Are you a coffee lover and cannot get enough of it? Well, here’s another one for you. Coffee Oil! Yes, you read that right! Just like other oils, coffee oil is very beneficial to our skin and hair. Let’s get into more details.
What is coffee oil?
Not to be confused with coffee essential oil, coffee oil is made by mixing ground coffee beans or coffee grounds with carrier oil and let it get infused using heat treatment.
Benefits of coffee oil:
1. Coffee oil for hair:
For hair growth: Coffee contains the compound ‘caffeine’ that is known to help promote better blood circulation in the scalp, in turn promoting better hair growth right from the hair follicle.
For hair shine: The compound caffeine in coffee helps to make the hair smoother and shinier because it helps trap and retain moisture in the hair shafts and can also help restore the hair’s natural sheen.
For prevention of premature greying of hair: Using coffee rinses can help prevent premature hair greying, as coffee can act as a natural hair darkening agent.
For hair and scalp detoxification: It can help detoxify the scalp by helping to get rid of product buildup and make it a healthy environment for the hair follicles to grow. It helps keep the scalp and hair well-nourished.
2. Coffee oil for skin:
For reduction of dark circles: Coffee oil contains caffeine that helps constrict the blood vessels under the skin when applied topically and can reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Can reduce cellulite: Coffee oil when applied topically can help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin by dilation of the blood vessels and improving overall blood flow in the skin.
Anti-ageing effects: Application of coffee oil on the skin can help promote better blood circulation in the skin and reduce and prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines.
Skin cancer prevention: Coffee contains vitamin B3 or niacin that can help prevent the development of skin cancer.
Prevention of acne: Coffee contains chlorogenic acid (CGA) and melanoidins that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce and keep acne at bay. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation on the skin.
Can reduce sunburn: When topically applied, coffee oil can help reduce the effects of sunburn as the antioxidant properties of coffee oil can help calm the skin. READ MORE – HOW TO MAKE TURMERIC OIL
Here’s how you can make coffee oil at home using 2 ways:
Method 1:
Ingredients:
2 tbsp coffee grounds/powder
4 tbsp coconut oil
How to make it: Into a heating pot, add in the coconut oil and coffee powder and give it a stir. Let this mixture come to a boil and then lower the flame and let it simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, before turning off the flame. Then, strain this mixture into a storage container using a muslin cloth or a very fine strainer to ensure that you do not get any coffee grounds into the oil. Then, store the container in a cool and dry place.
Method 2:
How to make it: Into an airtight glass container or jar, pour in the oil and coffee and mix well. Then place this container in direct sunlight for around 15 days while you can stir it once in five days. After 15 days, strain this mixture into a storage container using a muslin cloth or a very fine strainer to ensure that you do not get any coffee grounds into the oil. Then, store the container in a cool and dry place.
Here’s how you can use coffee oil;
- For your hair:
Partition your hair and apply this oil all over your scalp and hair evenly. Then, gently massage it in using your fingertips and then let it sit for around half an hour to 40 minutes before rinsing off with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
- For your skin:
See to it that whenever you are using coffee oil on your skin (or any other oil, for that matter), apply it only on cleansed and dry skin. You can apply the oil using a cotton pad dipped in the oil or preferably, just your fingertips and gently massage it in and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, before rinsing off with a mild cleanser.
Caution: Doing a patch test is advisable to check for any reactions; especially if you have sensitive skin. If any irritation is caused, rinse off immediately and discontinue its usage with immediate effect.