As the coffee culture grows across Africa, the verdict is still out on the long-term benefits of coffee consumption and possible dangers of caffeine addiction. Couture Africa has however discovered that there’s much more to this Black Gold than meets the eye, and in fact Coffee has lots of topical uses with amazing benefits for skin and hair!
Reduces Skin Inflammation
Caffeine constricts blood cells [vasoconstriction] and when used on inflamed skin, it can effectively reduce swelling of tissues.
PUFFY EYES COFFEE HACK: Make Coffee Ice Cubes and place under your eyes to instantly reduce puffiness.
Brightens Your Skin
Coffee is rich in several powerful antioxidants and caffeic that disarm free radicals that our skin come into contact with everyday such as pollution particles. Topical application of coffee increases its defences to keep your skin looking brighter and slow down signs of ageing.
Reduces Cellulite
Coarsely ground coffee makes a great scrub which tightens your skin and reduces the visible appearance of dimples.
Prevents and Repairs Sun Damage
Polyphenols, antioxidants found in coffee directly absorb UV rays acting as a sun protector and reducing signs of aging due to excessive sun exposure.
HEALTH FACT: Studies have shown that caffeine consumption inhibits ATR an enzyme in the skin that causes some types of sunlight-induced skin cancer.
Strengths and Grows Your Hair!
Your scalp and hair are naturally acidic [at pH 3.5 and 5.5 respectively], and so is coffee [at pH5.11 at medium roast for most brands]. Rinsing your hair with cold brewed coffee can help rebalance your hair’s pH levels for ultimate conditions to maintain strong hair and encourage growth.
Reduces Dandruff
Dandruff is caused by a dry flaky scalp. As part of your dandruff treatment regime, add a coffee scrub which makes a great exfoliator for your scalp.
Soothes Dry Feet
A coffee scrub is great for your feet too. The grounds will scrape away dead skin cells and the antioxidants found in coffee will leave your feet feeling soft and smooth.
Some of the common external uses of coffee are Face Scrubs, Scalp Exfoliators, Face Masks and Anti-Cellulite Body Scrubs. There’s lots of brands adding coffee to their ingredients that are definitely worth a try. You could also go for some of these DIY Coffee Solutions based on your needs for immediate results!
DIY COFFEE
Brightening Coffee Scrub
3 Teaspoons, Ground Coffee
1 Teaspoon, Sugar
1 Teaspoon, Olive / Jojoba Oil
1-2 Drops, Fresh Lemon Juice
Mix all ingredients and massage onto cleansed face using gentle circular motions. Rinse and pat dry.
Brightening Coffee Mask
1 Tablespoon, Instant Coffee
1 Tablespoon, Turmeric
1 Tablespoon, Natural Yoghurt
Mix all ingredients together and massage on cleansed face for 2 minutes. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Anti-Cellulite Body Scrub
1 Cup, Coarsely Ground Coffee
½ Cup, Sugar
1 Cup, Coconut Oil
Mix all ingredients and after bathing, massage the scrub onto your cellulite-target area for about 60 seconds per area. Rinse with warm water.
Coffee Hair Mask
2 Tablespoons, olive Oil
1 tablespoon, Coffee Powder
Mix the olive oil and coffee powder into a thick paste and apply onto your hair and scalp thoroughly. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.