Coffee is well known for having a number of health and beauty benefits. Apart from being consumed as a beverage, coffee can also be used as a body scrub to maintain healthy skin.
Benefits of coffee as a body scrub
So far, coffee powder is more widely known as a beverage ingredient. However, some studies reveal that coffee may have various benefits for skin health and beauty. Some of the benefits include:
Contains high antioxidants
According to a 2013 study, coffee has antioxidants that can boost the production of collagen. Good collagen production can help maintain skin elasticity, preventing skin from looking sagging and wrinkled. Coffee can also increase skin hydration levels by keeping the skin moisturized for longer.
UV protection for the skin
According to a report from Verywell Health, several studies show that coffee beans can shield the skin from UV-B ray damage. Coffee-derived ingredients have the potential to shield skin from sun damage and minimize wrinkles.
Masks cellulite
According to Healthline, research conducted in 2011 and 2015 showed that using coffee-based scrub creams to cover up cellulite can be beneficial. Still, more study is required to determine whether coffee helps reduce cellulite because this cream also contains retinol, which tightens and replenishes the skin's moisture content.
How to make body scrub from coffee
To make your own coffee body scrub at home, you will need a few ingredients, such as:
- Coffee powders
- Vegetable oil such as olive oil or warmed coconut oil
- Vanilla extract can be used to mask the overpowering aroma of coffee on your body
- Salt or sugar, acts as an exfoliator in the scrub
All you have to do is combine the ingredients until you get the right consistency. You can use two tablespoons of hot water or honey in place of vegetable oil if you do not have any. The scrub is ready to use once it reaches the desired consistency. The scrub can be applied to your arms, legs, torso, and face. Gently rub it over the targeted areas, and then thoroughly wash it off.
Coffee powders are generally safe to use as a body scrub, but you should avoid using them on your face if you have sensitive skin. To ensure that your coffee scrub does not cause excessive scraping motions when applied to the face, make sure the ingredients are finely ground before use.
You should perform a patch test to rule out any potential allergic reactions before applying it to your face or body. If it causes allergic reactions such as itching, skin peeling, redness, or acne, you should stop using it.
You can do a body scrub with coffee beans one to two times a week. You should speak with your doctor before using the scrub if you have any other skin conditions, such as rosacea or eczema.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Armstead, M. (2021). How to Make a DIY Coffee Scrub, Plus 5 Easy Recipes to Try. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/diy-coffee-scrub
Ferguson, S. (2019). Looking for an Easy-to-Make Body Scrub? Try These 5 DIY Recipes. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/diy-body-scrub
Palmer, A. (2022). Benefits of Using Coffee Grounds for Your Skin and Face. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/coffee-grounds-for-the-skin-and-face-4126110