Coffee Soap Benefits – 7 Reasons to Use Coffee Soap
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It is a well known and documented fact that coffee has some pretty impressive benefits to us humans. From an increase in energy levels, a reduction in rates of depression to possible weight management. Not only that but it can also have a positive effect on brain, heart and liver health. Of course, like anything, the key is moderation as too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. So in light of all the benefits, it stands to reason that coffee is becoming more commonplace in skin care products around the world.
If we firstly take a look at the main benefits of coffee, it becomes apparent as to why it has become such a popular natural ingredient in both health management and beauty care products.
The Benefits of Coffee
So what exactly is in coffee that makes it so beneficial? Well, coffee naturally contains:
- Antioxidants
- Magnesium
- Riboflavin (also known as vitamin b2)
- Polyphenols (Plant chemicals)
So, by looking at the above, what does coffee soap do? If all of the above are gained by drinking coffee then it makes sense to use this natural resource as an ingredient in soaps so we can reap at least some of these amazing benefits. The more sources of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants we can expose ourselves to, especially in this day and age, the better!
7 Coffee Soap Benefits
Here are just a few benefits of using coffee soap. Remember however, that in order to reap these benefits, real coffee should be used. It is no good to just use coffee scented soap (unless it is purely for the calming effect in which case, there is no problem) as you will be missing out on the beneficial aspects of the coffee.
1. Skin repair
The antioxidants present in coffee help to repair and rejuvinate dry, impaired skin cells. Caffeic acid is one such antioxidant found in coffee that that could boost collagen levels, leaving skin feeling softer, suppler and ultimately stronger.
2. Reduce cellulite and orange-peel appearance
3. Reduce Inflammation
Coffee contains polyphenols such as diterpenes. Diterpenes are anti-inflammatory and also cyctoxic, meaning that they kill off cancer cells, as well as attacking other viruses and bacteria in our bodies. In fact, due to this property, diterpenes are commonly used in anticancer drugs.
But not only are diterpenes anti-inflammatory, magnesium is too. Magnesium regulates over 100 biochemical processes in the body. It is not only used but is a necessity for each and every cell in the body. Low magnesium levels have been associated with diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, amongst others. With regards to skin, a magnesium deficiency can leave skin looking dull and dry. By using coffee soap you can harness some of coffee’s healing powers . Magnesium is also known to reduce redness, help with acne and may even reduce the effects of sun damage.
4. Reduce Dry Skin and Acne
Riboflavin is a water soluble vitamin known for it’s role in helping the body break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates and in turn creating energy. It also however, plays a part in improving skin tone and is particularly beneficial for those with dry skin and even acne and lucky for us, it’s found in coffee! Cracks that appear in the corners of the mouth, dry skin on hands and in body creases are commonly attributed to a lack of Riboflavin (vitamin B2).
5. Lighten Skin Tone
Coffee soap is said to help lighten skin. The practice of skin whitening, often thought to be a relatively recent fad, has in fact been around for centuries. It is said that coffee can lighten skin tone however there is still a lot of debate on this subject. Some say that it is more due to the fact that coffee soap containing ground coffee, exfoliates dead skin and therefore new, softer skin is given way to resulting in the appearance of healthier, lighter looking skin.
Another school of thought is that it is more down to other ingredients in coffee soap, such as vitamin C from lemons or vitamin A (retinol) from milk.
My recommendation: Coffee and Cream Goat’s Milk Soap by Bluebyrd available on Amazon or click here to check the latest price. This combines both coffee and milk giving you the benefits of exfoliation (through the addition of coffee grounds) and skin lightening Vitamin A.
6. Softer, Stronger Skin
By choosing a coffee soap with the addition of ground coffee beans you will be ridding your skin of old, dead or dying skin cells. This will then help brin fresh, softer stronger skin cells to the surface resulting in more radiant looking skin.
Skin usually takes around 30 days to regenerate so it is worth holding out at least that long to see the real benefits of using coffee soap with ground coffee beans or even a coffee scrub.
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7. Calming
If nothing else, coffee soap with it’s amazing aroma can have a calming effect on your mood. A study conducted by Seoul National University found that sleep deprived rats were calmer after being exposed to coffee aromas by monitoring their brain activity. Another study, this time in humans, found that dental patients undergoing dental procedures weren’t as anxious and had lower pulse rates, lower cortisol levels and lower salivary alpha-amylase, all of which are stress markers, when inhaling coffee aroma.
Coffee Soap Benefits
FAQ's
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding coffee soap and it’s benefits:
A good quality soap, coffee soap or not, should use as many natural ingredients as possible. Harsh soaps can contain parabens, phthalates, chemicals, benzoates which can all strip the skin of it’s natural protective layer. Some also contain gluten and genetically modified ingredients and if you’re vegan, animal products. This is mostly due to cost reasons but like most things in life, better quality products cost more because the ingredients are superior in quality and ultimately, better for you.
Does coffee soap work?
Yes, I personally think that coffee soap works, however it totally depends on the quality of the soap and it’s ingredients. Soaps can be really drying and harsh if they are not made with quality, moisturizing ingredients. For this reason, I would recommend that the coffee soap include ingredients such as shea butter, olive or coconut oil and even goats milk. Ground coffee beans in soap can an excellent exfoliator, getting rid of old skin cells which make way for newer, brighter looking skin.
Which coffee soap is best?
The best coffee soap will be that made of natural, moisturizing ingredients. A coffee soap mixed with shea butter, olive or coconut oils will have wonderful moisturizing effects. Added ingredients with vitamins E, C and A will help to make skin feel softer too whilst helping to strengthen the skin barrier. Caffeic acid in coffee, as well as Vitamin E and vitamin C, are all antioxidants that fight off free radicals which damage cells in the body. (Free radicals are known to be associated with aging and diseases such as Alzheimers, cancer and more.) Magnesium, also found in coffee, is an anti-inflammatory so a great benefit of coffee soap.
As mentioned previously, in order to gain the most benefits from coffee soap, you should be using soaps that contain REAL coffee.
Are there any side effects when using coffee soap?
There should be no side effects of coffee within soap but other ingredients, such as harsh chemicals, may be problematic, especially for those with sensitive skin. It is recommended to always test a small area of skin first before using coffee soap over your entire body. At least this way if there is a skin reaction, then it will be limited to a small area only.
So there you have it!
So hopefully you can now see the benefits of using coffee soap. Remember that to the gain the most from coffee soap it should be made using real coffee and not just be coffee scented.
A superior coffee soap should not contain harsh chemicals and should instead be moisturising and nourishing. The more natural the better! Don’t forget too that the soap needs to contain real coffee and not just be coffee scented. This will ensure that you are getting as many vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols that coffee contains.
