A Dermatologist Shares Her Coffee Face Scrub Recipe for Brighter, Softer Skin
A gulp of morning coffee provides the jolt we need to take on the day—but did you know it can do the same for your skin? “Coffee can support reducing inflammation, improved blood flow, a brighter complexion, and softer, more supple and tighter skin,” explains Ava Shamban, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in California. Not to mention, its granules make a great physical exfoliator.
When gently massaged into the skin, coffee grounds remove dirt and oil from its top layer, helping to keep the pores clean. Dr. Shamban says. Additionally, the caffeine naturally stimulates blood flow, which can temporarily tighten the skin and remediate fluid retention that causes puffiness.
All of these perks explain why coffee is often found as a main ingredient in tons of skincare products, but you don’t have to purchase pricey creams and treatments to try it out. Instead, make a DIY coffee scrub using Dr. Shamban’s recipe below, and add her recommended extra ingredients to cater it specifically to your skin type.
DIY coffee face scrub recipe
Ingredients
½ cup medium coarsely ground coffee (fresh, if possible)
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup vitamin E oil
3 to 5 drops CBD oil (optional)
Directions
In a bowl, mix all ingredients together.
Gently apply and massage into the skin in circular, upward motions for three minutes.
Rinse with water and pat dry.
For puffiness
Store your coffee—whole bean or pre-ground—in the freezer before assembly. “Cold is great for fighting off inflammation or irritated, reactive skin,” Dr. Shamban says.
For oily or acne-prone skin
“Honey is a great clarifying agent,” Dr. Shamban explains. Swap the coconut oil for an equal amount of honey, and after rubbing the mixture into your skin, leave it on as a mask for five to 10 minutes.
For dry skin
Add organic, raw sugar. “It acts as a humectant,” Dr. Shamban says, meaning it has the ability to draw moisture to the top layer of the skin. Instead of ½ cup of coffee, mix ¼ cup of grounds and ¼ cup of sugar, which will also act as a gentle exfoliant. You can follow the rest of the base recipe and proceed as usual, or make a moisturizing mask by adding ¼ cup of full-fat plain greek yogurt or mashed avocado to the mix.
For the body
Because the rest of your skin needs love too, Dr. Shamban suggests using the base recipe as a full body scrub as well, especially on areas prone to cellulite like the hips and thighs. It’s not a miracle treatment, but it can “result in a temporary tissue tightening” and the appearance of smoother skin, she says.
So, when you’re finished scrubbing or masking your face, take the rest of the mixture straight into the shower and have yourself a head-to-toe spa day.
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