5 Benefits Of DIY Coffee Face Masks And Recipes

A cup of coffee not only boosts your energy levels in the morning but also helps improve your tired complexion. This antioxidant has exfoliating properties along with anti-aging benefits. A coffee face mask is the simplest and most effective way to benefit your skin.

This article explores the properties of coffee, how homemade coffee face masks can enhance your beauty by improving your skin complexion and health, among other skincare benefits, and simple ways it can be added to your skincare routine. We also have included some DIY coffee mask recipes and discussed how you could use them. Take a look.

How Can Coffee Benefit Your Skin?

Coffee contains several different compounds, including caffeine, polyphenolsⁱ  They are chemicals that naturally occur in the plant and have the ability to provide defense against ultraviolet radiation. , and oily substances called diterpenesⁱ  A group of terpenes found in plant resins and gums that exert anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. . These compounds have many proven benefits for the skin, including reducing skin cancer risk (1). We have listed below the major benefits coffee can have on your skin.

1. May Reduce Skin Damage

Caffeine is a well-known chemical compound associated with a high antioxidant capacity (2). The antioxidant activity of caffeine helps neutralize free radicals. Thus, coffee can shield your skin cells from damage caused by environmental toxins such as pollution, smoke, and pesticides.

Trivia

Caffeine, an important component of coffee, can activate autophagy—the process by which the body cleans out damaged cells and recycles them to generate healthy cells (2).

2. May Fight Signs Of Aging

Caffeine may slow down the effects of photoagingⁱ  A term used to characterize changes or damages caused to the skin by UVA and UVB rays of the sunlight. (3). Exposure to UV rays can cause your skin’s collagen to break down and result in blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. However, when applied topically, coffee is believed to reduce these damaging effects on the skin.

3. May Reduce Cellulite And Tighten Skin

Caffeine helps improve skin elasticity and acts as an anti-cellulite ingredient (3). It also may reduce the excess accumulation of fat in skin cells, thereby potentially tightening the skin.

Caffeine stimulates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a key regulator of intracellular functions and metabolismⁱ  A process involving a set of chemical reactions which helps the body change food and drinks into energy. . This also may help regulate fat accumulation.

4. May Protect You From Skin Cancer

As discussed, coffee may help reduce the risk of skin cancer (1). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of coffee may have a role to play in this regard.

A study was conducted to understand the effect of caffeine on melanoma cells. It made use of data collected from 163,886 women and 39,424 men. The study documented 2,254 melanoma cases. In women, 13.4% of melanomas occurred on the head and neck, 53.5% on extremities, and 30.8% on the trunk. In men, 30.2% of melanomas occurred on the head and neck, 21.9% on the extremities, and 39.8% on the trunk.

5. May Reduce Acne

Coffee contains melanoidinsⁱ  They are heterogeneous groups of nitrogen-containing compounds which form when sugar combines with amino acids at high temperatures. and chlorogenic acidⁱ  A polyphenol that acts as an intermediate in lignin biosynthesis and exerts a pivotal role in lipid and glucose metabolism. (CGA), which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (4). These may help reduce skin inflammation and acne. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

These are the major ways coffee may benefit your skin. Are you ready to incorporate this natural ingredient into your skincare routine? Then you may want to check the next section. We have listed the DIY coffee face masks that nourish your skin and bring out your inner glow.

DIY Coffee Face Masks

Before getting to the face masks, it is important to note that conventionally grown coffee tends to be heavily treated with chemicals. Hence, purchasing coffee from the market would mean putting toxic substances like fungicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers on your skin. We encourage you always to try and purchase organic beans for the best results.

1. Coffee And Milk Face Mask

This coffee mask for face will exfoliate your skin and keep it looking supple and smooth. Milk may have soothing effects on the skin, though more research is required in this regard. We recommend applying this face mask at least 3 times a week for the best results.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of ground coffee
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk

How To Use

1. Mix the ground coffee and milk in a bowl to make a fairly thick paste.
2. Clean your face and apply the paste all over your face and neck.
3. Leave this mask on for at least 20 minutes.
4. Rinse your face clean with lukewarm water.

Tip: For some extra nourishment you may opt for almond milk instead of regular milk, as it is rich in vitamins like vitamin D and E that support skin health and tackle dryness.

Darcy, a beauty vlogger, tries a slight variation of this mask where she uses milk powder and water instead of milk. She says, “The face is instantly brightened and just so soft (i).”

2. Coffee, Yogurt, And Turmeric Face Mask

The coffee will help brighten your skin, while turmeric can even out your skin tone. Turmeric is also known to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging (5). Yogurt adds skin moisture and increases skin elasticity (6). This coffee face pack for glowing skin also works well on acne-prone skin.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of ground coffee
• 1 tablespoon of yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of turmeric

How To Use

1. Combine the turmeric, coffee, and yogurt in a bowl to make a thick, homogeneous paste.
2. Apply this paste evenly across your face.
3. Leave it on for about 20 minutes.
4. Gently massage your skin in circular motions.
5. Wash the paste with warm water.

3. Coffee, Honey, And Yogurt Face Mask

Honey has antibacterial and moisturizing properties that can benefit the skin (7). The antioxidant compounds in coffee and yogurt may help tighten the skin and potentially reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of ground coffee
• 1 tablespoon of organic honey
• 2 tablespoons of yogurt

How To Use

1. Add the coffee, honey, and yogurt into a bowl and mix thoroughly.
2. Massage this paste gently onto your face. Be careful not to get it into your eyes.
3. Leave the face mask on for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water.

4. Coffee And Cocoa Face Mask

This coffee and cocoa face mask helps remove excess oil from the face. It also may leave your skin looking tighter, shiny, and smooth. The polyphenols in cocoa may protect the skin from UV damage (8).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons of yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of honey

How To Use

1. Mix the coffee and cocoa powder in a bowl.
2. Add the yogurt and honey to the mix.
3. Massage the mask into your skin, carefully avoiding the eye area.
4. Allow the mask to dry for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

5. Coffee And Aloe Vera Face Mask

A coffee and aloe vera face mask exfoliates, brightens, and moisturizes the skin. Coffee grounds provide gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates, leaving the skin refreshed and revitalized (9). Regular use can improve skin texture, promoting a healthy glow, and reducing the appearance of dullness and dryness.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of grounded coffee
• 1-2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon of honey or coconut oil (optional)

How To Use

1. Mix the ground coffee with aloe vera gel along with honey or coconut oil, if desired, for extra hydration.
2. Apply the mixture in circular motion on your face, avoiding the eye area.
3. Let the mask sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Dampen your face and rinse the mask with lukewarm water.
5. Pat dry your skin and follow up with your favorite moisturizer

Other Skincare Recipes Using Coffee

1. Coffee Mask For Dark Circles And Puffy Eyes

Coffee may reduce puffiness and swelling under the eyes, while honey will provide your skin with the moisture it needs.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of ground coffee
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• A few drops of vitamin E oil

How To Use

1. Combine the ingredients.
2. Apply the paste under your eyes.
3. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash.

2. Coffee Face And Body Scrub

Rubbing coffee grounds and sugar on your skin can help eliminate dry, flaky skin. Adding coconut oil to the mix leaves your skin feeling supple.

You Will Need

• ½ a cup of coffee grounds
• 1/4^th cup of brown sugar
• 1/4^th cup of coconut oil

How To Use

1. Combine the coffee grounds, brown sugar, and coconut oil and store the mixture in an airtight container.
2. Take about 3 to 4 tablespoons of this mixture and use it to exfoliate your body.
3. Wash with soap afterward.
4. Store any leftover scrub in the refrigerator and use it within the next 2 weeks.

3. Coffee Massage Oil For Body And Face

This massage oil may help moisturize the skin and can also reduce the appearance of celluliteⁱ  It refers to the dimpled and textural changes in the skin around the thighs, buttocks, and hips when fat deposits beneath the skin. and stretch marks.

You Will Need

• 3/4^th cup of ground coffee
• 1 cup of coconut oil

How To Use

1. Pour the coconut oil into a jar and stir in the coffee grounds.
2. Cover the jar and let the grounds soak in the oil for up to 3 weeks or a month.
3. Shake the jar every alternate day to help the ingredients blend.
4. At the end of 3 or 4 weeks, you can use the oil after straining through a cheesecloth or filter.

Quick Tip

Avoid using coconut oil on your face if you have acne prone or oily skin.

4. Coffee Lip Scrub

This scrub helps gently exfoliate your chapped lips to leave them feeling soft and smooth.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of white sugar
• 1 teaspoon of organic coffee grounds
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• 1 teaspoon of grapeseed oil or any other oil of your choice

How To Use

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Rub a small amount onto your lips.
3. Exfoliate gently using small circular motions and rinse the scrub afterward.
4. Any excess scrub can be scooped into a jar and stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Infographic: Coffee Face Mask Vs Coffee Face Scrub

Coffee has emerged as a skincare ingredient with immense potential. It is used in scrubs, masks, creams, and face packs as it is gentle on the skin, and extremely nourishing. However, as it is used in so many products, it may be difficult to understand whether to use it as a scrub, a pack, a moisturizer, or a mask.

Check out the infographic to understand the main points of difference between coffee scrubs and coffee masks so you can aptly choose what your skin needs.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply coffee to my face daily?

Yes. Applying coffee to your face daily is safe. It also reveals brighter, toned skin.

Is coffee good for skin brightening?

Yes. Coffee is an excellent exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and impurities for brighter-looking skin.

Does a coffee mask darken skin?

No. A coffee mask doesn’t darken your skin. On the contrary, it has cleansing and brightening properties.

Embark on a journey to radiant skin with a step-by-step video guide on making a DIY coffee face mask. Click on it to help harness the exfoliating and rejuvenating properties of this mask for a healthy complexion.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Sameeksha ChandMBBS, MD DVL

   

Dr. Sameeksha Chand Malhotra is a board-certified dermatologist with 10 years of experience. She is well versed in general dermatology, procedural dermatology, and aesthetic dermatology and certified in permanent makeup and microblading.

Read full bio of Dr. Sameeksha Chand

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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