We can’t imagine ourselves starting our morning routine without a cup of coffee. This is a true fact because great ideas come after the taste of a cappuccino or a long latte with an exotic syrup that will give you the strength you need for a day. Some people call it therapy but I would most likely define it as a guilty pleasure with a lot of benefits.
Speaking about benefits, did you know that coffee has a hugely beneficial impact on our skin and hair health? Based on the research made during the years, coffee is used for improving the strength of the hair, also known as a natural hair dye because it makes your color darker, and for skincare routines such as face masks, exfoliation, or others. Let’s get straight into details about the topic and see what we found.
Coffee benefits for skin
Some people might be skeptical regarding this topic because it is unusual and very seldom discussed. But women are really interested in natural alternatives when it comes to their skincare routines and their health. So, having known that coffee is a source of nutrients and antioxidants that may refresh the skin, let’s see how and for what purposes you can use it:
1. For Acne treatment
The antioxidants, chlorogenic, and stimulant acids in coffee can make an effective anti-acne facial scrub. Coffee grounds help to clean away dead skin cells and also unclog the pores. The chlorogenic acids in coffee are also good for reducing inflammation and protecting against some strains of bacteria due to their strong antibacterial properties. It is a convenient solution that has proved to be very useful for other women.
2. Exfoliation
Some studies indicate that collagen levels may boost after using an exfoliating mask made of coffee. So, instead of buying collagen, your body can extract it directly from coffee consumption. This effect is based on the caffeic acid and antioxidants properties of coffee. Moreover, a second effect would be reducing the premature aging of cells which is one of the main problems of a woman after a certain age.
To make a simple exfoliating scrub you can use the following:
- one and a half cups of fresh coffee grounds.
- one cup of brown sugar.
- enough lemon juice for the desired consistency.
Scrub the mixture into the skin for a few minutes after washing the body and at the end of the bath, rinse the scrub off easily, with a cleansing disc in order to not scratch your skin.
3. Sun protection
Coffee is an incredible substitute for sun creams. The antioxidants, such as polyphenols help to protect the skin against ultraviolet (UV) rays. A study made in 2015 proved that the people with the highest consumption of polyphenols, both from coffee or other sources, had fewer UV age spots on their faces. Your body takes the nutrients it needs from your consumption even if it is applied on the surface of your skin or you drink it.
4. Mask against puffy eyes
Other properties of Caffeine stimulate blood flow and widen, or dilate the blood vessels which leads to a reduction in the buildup of fluid under the eyes. You can also use it around the eyes too in order to calm down the inflammation. This is one of the most common reasons why women use coffee for the skin. Now you know the reason.
Coffee benefits for hair
1. Hair coloring
If you are young, wild, and free, and you look for a healthy scalp and hair, coffee might be a great suggestion. There are a lot of women with brown hair that require a change or need to refresh the hair color or they have a desire to darken it. Well, you can make a mask based on coffee that will give your hair a neat aspect:
Follow the steps:
- Brew a few large cups of coffee.
- Add the coffee to a large basin. Prepare a clean cup and also a hair elastic.
- Lean head-first over the basin.
- Start Scooping up the coffee and pouring it onto the head.
- Wring the hair, then arrange it in a bun.
- Leave the coffee to soak for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 or 3 hours.
- Rinse the hair in the shower.
- For a darker color, repeat the process at least 3-4 times a week.
2. Rebalancing the pH of hair and scalp
Some people might know that the lower the pH value, the more acidic a substance is. So If the pH value is under 7.0 is considered acidic and If is above 7.0 is basic, or alkaline. The hair fibers are known to have a pH of 3.67, while the scalp has a pH of 5.5. You should not use products that have a higher pH value than the hair because it might cause dullness and damage. Coffee, as naturally acidic, has a pH value of 5.1. If you are looking for a rebalance of the ph level of hair and scalp you can start using some coffee masks before a bath.
3. Hair Growth
Caffeine enhances the circulation of blood going to your follicles. This brings about faster and stronger growth while giving the look of thick and soft hair. You can try washing your hair with coffee to see some improvements in the growth and strength of your hair.