If you’re anything like myself, you enjoy a nice cup of coffee. Whether it’s a steaming hot cup of Java during the colder months or a nice, refreshing cold brew over the summer, you end up throwing away tons of coffee grounds. Some people use them in their gardens as a fertilizer, when they are planting flowers, or as a skin product of some sort.
As we all know, there is no shortage of body scrub products at the supermarket or drug stores, so why not take advantage of everyday kitchen items to create your own! This amazing coffee scrub can be made by using only three ingredients: coffee grounds, coconut oil, and brown sugar
BENEFITS OF USING A BODY SCRUB
A coffee scrub has several benefits that include: exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, temporary reduction of cellulite, improved circulation, reduced eye puffiness, and smooth skin.
EXFOLIATING PROPERTIES
Not only does exfoliating make your skin look more lively and rejuvenated, it removes those dead skin cells that clog your pores. Removing dead skin cells helps your foundation go on smoother (if you wear makeup) and getting rid of dead skin can also fight the signs of aging.
Coffee grounds are slightly abrasive, but still gentle enough as a skin exfoliator, which is why it’s one of my favorite body scrub ingredients. Brown sugar is a little more abrasive than coffee grounds, but definitely not pain-inducing like some sea salt scrubs can be. Why is this? The sticky sugar, along with the coconut oil, helps the body scrub to stick together, along with the moisturizing oil.
This coffee scrub has main ingredients that, when combined, create the ultimate exfoliator:
Coffee Grounds are gentle enough as a skin exfoliator and the caffeine constricts blood vessels to reduce redness. When applied topically, caffeine works as a diuretic, aids in circulation and is also a powerful antioxidant. Thus, it has the ability to calm irritated and reddened skin caused by sun damage and rosaceae.
Coconut Oil may be linked to some potential benefits for skin, including reducing inflammation, keeping skinmoisturized and helping heal wounds. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil also possess antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne and protect the skin from harmful bacteria.
Brown Sugar not only helps the scrub stick together, but it contains natural minerals and acids that fight off nasty bacteria and are beneficial for your skin. By applying to the skin in a gentle circular motion, coffee scrub exfoliates the skin, removing your dry, dead skin, to reveal new, healthy-looking skin underneath.
CAFFEINE BENEFITS FOR SKIN
Aside from the amazing exfoliation that coffee scrub provides, it also has another secret weapon for your skin: caffeine. Caffeine is a compound that is found abundantly in tea and coffee plants around the world. Technically a psychoactive drug, caffeine has become the world’s most popular stimulant because it works so effectively.
While we all know the benefits that caffeine has on the mind and body when we drink a cup of coffee, the lesser known benefits are the effects it has when we apply it to our skin.
Caffeine helps tighten the skin, which can help reduce cellulite. When applied under and around the eyes, it can minimize the appearance of puffy eyes because caffeine restricts blood vessels, which reduces swelling and inflammation. It can also help treat non-hereditary dark circles under the eyes.
Caffeine is also loaded with antioxidants, which help to fight premature skin aging like wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines.
HOW TO USE THE COFFEE SCRUB
I recommend using this body scrub in the shower first thing before you wash with soap because there will be a slight residue left on your body that you will need to wash/rinse off.
Take about a tablespoon at a time in your palms and rub in circular motions onto your skin. I use about 3-4 tablespoons each time I exfoliate to scrub my entire body, including my face (optional). If you’re acne prone, I don’t recommend using coconut oil on your face as it may clog pores.
Rinse off and wash body as usual.
Be very cautious as the oil in the body scrub may make your tub or shower floor slippery.
Ingredients:
½ Cup used Coffee Grounds
¼ Cup Organic Brown Sugar
¼ Cup Organic Coconut Oil
Directions:
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
Use as directed above.
Store any leftover coffee scrub the fridge (to prevent mold) and use the rest within two weeks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Do I use fresh or used coffee grounds for this recipe?
Used coffee grounds
Is it safe to put coffee grounds on my face?
Yes, as long as you are not personally sensitive to it. It’s fine for most people and can be very beneficial.
Will the coconut oil clog my drains?
It’s definitely possible. I have never had this issue and recommend letting the hot water continue to run for a few minutes after rinsing off the body scrub. If this is of concern to you, you can definitely replace the coconut oil with a different type of oil. Grapeseed oil is a great substitute and is also beneficial for the skin.
Can I use this coffee scrub as a face scrub?
You can, but you should make sure that the coconut oil doesn’t clog your facial pores. If you are worried about this, then you can use hemp oil or grapeseed oil.
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