With Coffee

A busy life without a lot of time to chill and sleep can often lead to dark circles. You can substantially reduce stubborn dark circles with the help of coffee.

Caffeine plays a significant role in effecting this. It dilates the blood vessels, thus encouraging higher blood flow. The better blood flow can be a remedy to the blood vessels contributing to dark circles.

The favored remedy, in this case, is a paste. Here’s how you can go about it:

• Mix ½ teaspoon coffee grounds with a couple of droplets of water and some olive oil.
• When the mixture has the right consistency, apply it under your eyes. Gently place it in position, do not rub.
• Let it stay for 5-10 minutes.
• Wash it off with cold water and wipe with a soft cloth.
• Repeat the process a couple of times every day.

Read more: How Tanning Reduces The Look Of Cellulite, If At All

5. Anti-Aging Properties Of Coffee

Coffee works both as an antioxidant and an exfoliator. Add to that it's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and you have a potent weapon against skin aging.

Coffee is known to reduce sunburns, redness, and fine lines. It’s excellent when applied topically, but it can be as useful when consumed as a beverage.

Read more: Can Coffee Uptick Your Metabolism And Help You Burn Fat

6. Vitamin B-3 For Protection Against Cancer

Coffee is a rich source of vitamin B3 (niacin). This vitamin can be incredibly useful in preventing nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Coffee beans contain a compound called trigonelline. When you roast coffee beans, this compound breaks down and converts into niacin.

7. Get A Soothing And Enjoyable Foot Bath

Here’s a way to get a quick and stunning cleansing of your feet. You know the secret ingredient already, it’s coffee.

This cleansing routine might not be as good as a professional pedicure, but it sure is a hell of a lot cheaper, quicker, and has very pleasing results.

The underlying theory is simple and one that I’ve mentioned previously. Coffee helps improve blood flow and acts beautifully as an exfoliator. However, since we’re dealing with feet here, making a paste or face mask isn’t going to be very helpful. A foot bath, on the other hand, will work well.

The recipe is relatively simple and does not require much work. If you have one of those drip coffee makers that can churn up something like 12 cups of coffee in one go, things will go quicker.

Here are the steps:

• Brew a few pots or cups of coffee. There is no set volume, use whatever amount of liquid you think is necessary.
• Empty each pot/ cup you brew into a small bucket.
• With each coffee cup placed into the bucket, add the used grounds as well.
• Let the coffee cool down to a comfortable temperature with no risk of harming/ burning your feet.
• Place your feet in the bath and enjoy the relaxing sensations. Use the coffee grounds to scrub away dead skin cells from your feet.
• Afterward, wash your feet with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

Making A Simple Coffee Face Mask

We have discussed a couple of ways to use coffee topically in this article. Now use a similar principle for creating face masks.

While some fancy face masks are available in the market, ours are a homemade recipe and far more straightforward. But they are still beneficial, especially where coffee face masks are concerned.

Mix ground coffee with something that will keep it on the face but does not clog the pores. A paste-style composition is ideal. Use olive Oil, although coconut oil may be employed as well.

Here’s the quick recipe:

• Mix equal parts of coffee grounds and olive oil. A paste-like consistency is most useful.
• Apply the paste by moving the applicator in circular motions.
• Let it stay for 15-60 minutes.
• Wash it off with warm water.
• Generally, the face mask should be applied two to three times a week.

Coffee For Your Skin

As we see above, and as research shows, coffee has some very tangible benefits for your skin and your health in general.

If you are a coffee drinker, rejoice in your choice of beverage. Coffee’s benefits are well-regarded, but if you have a severe problem, it is better to see a doctor rather than trying home remedies.

Skin-related treatments can take a few weeks before the results become apparent. Do not expect instant results and give your treatment time to work, and your skin to glow. 

Bonus Read: Remember to match your hair color to your revitalized skin tone and use all natural and organic skincare products wherever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions most frequently asked by our readers.

1. Is coffee really beneficial for the skin? 

Yes, coffee can be good for the skin when used topically. It contains antioxidants and other compounds that can help improve your skin's overall health and appearance.

2. How does coffee help improve the skin's appearance? 

Coffee has several properties that contribute to improved skin appearance. When used directly on the skin, it helps exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, and tighten the skin.

Additionally, coffee contains antioxidants that fight free radicals, helping to reduce the signs of aging.

3. Can coffee help reduce the appearance of cellulite?

Yes, coffee can help reduce the appearance of cellulite through the topical use of coffee scrubs and creams. The caffeine in coffee stimulates blood flow and tightens the skin, temporarily improving the appearance of cellulite. 

4. Are there any specific skin conditions that coffee can help with?

When applied topically, coffee can be beneficial for various skin conditions.

Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful for reducing redness and irritation associated with conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. The antioxidants in coffee can also aid in repairing damaged skin and promoting a healthier complexion.

5.How can I incorporate coffee into my skincare routine?

There are several ways to incorporate coffee into your skincare routine.

You can use a coffee scrub to exfoliate your skin, make a coffee face mask to rejuvenate and brighten your complexion, or use skin care products containing coffee extract or oil.

Additionally, you can use leftover coffee grounds as a gentle exfoliator or as an ingredient in homemade beauty treatments.

6. Are there any precautions or side effects to be aware of when using coffee on the skin?

While coffee is generally safe for most people, there are a few things to consider.

First, it is essential to perform a patch test before applying coffee-based products to your face or body to check for allergic reactions. Additionally, coffee can be drying, so it's essential to moisturize your skin after using coffee-based treatments.

It's advisable to consult a dermatologist before using coffee on your skin if you have sensitive skin or any existing skin conditions.

7. Can drinking coffee also benefit the skin? 

While a topical application of coffee has more direct benefits for the skin, drinking coffee in moderation can also contribute to healthier skin indirectly. 

Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of skin damage. However, excessive consumption of coffee may dehydrate the body, harming the skin. 

It's better to maintain a balanced and hydrated lifestyle alongside enjoying coffee.

8. Are there any alternatives to coffee for skincare? 

If you're looking for alternatives to coffee, other natural ingredients can offer similar benefits for the skin. Some popular options include green tea, aloe vera, honey, turmeric, and oatmeal.

These ingredients have unique properties that can help nourish and improve the skin's appearance.

9. Can everyone use coffee-based skincare products? 

While most people can benefit from coffee-based skincare products, it's best to consider individual skin sensitivities and allergies. If you have known allergies to coffee or any other ingredients in the product, it's best to avoid using it. 

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