When terms like ‘exfoliating agent’, ‘antioxidant’ and ‘coffee’ are used in the same sentence, we are bound to sit up and listen. Is coffee the reason you get up in the morning? For all you coffee lovers out there, we have some very good news.
The reason you feel recharged when you chug a cup of coffee, is also the reason it is good for your skin. It is rich in caffeine and antioxidants which helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps increase the skin’s elasticity. Additionally, it is a great exfoliating agent and can reduce inflammation—which makes it a great under-eye mask.
So without much delay, grab your mixing bowls and whisks, because when you scroll down you will find the easiest DIY coffee masks and scrubs with various benefits.
Coffee facial scrub
You need:
2 tbsp. coffee grounds (what remains after you have brewed coffee decoction)
2 tbsp. cocoa powder
3 tbsp. yoghurt or milk
1 tbsp. honey
Method:
Combine all the above ingredients in a bowl and apply it evenly on your face and neck. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
Why this works:
The coffee will wake your skin up with the antioxidants while the rest of the ingredients will keep your skin moisturised all day long. The cocoa also adds a delicious smell to your face mask.
Healthy scalp scrub
You will need:
4 tbsp. coconut or olive oil
5 tbsp. used coffee grounds
1-2 drops of tea tree oil
Method:
Combine all the above ingredients and store in an air-tight jar. Scoop a handful of the scrub and gently massage it on your scalp for four to five minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition as usual.
Why this works:
Tea tree oil is an excellent anti-bacterial agent, the coarse texture of the coffee grounds help remove dirt and product build-up on the scalp while the oils moisturise the hair.
Coffee lip scrub
You will need:
1 tbsp. used coffee grounds
1 tsp. olive oil
Method:
Combine the above ingredients and store the mixture in an air-tight jar. After a shower, apply this lip scrub and gently massage your lips to exfoliate and slough away the dead skin.
Why this works:
While the coffee grounds are a good exfoliating agent, the olive oil acts as a perfect carrier for the ingredients while offering ample moisture for dry lips.
Coffee foot scrub
You will need:
2 tbsp. raw cane sugar
1 tbsp. used coffee grounds
½ cup almond oil
Method:
Combine the above ingredients in an air-tight jar. Soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes, scoop out a handful of the scrub and gently scrub your feet with it. Rinse and pat dry. This is an abrasive scrub, so use it on your feet only.
Why this works:
The cane sugar and the coffee grounds act as exfoliants while the almond oils moisturises the feet.
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Written by Harshitha Prabhakar on 14th Jul 2018