Beans of beauty

In a popularity contest of beverages for Indians, coffee takes the trophy. But there remains an unearthed secret about it. Chhavi Singh, founder of Scared Salt, while looking up the Internet for natural ways to rejuvenate the skin, came across a post shared by a very notable health website. It revealed coffee’s effects on skin rejuvenation, cellulite reduction, aging signs and symptoms, inflammation, acne, and pigmentation — Chhavi, naturally, started using the ingredient for treating various skin conditions.

She shares, “The benefit of using coffee in any skin product is that it suits all skin types. However, it also depends upon the purpose of using it. A coffee scrub can take away skin’s natural oil if you have dry skin.” She suggests one must follow the instructions of a certified beautician or aesthetician before using coffee as well as any other ingredient on the skin.

If you want flawless and glowing skin during winter, coffee is your answer. “You can use caffeine extract to rejuvenate skin and repair skin from UV damage. Coffee ice cubes, when gently rubbed on the eyes, provides a soothing effect, thereby reducing puffiness and redness. Dry skin is a huge worry during winters. A coffee scrub (made out of ground coffee and honey) can gently exfoliate the skin without causing dehydration and winter itch,” explains Chhavi.

Due to the hyped pollution in metro cities, skin problems are aggravating by the day. According to experts, coffee — which is rich in antioxidants, caffeine and vitamin B-3 — can aid the prevention of certain skin diseases. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help one combat skin irritation and skin infection that the current cold weather may cause. The bottom line is, that although coffee may not resolve all the issues, it can help you take care of your skin and keep you from being a victim of pollution.

There are majorly three popular stages of coffee — green, roasted and dried. If you’re wondering which one is best for your skin, Chhavi has the answer.  The entrepreneur suggests, “Green unroasted coffee has more health and skin benefits than normal roasted coffee. However, in the absence of green coffee, you can go with organic coffee beans and ground them at home or go for ground ones directly.

Either way, coffee is going to serve its purpose of being a well-rounded, inexpensive, and efficient skincare ingredient.

Other than skin benefits, there are several other benefits that coffee holds. “Coffee is great for our health, thanks to its high caffeine content and a rich source of micronutrients, such as riboflavin, vitamin B5, manganese among other nutrients. Having coffee regularly, at least three cups a day, can improve physical stamina, energy level and consciousness by increasing adrenalin level. It helps weight loss by boosting metabolic rate, controls elevated sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 65 per cent.  It is also a natural protecting agent against cirrhosis and cancer,” the beauty personnel says, as she signs off.