How Coffee Affects Your Skin?
Exfoliation
Coffee grounds make a great exfoliate. The grounds do not dissolve in water, which makes them good at scrubbing away dead skin cells.
Coffee also help to promote healthy skin. Caffeic acid, an antioxidant, may boost collagen levels and reduce the premature aging of cells.
Caffeic acid also has antimicrobial properties, which means that it may help protect the skin against germs.
Getting rid of puffy eyes
Coffee may benefit people with puffy, inflamed eyes.
Caffeine stimulates blood flow and widens, or dilates, the blood vessels. This increases blood flow, which can help the skin to naturally tighten. The result may be a reduction in the buildup of fluid under the eyes.
Other compounds in coffee, such as chlorogenic acids, may also reduce inflammation around the eyes.
Sun protection
Coffee contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols. These may help to protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays and some signs of aging linked to sun exposure.
Drinking coffee or applying it to the skin are simple ways to deliver these antioxidants to the body.
Cellulite reduction
Coffee may also help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin.
A small study reported that a topical slimming product containing caffeine and several other active ingredients was more effective at reducing stubborn cellulite in women than a placebo product.
However, from this study, it is not possible to say whether the caffeine, another substance, or a combination produced the results.
A person could try using fresh, wet coffee grounds to scrub and exfoliate areas of cellulite. The exfoliation may also help smooth the skin and stimulate blood flow.
Acne treatment
The antioxidants, stimulants, and chlorogenic acids in coffee may make it an effective acne-fighting facial scrub.
Acne occurs when oil, dead skin cells, and other substances clog pores, which can become infected by bacteria, resulting in inflammation.
Scrubbing the face with coffee grounds can help to clear away dead skin cells and unclog the pores.
The chlorogenic acids in coffee may also reduce inflammation and protect against some strains of bacteria.
Foot bath
Coffee may be very effective at cleansing the feet and smoothing and softening the skin.
The grounds can help scrape away dead skin cells from the soles of the feet, and the stimulating effects of caffeine may help to increase blood flow and circulation in the area.
Hair and scalp
The scalp and hair are naturally acidic. Scientists measure the acidity of a substance using the pH scale.
The lower the pH value, the more acidic a substance is. A pH value of under 7.0 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7.0 is basic, or alkaline. Hair fibers have a pH of 3.67, while the scalp has a pH of 5.5.
Using hair products that have a higher pH value than the hair may result in dullness, frizziness, and damage.
Coffee is naturally acidic. The American Dental Association gives a pH value of 5.11 to the medium roast of a major brand.
Applying coffee to the hair can be a great way to help re-balance the pH levels of the hair and scalp.
Try rinsing the hair with cold, brewed coffee or rubbing coffee grounds into the scalp. This can also help to scrub away dead skin cells from the scalp.
Hair coloring
People with brown hair looking to add a little depth to their natural color may want to try a coffee treatment.
To darken the hair with coffee:
- Brew a few large cups of strong coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Add the coffee to large basin. Have a clean cup and a hair elastic or shower cap handy.
- Lean head-first over the basin.
- Using the cup, scoop up the coffee and pour it onto the head so that all the hair is thoroughly soaked.
- Wring the hair out gently, then arrange it in a bun or use the shower cap.
- Leave the coffee to soak for anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Rinse the hair in the shower.
- For a darker color, repeat the process.
Takeaway
Coffee contains a variety of compounds that may benefit the skin, scalp, and hair.
High-quality, freshly ground beans may be more effective than packaged or instant coffee.
However, results can vary, and it may help to try a few different types to see which works best.
