Chug It or Scrub It: 8 Ways Your Skin Can Benefit From Coffee

Hell yes, coffee lovers! We've finally found you 8 damn good reasons to drink ALL the coffee you want. But before we delve into this, let's take a moment of silence for all those caffeine addicts who took the tough decision of cutting down, or entirely giving up their favourite drink. 

More often than not, the ill-effects of caffeine intake are glorified, leading you to question and re-consider your 'way-over' consumption of coffee. But let me tell you something that'll make you feel a lot better - Studies carried out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have revealed the many benefits of consuming coffee. From reducing the risk of developing cancer to prolonging life expectancy and providing anti-oxidants to the body, we can safely say that your cup of goodness has it's hidden advantages, most of which people are unaware about. Sigh. 

Keeping aside the long list of health benefits coffee has, we're going to now articulate its skin care benefits. "Recent abstracts on cosmetics revealed that caffeine is being increasingly required and utilised for cosmetics production. Coffee silverskin (CS), the only by-product produced during roasting of coffee beans is now considered to be a potential new ingredient for the cosmetics formulation sector!," states Abdul Sahid Khan, Lavazza India's Head Trainer. 

As mentioned previously, while it has been scientifically proven that this 'wonder drink', when consumed in moderation, promotes good health and helps keep illness at bay, coffee lovers now have a reason to rejoice as we decipher its numerous benefits for the skin too! 

Here's how DRINKING coffee can give you fabulously flawless skin:

1. A RICH SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Our environment is full of free radicals and exposure to these pollution particles, UV rays, etc wreak havoc on our skin! Coffee is enriched with antioxidants that protect and bolster our skin's ability to naturally defend itself from such exposure. "Recently, a study also revealed that coffee bean extracts may be responsible for skin-cell energy preservation due to its free-radical properties," says Mr. Khan. So friends, drink away.

2. PROTECTION AGAINST HARMFUL UV RAYS 

"UVB is harmful and may even lead to more complicated and life-threatening skin diseases. "Caffeine may work towards protecting your skin against UV carcinogens. According to another study, caffeine actually inhibits the DNA damage response, thus shielding the skin against the adverse effects of UVB. The inhibition of DNA damage response may offer a therapeutic option for non-melanoma skin cancer as well, informs Mr Khan.

3. SMOOTH, RADIANT & GLOWING SKIN 

Coffee is enriched with essential nutrients and properties that facilitate tissue repair and regulate cell re-growth, all of which result in retained hydration in the skin, increased collagen, as well as increased skin elasticity. Drink your way to gorgeous, glowing skin!

4. IT ENHANCES CIRCULATION

"As coffee promotes blood circulation, it leads to healthy and energized skin, effectively reducing the swelling of tissues and de-puffing important areas of the skin (such as your under-eyes)," claims Dr Khan. Another thing that would certainly help reduce inflammation would be preparing coffee ice cubes in advance and tracing it over the affected area.

5. CELLULITE REDUCTION

Coffee may also help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin. The caffeine present in coffee is considered to be the key aspect, promoting cellulite reduction by dilating blood vessels beneath the skin and improving overall blood flow. You may also choose to make a DIY coffee scrub for the skin, for direction application. 

Here's how APPLYING coffee can give you soft, supple skin and healthy hair:

1. A DIY EXFOLIATOR FOR PUFFY EYES

Coffee works as a great exfoliator and is a genius hack for tired, puffy eyes. Mr Khan states, "Coffee increases circulation and also helps reduce puffiness, given its antioxidant properties. It shrinks your blood vessels and reduces eye puffiness." Whenever you make a cup of coffee, keep the grounds aside and let them cool for some time. Apply the leftover grounds under your eyes and eyelid area for a few minutes. Later rinse off with cold water.

2. A DIY EXFOLIATOR FOR YOUR SCALP

Take half a cup of ground coffee and massage it on wet hair for two minutes. Rinse it off with your regular shampoo and conditioner. This will help get rid of excess product build up and dead skin cells on your scalp!

3. A DIY FACE SCRUB

Make a natural coffee scrub by mixing ground coffee, brown sugar, and olive oil. Once you have mixed all the ingredients well, massage it on your face in circular motions to buff away the dead skin cells, dirt and grime. Post this natural treatment your skin will feel soft and supple. 

The simple conclusion is - Even though you probably didn't require one, you now have an excuse to drink coffee till your heart's content!