Last week, we shared 10 ways that you can use coffee that have nothing to do with drinking it.
From making your own caffeinated marinade for meats to using the beans as a natural pest repellent – there are plenty of lifestyle hacks to try.
But there’s another area where coffee shines: namely, our beauty routines.
Many brands utilise it as an ingredient in skincare products, but you can actually make your own beauty items at home. All you need is a bag of coffee grounds.
With the help of experts at Coffee Direct, we share seven ways that coffee can help your skin and hair.
Boost your natural hair colour
Is your hair looking a little dull in lockdown?
Buy some fresh coffee grounds from the supermarket next time you go for a big shop, and make your very own colour-boosting paste at home.
Though note, this is only suitable for brunettes, as the coffee could stain blonde hairs (unless that’s what you’re after, of course).
Coffee Direct said: ‘If you’re a brunette, you can boost your hair colour with coffee grounds.
‘Simply mix 240ml of coffee grounds with 240ml of water to create a paste and apply sparingly to damp and freshly shampooed hair.
‘The coffee will add depth to your colour and leave it looking vibrant and fresh.
‘This is due to the acidity of the coffee which also smooths the cuticle of your hair for extra shine.’
Revive the skin under your eyes
Coffee Direct said: ‘Many eye creams that claim to de-puff your eyes contain caffeine in their ingredients.
‘The area under your eye is a lymphatic channel that drains poorly, the caffeine helps to remove any water from the channel. Through the ageing process, the under-eye skin gets thinner which makes it easier to see the blood vessels.
‘The vessel-constricting impact of coffee delivers visible results that last from 30 minutes to an hour.‘
Bear in mind that that the skin under your eyes is especially thin and delicate, so proceed with caution.
And this goes without saying: don’t pour hot coffee anywhere on your face or body.
Coffee is a natural exfoliant
Coffee is a well-known natural exfoliant that helps you get rid of dead skin cells, and a common ingredient in beauty scrubs.
Coffee Direct: ‘Coffee grounds make a great exfoliant since they don’t dissolve in water. They are perfect for scrubbing away dead skin cells.
‘To make an exfoliating coffee scrub, mix 60ml of fresh coffee grounds, 60ml of brown sugar and a few drops of lemon juice.
‘Scrub the mixture into your skin every few days after a body wash and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.’
Naturally soften your feet
Fed up with dry or flaky skin on the soles of your feet?
Pop the kettle on and make yourself a caffeinated foot bath.
Coffee Direct said: ‘Coffee is an excellent way to cleanse the skin on your feet and leave them feeling soft.
‘The coffee grounds remove the dead skin cells from the soles of your feet and the stimulating effects of caffeine can increase blood flow and circulation in the area.
‘To make a foot bath, add 470ml of coffee grounds to one gallon of water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes, rinse feet, dry and moisturise, this treatment works well with warm or cool liquid.’
It could help with hair growth
When it comes to hair growth, there are many natural remedies to help with hair loss – although take these so-called ‘miracle potions’ with a pinch of salt.
Coffee Direct said: ‘Coffee increases circulation when it is absorbed into the scalp, this encourages growth by providing nutrients to follicles.
‘Coffee suppresses DHT which is the hormone that causes hair loss! To create a treatment, mix 240ml of coffee grounds with 240ml of coconut water and massage directly onto the scalp and rinse thoroughly.
‘The circular motion helps to increase hair growth and the coconut water contains vitamin B which strengthens strands to reduce breakage.’
If you have a hair loss condition such as alopecia areata, don’t rub coffee onto your scalp – as it it unlikely to make any difference.
Consult with your doctor about treatments instead.
Get softer lips
We’ve already told you what an excellent natural exfoliant coffee grounds can be, and this also applies to your lips.
Coffee Direct said: ‘Chapped lips are most common in winter, but it is best to take care of them all year round.
‘Coffee grounds can be mixed with coconut oil to create a nourishing lip mask. Mix and massage the 60ml of both ingredients lightly over the lips and remove with a damp washcloth.
‘Coffee stimulates blood flow to the area so your lips will end up looking full of natural colour.’
Be careful when you apply the mixture to avoid damaging the delicate skin.
Make your own coffee face mask
You don’t need to buy expensive beauty masks – just take a look in your kitchen cupboard.
Coffee Direct: ‘Coffee wakes you up for the day ahead, and it can do the same for your skin!
‘When applying your DIY coffee face mask, the stimulating properties of coffee improve blood flow and help to remove the dead outer layer of the skin leaving you feeling radiant, bright, and revived.
‘Make a paste by combining 240ml of coffee grounds and 240ml of milk, apply to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes then wash your face with lukewarm water to discover your new glow.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Beauty expert Caroline Hirons reveals the skincare myths you shouldn’t buy into
MORE: MAC called out for racism by former Black team members
MORE: Lush is opening 88 of its shops but with new social distancing rules
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/06/12/seven-ways-use-coffee-beauty-routine-12844195/
0 Comments