Mmmm, Coffee....

Who is a coffee addict? Me, me! I love some Starbucks, Drowsy Poet, or some Java Junkies. Oh, oh! Peet’s Coffee, YUM.

So, fellow coffee junkies, I have some good news for you. Those leftover coffee grinds can be used as a skin care treatment.

Seriously, I’m not kidding.

Women in Russia, Hawaii, Bali, and South America have used coffee as an ingredient for skin care product for years. The benefits outweigh the cons if used properly. It is great at removing oil; mechanics have been known to use coffee grounds when cleaning their hands after working. There are studies that show coffee’s abilities to prevent skin cancer and melanoma-related diseases. By all means, though, do NOT use this as a substitute for sunscreen. It does not work, no-sir-ee.

The anti-oxidant ingredients can help in a range of ways:
-Frees skin of different radicals that can cause acne, eczema, and other skin diseases.
-improves the flow of micro-cellulars in the skin.
-break up fatty deposits which cause cellulite
-clear skin of acne and blemishes
-assists in prevention of wrinkles and sunburn
-absorbs neutralizing odors

In short using a topical coffee mask has the abilities to exfoliate, soothe, deodorize, heal, detoxify, distress, reduce and heal acne breakouts. Some even say that continued use can even assist in the fading of age spots and calms skin allergies.

So, not only can coffee help keep you awake during midterms or finals week, working all night on a business project, or working a double shift, it can also help your skin. Let’s all say it together now: YAY!

Use caution, though. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning dehydrating. Only use this mask in the morning, never before bed, and follow the treatment with toner, moisturizer and drinking a glass of water.

The easiest mask is to combine 4 spoonfuls of coffee grinds with a tablespoon of honey or aloe vera( 4/1 ratio). Apply all over the face, carefully avoiding the eye area. Rub on in small, circular motions and then leave on for ten minutes. After ten minutes wash off in an exfoliating manner, pat dry, and then use toner and moisturizer as normal.

Tada! A quick, simple, easy coffee mask to get an additional use out of those leftover coffee grinds. Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: This material has not been medically reviewed. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The use of information is solely at the reader’s risk. Do not discontinue prescribed medication in favor of these remedies. If adverse reaction occurs discontinue use, if reaction continues seek medical attention.