Including coffee in your skincare routine can yield great results: Experts

From face masks scrubs undereye patches and face serums to body lotions coffeeinfused products have become dominant in the world of skincare Beauty influencers celebrities and dermatologists alike swear by coffee for healthy skin Yet some have their doubts regarding the sameMidday Online sat down with skincare pundits to delve into the benefits of coffee for skin and explore the appropriate ways to incorporate it into onersquos basic skincare routineDr Rinky Kapoor consultant dermatologist cosmetic dermatologist and dermatosurgeon The Esthetic Clinics Mumbai says ldquoCoffee which has long been a beloved beverage for its energyboosting properties can also work wonders for your skinrdquoSpeaking on the possible reasons behind coffeersquos recent popularity in skincare Kapoor says ldquoCoffeeinfused skincare products have great antiageing properties Coffee grounds are rich in antioxidants which help to combat free radicals and reduce signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine linesrdquoAdding to this Dr Palak Deshmukh consultant dermatologist trichologist and venereologist Jehangir Hospital Pune says ldquoCoffee also contains antiinflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling Additionally caffeine found in coffee can constrict blood vessels reducing puffiness and rednessrdquoCoffee offers a range of unknown benefits that further promote healthy skin Coffee groundrsquos coarse texture is exceptionally beneficial as it acts as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells leaving the skin smoother and brighter This exfoliation process also stimulates collagen production leading to firmer and more supple skin over time When used in scrubs or masks coffee can also stimulate blood flow promoting healthier more radiant skin Further some coffeeinfused products can temporarily tighten and smooth the skins appearance reducing the appearance of celluliteWays to incorporate coffee into your skincare routineIf you are planning to include coffee in your skincare regime both Kapoor and Deshmukh suggest investing in a few productsCoffee scrubs These are excellent for the body They exfoliate the skin removing dead skin cells and leaving it smoother and brighterCoffee eye creams Specifically designed for the delicate skin around the eyes these creams can reduce puffiness and dark circles due to caffeines vasoconstrictive properties meaning it constricts blood vessels and helps reduce swelling around the eyesCoffee masks These are versatile as they benefit various parts of the face and body They can enhance blood circulation improve complexion and reduce redness and irritationCoffeeinfused body lotions These provide hydration and a subtle coffee scent for the entire body ensuring your skin stays fresh for a long timeCoffeeinfused face serums These can be used to address specific facial concerns such as antiageing or brighteningEach type of product has its unique advantages and the choice depends on your skincare goals and preferencesTo get you started Kapoor lists down five products that you can use1 mCaffeine2 WOW Skin Science3 Dot amp Key4 Mamaearth5 BiotiqueNatural coffeeinfused packs to make at homeIf you wish to give coffee a try first before spending huge amounts on skincare products you can try out these natural packs as recommended by both Kapoor and Deshmukh By combining coffee grounds with a few simple ingredients you can create these luxurious face masks that will rejuvenate and revive your complexion1Coffee honey yoghurt maskIngredientsGround coffee 1 tbspHoney or yoghurt 1 tbspCoconut oil 1 tspQuantity is subject to onersquos own preferenceMethodTo make your own coffeeinfused face mask start by mixing one tablespoon of ground coffee with one tablespoon of honey or yoghurt Honey is known for its soothing properties and helps to moisturise the skin while yoghurt contains lactic acid that exfoliates dead skin cells You can also add a teaspoon of coconut oil to make the mask more hydrating Apply the mixture onto clean dry skin and leave it on for 1015 minutes before rinsing off with warm water The result is a glowing complexion that feels soft and smooth to the touch2 Coffee and lemon maskIngredientsGround coffee 1 tbspLemon juice 1 tbspQuantity is subject to onersquos own preferenceMethodMix the ingredients well and apply the mixture lightly on your face Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse it off with water This one is a brightening and energising coffee mask that can give your tiredlooking complexion a muchneeded lift The addition of lemon juice can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone Caffeine in the coffee stimulates blood flow to your face when applied topically giving you a healthy glow from within3 Coffee and moisturiser maskThere are no specific ingredients for this one and it is easy to make and apply Simply mix a small amount of coffee grounds with your favourite cleanser or moisturiser and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions Rinse off thoroughly and enjoy the rejuvenating effects of this DIY exfoliant4 Simple coffeeAnother interesting way to include coffee in your skincare regime is by using it to reduce undereye puffiness To experience this benefit brew a strong cup of black coffee without sugar or milk and allow it to cool down completely Soak cotton pads in the cooled liquid and place them over closed eyelids for 1015 minutes while you relax The caffeine will do its magic by shrinking the blood vessels around your eyes reducing puffiness considerablyAll these packs can be applied once a week for the best results Results may vary from person to person so be patient and consistent with your chosen mask Always do a patch test before applying any homemade mask to your face to ensure you dont have an adverse reactionNegative effects of coffee on skinDirect application of coffee on the skin has become increasingly popular in recent years with claims ranging from reducing cellulite to brightening the complexion However before you reach for your morning cup of coffee as a skincare treatment it is also important to consider the risksOne of the main reasons coffee is thought to have positive effects on the skin is due to its high caffeine content ldquoHoweverrdquo Kapoor says ldquoapplying coffee directly onto the skin is not recommended as it can cause damage due to its harshness and dryness It is better to consult an expert before opting for any home remedies when it comes to skincarerdquoDeshmukh too adds ldquoCoffee grounds in their coarse form can be abrasive and may potentially irritate sensitive skinrdquoCoffee can be quite harsh and may cause irritation or dryness particularly for those with sensitive or reactive skin The coarse texture of coffee grounds when applied too vigorously can also cause microtears in the skin Additionally overuse of coffeebased products can disrupt the skins protective barrier resulting in increased sensitivity The acidity of coffee could also disrupt the natural pH balance of your skin if used excessively or without proper dilutionIts important to approach this trend with caution and consider patch testing first before applying coffee directly onto your face or body Do not just follow any trend or videos blindly If coffee is suitable for one that doesnrsquot mean it will suit your skin as wellDisclaimer This information does not replace professional medical advice Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidanceAlso Read Why some people are obsessed with wearing black clothes