International Coffee Day : 7 Reasons why you should treat your skin (and hair) to a coffee date

Whether you are battling afternoon sleepiness, or trying to get past crippling anxiety over unfinished projects /looming deadlines, there is one beverage you can always count on to save the day - coffee.

Too many of us have been there. Sleep-deprived, wild-eyed, obsessing over last-minute exam prep or staying awake in the wee hours of the morning, going over the finer points of our presentation for the 10000th time. A cup of steaming coffee was what kept many of us going.

Although many tea patrons may turn their nose up, at the mention of ‘instant coffee’ or grimace at the thought of sipping on black coffee, this wonder beverage is second to none when it comes to battling drowsiness, beating Monday blues, or conjuring up some energy/enthusiasm (or at least a semblance of it) when there is none.

And that’s not all.

Did you know that coffee has several beauty benefits? If used topically, it can also work wonders for your skin and hair. On this International Coffee Day, try one of these coffee-based beauty hacks. Read on below to find out!

Delays Ageing Process

Aside from making you feel energetic, coffee can also help you look like a million bucks! Coffee powder is packed with antioxidants that can help you keep telltale signs of ageing like fine lines, dark spots, wrinkles, etc. A 2015 study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, revealed that regular intake of coffee might help reduce skin pigmentation problems like acne and hyperpigmentation. Coffee contains a high quantity of polyphenols that can help repair skin cells from damage and also increase your lifespan by warding off illnesses like heart disease and cancer.

Coffee also contains chlorogenic acids which can help protect your skin from UV (ultra-violet) rays of the sun. If you are in a hurry for a party or date and want to add some instant glow to your face and make it look fresh and dewy you can opt for a coffee mask.

• Mix 1 tablespoon coffee powder, 1 tablespoon honey, and yoghurt.

• Add a dash of rosewater. Mix well.

• Apply it to your face, and leave for 20 minutes.

• Rinse off with water.

The Most Delicious Sunscreen Known to Mankind

Ultraviolet rays cause irreversible damage in more ways than one. Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to premature ageing (photoaging). A study led by Stanford Medicine found that people who spent long hours in the sun, showed early signs of ageing, often before the age of 30. UV rays can also cause non-melanoma skin cancer.

Coffee can act as a natural sunscreen for your skin. Caffeine inhibits DNA damage response. This in turn can protect your skin from non-melanoma skin cancer. Coffee oil can reportedly filter light selectively within the wavelengths of 280-320nm. This allows you to tan without incurring solar erythema. Coffee also contains niacin or vitamin B-3. This nutrient can prevent skin cancer.

Helps In Cellulite Reduction

Caffeine addicts, good news! Your favourite beverage can actually help you cut the flab and look fab. According to this research, when caffeine enters your skin it dilates the blood vessels underneath. This improves blood circulation and reduces cellulite levels.

Rejuvenates Your Skin

Coffee acts as a great facial scrub. It helps get rid of dead skin cells and is gentle on your skin.If you don’t have time to go for an extensive skin exfoliation treatment, treat yourself to a homemade coffee skin scrub. This will make you look radiant and smell like freshly ground coffee!

• All you need is some coffee powder (1 tablespoon).

• Mix it with sugar granules, lemon juice, and olive oil.

• Apply a generous coat on your face and leave it on, till it dries up.

• Wash off with cold water.

Banishes Dark Circles

As we have explained above, coffee can dilate blood vessels beneath your skin and enhance blood circulation. Once blood vessels are dilated, dark spots also fade away.

Goodbye Puffy Eyes

Coffee is rich in chlorogenic acid. This compound works wonders when it comes to treating inflammation around your eyes. Coffee also increases blood flow. Increased blood circulation causes skin pores to tighten. This results in reducing fluid formation under the eyes.

Reduces Hair Fall

If you are sick and tired of losing hair, time to take your hair to a coffee date! Coffee has the potential to stimulate hair growth due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This prevents inflammation of the hair follicle and reduces hair loss. You can try out this DIY coffee hair mask over the weekend :

• Take 1 tablespoon of coffee and mix it with a tablespoon of coconut oil and a tablespoon of castor oil.
• Apply it to your hair and leave it on for four hours.
• Wash it off with a herbal shampoo.