Many of us can’t live without that hot cup of Joe to get us going in the morning. Simply waking up to that wonderful aroma is a great way to start the day, but did you know that you can use that coffee to help beautify your skin as well? It’s true – one of your favorite beverages not only boosts your energy level and your mood, but it’s loaded with powerful antioxidants to help improve your skin. Coffee contains very large amounts of multiple antioxidants, including hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols. Hydrocinnamic acids are very effective at neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress. 1. Coffee grounds have the ideal consistency for creating the ultimate exfoliator, in addition to offering caffeic acid, which is known to increase collagen production. Collagen is a protein produced by our cells that helps “hold” the skin together, keeping it looking younger and giving it firmness and elasticity. Softer skin. 2. Recent studies indicate that caffeine may also repair the skin damage caused by exposure to UV rays. It is considered a stronger antioxidant than the polyphenols contained in green tea. The caffeine and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in coffee helps neutralize free radical damage to the skin and pull toxins from our system. In fact, it is among the best and strongest antioxidants to combat UV damage. 3. The caffeine in coffee helps to dilate blood vessels, which temporarily tones and tightens tissue while improving blood circulation and reducing water retention. Those benefits can help smooth the dimpled appearance of cellulite. 4. Caffeine works as a constrictor to reduce swelling and inflammation to shrink under eye bags. While you probably wouldn’t think the same ingredient in your coffee that wakes you up would help erase that puffiness and those dark circles, it really can. That’s because caffeine, when applied to the skin, actually serves as an anti-inflammatory, which is known to reduce swelling. It constricts the blood vessels just below the skin’s surface, which reduces the swelling of puffiness, and it can help balance out skin tone too. 5. Varicose veins are caused by blood pooling in certain parts of the veins. The caffeine in coffee causes veins to restrict, thus reducing the appearance of varicose veins. You can apply coffee grounds directly to problem areas to shrink varicose veins.
