Not sure what to do with your used coffee grounds? Instead of spending an unnecessary amount on a coffee scrub, DIY with what is already in the kitchen.
Coffee isn’t just for a pick-me-up in the morning, it also works wonders to energise your skin and will undoubtedly become an essential part of your skincare routine.
But first, why exfoliate?
It’s no secret that exfoliating is the key to soft skin through it’s invigorating process of scrubbing off dry and dead skincells. But what if you don’t have dry skin.. and better yet, what if you have oily skin?
Skin experts believe that regular exfoliation also increases the skin’s youthfulness and radiance, so really, there’s no downside.
The process of exfoliation unclogs the skins pores and removes dirt. It also further enhances absorption of products, as moisturisers and lotions can infiltrate the skin easier to work their magic.
Additionally, the rhythm of exfoliating draws blood to the surface of the skin, boosting flow (which also means improved collagen production). This is all while evening out the skin tone and eliminating any secret dry patches to create silky smooth skin.
So, the benefits of exfoliation are obvious, but why use coffee to do it?
Coffee is packed with antioxidants, chlorogenic acid (CGA) and vitamin B3 which work their magic to reduce hyperpigmentation, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, fight away breakouts and brighten the skin.
Caffeine is also known to reduce cellulite, as it traditionally has a tightening effect which, upon regular application, produces noticeable results.
A study of the mechanisms of caffeine found that “Caffeine has potent antioxidant properties. It helps protect cells against the UV radiation and slows down the process of photoaging of the skin”
Coffee works incredibly as an exfoliator as it doesn’t dissolve when in contact with the warmth of your skin or water, allowing for a proper scrub.
Plus, if you are part of the 75% percent of the population who drink coffee, it’s more than likely you’ll have some lying around.
Basically any type of coffee can be used. From freshly ground or recently used coffee grounds to scraping the insides of a Nespresso pod. If you are using coffee that’s already been used, its important to dry out the coffee before using as it will go moldy from the moisture. Simply pop it on a tray in the oven for 20 minutes.
Method
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Coffee
- 6 tbsp of Coconut Oil
- Pinch of Sea Salt
- 2-4 drops of Essential oil (Optional- peppermint, rose or eucalyptus go nicely, otherwise stick with the strong coffee smell)
*The proportions are flexible*
- Mix the coffee and salt together
- Add in the coconut oil and essential oil and mix thoroughly
- Transfer to a jar with an airtight lid and your done!
How to use:
- Before you shower, scoop out some of the scrub and prepare to get dirty.
- Start at your feet, rubbing in the coffee in circular motions making your way up your body. Give extra attention to your bum and back of the thighs.
- Once you are covered in coffee, wash off in the shower.
If you want to go a step further to achieve babies-bum like skin, try using a dry brush as well.
A dry brush has been proven to be effective in exfoliating skin by unplugging blocked pores and increases blood flow and circulation.
Simply brush your skin, lightly, and in a circular motion. Start at the feet and work all the way up to the neck. Then follow with the coffee scrub.
