Coffee is a source of nutrients and antioxidants that can benefit the skin, scalp, and hair. It can be used to exfoliate, treat acne, increase blood flow, and balance pH levels. In this article, we describe eight ways to use coffee to care for the scalp, hair, and skin. We also provide research to clarify the potential benefits.
1. Exfoliation
Coffee has antibacterial properties that can protect the skin against germs. Coffee grounds make an excellent exfoliant. The grounds do not dissolve in water, making them good at scrubbing away dead skin cells.
Results from a 2013 study suggest that substances in coffee also help promote healthy skin. Caffeic acid, an antioxidant, can increase collagen levels and reduce premature cell aging.
Caffeic acid also has antibacterial properties, meaning it can help protect the skin against germs. More research in humans is needed to confirm these findings.
To make a simple exfoliating scrub, combine:
- A quarter cup of fresh coffee grounds
- A quarter cup of brown sugar
- Enough lemon juice to achieve the desired consistency
- Rub the mixture onto the skin a few times a week after washing the body. Leave the scrub on the skin for a few minutes, then rinse off.
2. Reducing Eye Puffiness
Coffee can be beneficial for those with puffy, inflamed eyes. Caffeine stimulates blood flow and widens or dilates blood vessels. This increases blood flow, which can help the skin naturally tighten. The result can reduce fluid buildup under the eyes.
Other compounds in coffee, such as chlorogenic acid, can also reduce inflammation around the eyes.
Try applying a mixture of finely ground coffee and the liquid from the coffee around the eyes.
3. Sun Protection
Coffee contains antioxidants that can help protect against UV rays. Coffee contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols. They can help protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays and some signs of aging associated with sun exposure.
The authors of a 2015 study concluded that participants with the highest polyphenol consumption, from coffee or other sources, had fewer UV-induced age spots on their faces. The participants were Japanese women aged 30–60. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Drinking coffee or applying it to the skin are simple ways to provide these antioxidants to the body.
4. Reducing Cellulite
Coffee can 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 in reducing stubborn cellulite in women compared to a placebo product.
However, from this study, it is not possible to say whether caffeine, another substance, or the combination produced the results.
One can try using fresh, wet coffee grounds to exfoliate and scrub the areas of skin affected by cellulite. Exfoliation can also help smooth the skin and stimulate blood flow.
5. Treating Acne
The antioxidants, stimulants, and chlorogenic acids in coffee can make it an effective facial exfoliant for treating acne.
Acne occurs when oil, dead skin cells, and other substances clog pores, which can become infected with bacteria, leading to inflammation.
Rubbing the face with coffee grounds can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
The chlorogenic acids in coffee can also reduce inflammation and protect against some strains of bacteria.
6. Foot Soak
Coffee can be very effective in cleaning the feet and making the skin smooth and soft. The grounds can help remove dead skin cells from the soles of the feet, and the stimulating effect of caffeine can help increase blood flow and circulation in this area.
To soak your feet:
Brew a few large cups of coffee.
Pour both the coffee and the used grounds into a bucket or small tub.
Let the coffee cool so it won't burn your skin.
Soak your feet in the coffee water and use the grounds to exfoliate the skin.
7. Hair and Scalp
Rubbing coffee grounds into the scalp can exfoliate dead skin cells.
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 below 7.0 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7.0 is basic or alkaline. Hair strands have a pH of 3.67, while the scalp has a pH of 5.5.
Using hair products with a pH higher than that of hair can cause the hair to become dull, frizzy, and damaged.
Coffee is naturally acidic. The American Dental Association gives a pH value of 5.11 for a medium roast of a major brand.
Applying coffee to the hair can be a great way to help balance the pH levels of the hair and scalp.
Try rinsing your hair with cold-brewed coffee or rubbing coffee grounds into the scalp. This can also help exfoliate the scalp.
8. Hair Coloring
People with brown hair who want to add depth to their natural hair color may want to try a coffee treatment.
To darken hair with coffee:
- Brew a few cups of strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
- Pour the coffee into a large basin. Have a clean cup and a hair tie or shower cap handy.
- Lean your head over the basin.
- Use the cup to pour the coffee over your head, ensuring it soaks through your hair.
- Gently wring out your hair, then tie it up or use a shower cap.
- Let the coffee soak for about 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Rinse your hair in the shower.
- For a darker color, repeat the process.
- Takeaway
- Coffee contains many compounds beneficial for the skin, scalp, and hair.
High-quality freshly ground coffee beans may be more effective than packaged or instant coffee. However, results may vary, and it may be helpful to try a few different types to see which works best.
Anyone unsure about using coffee on their skin should contact a dermatologist first.
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Reference source: medicalnewstoday.com
