Your kitchen coffee jar can do more than make your morning cup. Coffee contains antioxidants that can help tackle dull, tired-looking skin, while its fine texture can work as a gentle exfoliant. When combined with simple ingredients such as honey, besan, haldi and aloe vera, coffee can be turned into easy homemade skincare treatments.
These five DIY coffee face masks and scrubs are simple to prepare and use ingredients that are commonly available at home. They can be a convenient addition to your skincare routine during the festive season and are also suitable for World Coffee Day.
1. Coffee and Honey Mask for Dull Skin
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coffee powder
- 1 tbsp honey
How to use it
Combine the coffee powder and honey in a small bowl and mix until you get a smooth paste. Clean your face and gently pat it dry before applying the mixture evenly, while avoiding the eye area.
Leave the mask on for around 15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
2. Coffee and Curd Mask for Tanning
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coffee
- 2 tbsp curd
- A pinch of haldi
How to use it
Start by whisking the curd until it becomes smooth. Add the coffee and haldi, then mix thoroughly to remove any lumps.
Apply the mixture to your face and neck using clean fingers. Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with cool water.
3. Coffee and Besan Pack for Oily Skin
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp besan
- 1 tbsp coffee
- Rose water, as needed
How to use it
Mix the besan and coffee in a bowl. Gradually add rose water until the ingredients form a thick yet spreadable paste.
Apply the pack evenly to a clean face and leave it for about 15 minutes. While rinsing, gently rub the pack away using circular motions.
4. Coffee and Sugar Scrub for Face and Body
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp coffee
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
How to use it
Mix the coffee, sugar and coconut oil until the texture resembles damp, grainy sand.
Apply the mixture to damp skin and massage gently for one to two minutes. When using it on the face, choose finer sugar and avoid applying too much pressure. For areas such as the elbows, knees and arms, the scrub can be used for slightly longer.
Rinse thoroughly and limit use to once a week.
5. Coffee and Aloe Vera Gel Mask for Sensitive Skin
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coffee
- 2 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel
How to use it
Mix the coffee and aloe vera gel until they are evenly combined. Spread a thin layer over a clean face and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
Wash it off with cool water.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Before applying any new DIY mask, perform a patch test on your wrist or behind your ear. Avoid using scrubs on active pimples, cuts or sunburn, as the granules may cause further irritation.
Use freshly ground coffee or plain instant coffee powder rather than coffee containing added sugar or milk. After washing off the treatment, apply a moisturiser. During the day, finish with sunscreen, particularly because exfoliated skin requires protection.
Using these treatments two to three times a week is sufficient. Regularity is more important than using them frequently, as the results are not expected to appear overnight.