Homemade Coffee Scrubs
COFFEE SCRUBS. You’ve probably seen them around, in fancy packaging and generally overpriced. But coffee scrubs don’t have to be expensive – in fact, they don’t have to cost anything at all.
I’ve included a few quick homemade recipes for a face mask, face scrub, and my favourite body scrub, all with ingredients you probably have in your kitchen. Best of all, none of these take more than a few minutes!
Aaaand – if you’re more of a visual kind of person, I put together a lil video. It guides you through all the steps and measurements, and includes examples of how to use and some behind the scenes footage!
But first, let’s talk benefits.
Coffee contains caffeine, which helps with circulation and increasing blood flow, giving your skin a more even tone, and drawing out the excess moisture, causing it to look and feel smoother and firmer!! Coffee also acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells to expose fresh, new skin.
Brown sugar and white sugar act as second exfoliants, and help to slough away dead skin cells. White sugar is finer and therefore more gentle than brown sugar; where a choice is given, choose based on how sensitive your skin is.
Coconut oil is my absolute favourite natural beauty product. It’s incredibly moisturising and softening, and is filled with vitamins and minerals which lock into your skin. (you can substitue olive oil for coconut oil if you don’t have any in the house)
Rose hip oil is another favourite of mine. You can use it for nearly absolutely anything skin-related, as it’s super moisturising and beneficial.
Cinnamon lightly exfoliates, leaves you smelling delicious, clears your skin of bacteria, and improves blood circulation (helping with acne and eczema).
Lemon juice brightens your skin.
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which dissolves dead skin cells. It very gently exfoliates, while brightening the complexion, and acts as a creamy, soft base for the face mask and scrub.
Honey is extremely moisturising and soothing, and softens skin and opens up pores.
Cocoa powder smells AMAZING, and is packed with antioxidants that help repair skin cells.
PRO TIP: Try and buy all your ingredients organically, as added chemicals and preservatives can be harmful for your skin.
1. Coffee and Coconut Face Scrub
This is the most rejuvenating face scrub I’ve ever used. After just one use, my skin glowed, and all redness was erased. It leaves you with a light, sweet scent of chocolatey-coffeey-yoghurtey goodness.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons coffee grounds
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar / white sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon yogurt (as unprocessed as possible – I use Jalna, Greek Yogurt)
3 drops rose hip oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract *optional* (for smell)
Method: Mix all ingredients until combined in a small bowl. If your coconut oil is solid, melt gently until it’s in liquid form, but ensure it returns to room temperature before use (so the nutrients don’t dissolve).
To use: Rub generously into facial and neck area in small circles, being gentle around eyes and sensitive skin. When all skin feels scrubbed, let sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with a gentle moisturiser.
[ This is for 1-2 uses. Store any leftovers in an air-tight container, for up to 4 weeks. ]
2. Coffee and Cocoa Face Mask
Ultra-refreshing, this face mask leaves your skin feeling soft and brand new.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons ground coffee
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
3 tablespoons yogurt (as unprocessed as possible – I use Jalna, plain Greek yogurt)
1 tablespoon honey
4 drops Rose hip oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract *optional* (for smell)
Method: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
To use: Apply a light coat onto facial and neck area, and let sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Remove gently with a warm, damp washcloth.
[ This is for 1-2 uses. Store any leftovers in an air-tight container, in the fridge or a similarly cool place, for up to a week. ]
3. Coffee Body Scrub
The ultimate scrub. A lifesaver for cellulite, stretch marks, and blemishes – while leaving you feeling soft and silky. It can be a refreshing mid-week pick-me-up, or the perfect exfoliation before you tan or moisturise.
Ingredients:
1 cup ground coffee
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut oil
8 teaspoons lemon juice
8-10 drops Rose hip oil
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract *optional* (for smell)
Method: Mix all dry ingredients (coffee, brown sugar and cinnamon) in a large bowl. Add your coconut oil (if your coconut oil is solid, melt gently until it’s in liquid form, but ensure it returns to room temperature before use, so the nutrients don’t dissolve). Mix thoroughly. Add remaining ingredients (lemon juice, rose hip oil and vanilla extract) and mix again.
To use: Taking large handfuls, rub into your skin, concentrating on problem areas (such as stretch marks, cellulite, eczema) for up to 60 seconds. When your entire body is covered, let sit for a couple of minutes, and then rinse. PRO TIP: Do this in a shower or bath, as it gets pretty messy! Finish with a full-body moisturiser for silky skin that’ll last for days on end.
[ This is for anywhere from 3-5 uses. Store remaining scrub in an air-tight container, for up to 4 weeks. HINT: Sometimes I find my body scrub hardens a little. If this happens, just add some olive oil or coconut oil and remix. ]
