No doubt, most of us reach for a cup of coffee (or two or three - no judgment) in the morning to give us a much-needed boost to face the day. And why not? Coffee offers up a host of health benefits. Not only does it improve focus, but research shows that when consumed in moderation, coffee helps lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart failure (in addition to a slew of other benefits). But have you ever thought about the role coffee can play on your skincare routine?
Yes, you read the right. Coffee is chock-full of nutrients and antioxidants that are great for your skin. In fact, this pantry staple is quite a skincare powerhouse; who knew?
Exfoliation
The texture of coffee grounds, coupled with the fact that they don’t dissolve in water, makes it an excellent exfoliator. However, it may be worth noting that if you’re using coffee grounds as an exfoliator on your face, you should take care to use a finer ground like espresso, for example. Course grounds (which tend to have jagged edges) could actually cause microscopic tears in your skin, leaving you with a little more than you bargained for.
Reduces the appearance of cellulite
Because coffee dilates the blood vessels under your skin and improves blood flow, it can minimize the appearance of cellulite. Exfoliation is probably the best way to accomplish this as it can help smooth the appearance of your skin and amplify that svelte look.
Minimizes the look of puffy eyes and dark circles
Coffee can also help minimize the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes. Based on the same science that helps with the appearance of cellulite, coffee dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow, causing your skin to temporarily tighten. The result is that your eyes look bright and refreshed.
Anti-aging
Coffee is teeming with antioxidants, so it can really pack a punch to defend your skin against free-radicals, pollution, and UV rays (all of which tend to speed up the aging process). Moreover, coffee can minimize the appearance of sunspots, redness, and fine lines, and a 2013 study showed that coffee could actually counteract the effects of photoaging.
Acne treatment
Coffee can be an effective treatment for acne because it contains chlorogenic acids, a known anti-inflammatory. Pair that with coffee’s antibacterial properties and its exfoliating prowess, and it sounds like you have a powerful acne treatment right in your kitchen.
And there you have it, not only can coffee work its magic to improve your mood and focus, but it can also give your skincare routine a little boost.
