5 Benefits of Using Coffee For Skin Tightening
It may be surprising to hear the words ‘coffee’ and ‘skin tightening’ in the same sentence but as it turns out, it is not only great to drink (in moderation!) but can also have some very positive effects on our bodies.
I recently noticed fans raving about a particular facial product that uses coffee for tightening skin.
It is extremely popular with it’s customers and due to it’s many positive reviews so I thought I’d take a closer look at the benefits of coffee on the skin.
It appears to show benefits through both topical application and being consumed as a drink so in this article, I’ve listed 5 ways in which coffee’s compounds can positively impact your skin’s appearance.
Reasons to use coffee for skin tightening
1. Antioxidant properties
Coffee is rich in antioxidants, particularly chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, which help fight the free radicals that contribute to skin aging and even cancer.
Antioxidants also protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation.
Not only that but they help fight the damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
Antioxidants can be found in various foods besides coffee. Examples are fruit, vegetables, berries, nuts, tea and cocoa.
So, if you want younger, firmer looking skin, you might want to try incorporating coffee into your diet, again in moderation, or using it within a serum and applying it topically.
2. Improved blood circulation
The caffeine in coffee can help stimulate blood flow when applied directly on to the skin which is why it has been recommended to use coffee for skin tightening.
Enhanced circulation can promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, contributing to a healthier complexion.
Even when consuming coffee as a drink, a small study has shown that blood flow can be improved.
It is worth noting however though that, if drinking coffee for this reason, the effects of improved blood circulation are greatly reduced if drinking decaffeinated coffee.
Decaffeinated coffee does still contain caffeine but according to the US National Coffee Association, a decaf cup of coffee contains only 2mg of caffeine whereas a regular cup of coffee has around 95mg – that’s quite a difference!
Another thing to keep in mind is that adding sugar to your coffee may counteract any positive effects due to it’s dehydrating nature.
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3. Reduction of inflammation
Another benefit of coffee containing antioxidants, is that these antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties. Just some of these compounds are ferulic acid, polyphenols and diterpenes.
They help calm and soothe the skin as they can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
In fact, research has suggested several potential benefits of coffee consumption, over and above reducing inflammation.
One skin condition that has previously been thought to be triggered by drinking coffee, is rosacea.
However, a study that included 4945 individuals, found that drinking coffee may actually be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as acne or rosacea, as it appeared help reduce redness and swelling.
Ferulic acid does not only have anti-inflammatory properties but is also an anti-allergic, antibacterial and antifungal. That’s great news for our skin!
In addition, other studies have also suggested that coffee consumption may lower the risk of neuroinflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
It has also shown positive effects on diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, both of which are linked to chronic inflammation.
This just goes to show the effect these anti-inflammatory compounds can have on our bodies.
4. Cellulite reduction
Research suggests that the caffeine in coffee may help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Caffeine can temporarily help smooth out the skin, diminishing the dimpled, ‘orange peel’ appearance often seen on the thighs, bum and abdomen.
This is due to the fact that caffeine has diuretic properties, which simply means that it can help reduce fluid retention and increase blood flow to the area.
As the result is only temporary however, the overall effect can be extended by regularly applying serums or creams containing caffeine.
In addition to this, adopting a healthy lifestyle such as including regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, could also be beneficial in reducing cellulite.
5. Enhanced skincare product absorption
Exfoliating with used coffee grounds may help increase absorption rates of other skincare products.
The reason these products may penetrate deeper into the skin, is that dead skin cells act as a barrier to other layers of skin beneath.
Once these dead skin cells have been removed, it can potentially increase the effectiveness of other skincare products.
You can either make your own exfoliating scrub at home or use one of the many commercially available scrubs.
As caffeine is well absorbed, exfoliation along with a caffeine-containing serum, could work wonders on puffy, tired-looking skin.
FAQ's
Is coffee good for tightening the skin?
According to the experts, yes!
Caffeic acid, a prominent feature in coffee, is an antioxidant that may boost collagen in the body and therefore helping to promote healthier looking skin.
Another reason coffee is good for tightening the skin is due to caffeine’s diuretic properties that increase blood flow in the area to which it is applied.
How do you tighten your skin with coffee grounds?
Coffee has many benefits both internally and externally.
By drinking coffee, again, in moderation, and by using it on your skin, it may help to increase blood flow which in turn boosts collagen and elastin levels. This also helps to reduce inflammation
There are many exfoliating scrubs and caffeine containing serums available in physical stores and online. You can also make your own exfoliating scrub at home using just a few simple ingredients.
How do you use coffee for wrinkles?
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin which unfortunately lead to wrinkles.
As you may now know, antioxidants are great for the body as well as the skin, as they not only fight free radicals but boost collagen and elastin.
Using serums that contain caffeine, apply as instructed on the packaging, daily. It is recommended that serums are used after moisturizing to help lock in the moisturizer and prevent it from drying out.
You will need to use regularly in order to see beneficial results.
So there you have it!
Coffee can rejuvenate your complexion in the following ways by:
- increasing blood flow
- boosting collagen and elastin
- the removal of dead skin (through exfoliation)
- increasing skincare product absorption (also through exfoliation)
- helping to fight free radicals that contribute to aging skin
It is important to note that while coffee can offer the potential benefits mentioned above, individual results may vary.
Moreover, the effects of coffee on the skin when applied topically are usually temporary and may not provide long-lasting changes.
For more significant and sustainable skin tightening, it’s advisable to consider a comprehensive skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle.
Furthermore, the benefits of coffee may depend on various factors, including genetics and overall lifestyle.
It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding your coffee consumption and it’s impact on inflammation.
