A calm, long day spent lazing under the sun (hopefully with layers of sunscreen!). You pack up your picnic, smiling at the thought of the nice tan you got. The moment you get home, you rush to the mirror to check out your skin. Uh oh! The golden-brown complexion you were hoping for is replaced by a burnt color. Your skin looks dull and stripped of its natural glow. The perfect remedy? A coffee mask.
Ingredients
Coffee Bean:
This fruit contains high amounts of the natural alkaloid called caffeine. Yes, caffeine can have negative, neurological affects if consumed in large amounts. However, when applied to the skin, it can have anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activity, prevention of skin cancer, cellulitis reduction, reduction of hyperpigmentation, and even anti-aging properties.
Flavonoids are one of the phenolic compounds found in the coffee bean. These natural chemicals are know for their high antioxidant activity which leads to their ability of UV protection.
Chlorogenic acids are the most abundant phenolic compounds found in the coffee bean. These acids help with healing skin wounds and reducing hyperpigmentation.
Honey:
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps keep moisture and forms a protective barrier against dryness. It restores the skin's natural hydration, leaving it with a dewy appearance.
Honey has also been valued for its healing properties. The Ancient Egyptians combined honey with other ingredients to reduce pain. Even in the present day, it is widely used for medicinal purposes, such as treating wounds and soothing sore throats. This substance also helps reduce bacteria and excess oils that build up overtime in your pores.
Brown sugar:
Natural and chemical exfoliant: The granules of this sugar helps with removing dead skin cells leading to a brighter, dewy complexion. The particle size of the granules makes it less harsh than white sugar and perfect for sensitive skin. This sugar also contains glycolic acid which can help with the reduction of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
Like honey, brown sugar is a natural humectant. It aids in drawing moisture from the environment to keep the skin radiant. The molasses found in brown sugar also helps with skin softening and tightening.
Instructions:
1) Grind the coffee beans with a mixture or stone grainer for a smooth application
2) Add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar depending on how much coffee powder there is.
3) Pour the coffee powder into a bowl of your choice and add the honey. You can also add a tablespoon of water if the mask is too thick and sticky.
4) After spreading this mask on your face, keep it on for 30-45 minutes for the magic to start.
5) Wash off the mask with a gentle face cleanser (I recommend Cetaphil or CeraVe).
6) If you did not use all the mask up, store it in an air-tight container at a cool temperature. It will last for a week.
Vocabulary:
Alkaloid: A natural compound containing nitrogen found in plants, often with strong physiological effects.
Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
Flavonoids: A group of plant-based antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and contribute to health benefits.
Phenolic Compounds: Chemical substances in plants containing phenol groups, known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chlorogenic Acids: Natural compounds in coffee, fruits, and vegetables with antioxidant effects that can positively effect metabolism and inflammation.
Granules: Small particles or grains of a substance (in our case, brown sugar!)
Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) from sugarcane that exfoliates the skin by removing dead cells.
Molasses: A thick syrup left after sugar is extracted, usually rich in minerals and natural sugars.
Wrapping Up:
As we wrap up this blog, don't forget to comment your experience with this yummy mask. I would love to know your thoughts! Please feel free to email me through my website if you have any questions. You can also share some health topics you are curious about to provide me with some blog ideas. Subscribe to my blog to be updated on more posts + blogs to come! Thank you!
xoxo,
Haley 💗
Citations:
de Mello, Valéria, et al. "Recent patent applications for coffee and coffee by‐products as active ingredients in cosmetics." International Journal of Cosmetic Science 45.3 (2023): 267-287.
Carvalho Neto, Dão Pedro de, Xavier P. Gonot-Schoupinsky, and Freda N. Gonot-Schoupinsky. "Coffee as a naturally beneficial and sustainable ingredient in personal care products: A systematic scoping review of the evidence." Frontiers in Sustainability 2 (2021): 697092.
Strausfogel, Sherrie. “Manuka Honey for Radiant Skin.” Better Nutrition, vol. 81, no. 1, Jan. 2019, p. 28. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=5392e4e2-ebfe-3aaf-8c7d-fdea9c1e22e6.
Misra, Varucha, and A. K. Shrivastava. "Expanding Horizon of Sugar Application: Skin Care and Cosmetics." Sugar and Sugar Derivatives: Changing Consumer Preferences. Singapore: Springer Singapore, 2020. 195-205.
Amazing! Love the intro!
love this!