Instead of tossing out your morning coffee grounds, you may want to save them for a mini-spa treatment instead. Coffee grounds have been shown to be an effective anti-cellulite remedy. The same chemical that is responsible for most people's love of coffee also reduces cellulite. Caffeine is a natural diuretic, and when applied directly to the skin, reduces water in the cells, diminishing the appearance of cellulite. It is also a stimulant and can help revive a sluggish circulation. Coffee grounds are an exfoliant, sloughing dead cells off the body, and they are rich with nutritious oils that are beneficial for the skin.
Cellulite
Cellulite collects mostly on the hips, buttocks and upper arms, and is detectable by a bumpy "orange-peel" appearance. One of its main causes is the accumulation of toxic deposits in the fatty tissues. Not necessarily related to body weight, cellulite affects people of all sizes, especially women, but men can get cellulite, too. It's usually a result of slow circulation, which causes poor elimination of toxins from the body. Daily exercise and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables helps the lymphatic system rid the body of waste products.
Caffeine
Coffee grounds contain caffeine, a natural diuretic. A diuretic is a substance that helps release excess water in the cells. It has been found to be effective in topical applications.
Caffeine is also a stimulant, and will help revive a sluggish circulation. Because the oils in coffee beans are compatible with our own skin oils, it helps the absorption of the caffeine into the skin. Interestingly, darker roasted coffee has more oils but less caffeine, while the lighter to medium roasts generally have less oils but more caffeine.
Applications
Coffee grounds can be used in several applications for cellulite reduction, such as massage, a body wrap, or simply in the shower. In addition to the action of the caffeine, coffee grounds are an excellent exfoliant, which means that they get rid of dead skin cells, revealing fresh new skin. This helps diminish the appearance of cellulite.
The natural oils found in coffee are very beneficial and will leave the skin feeling soft and smooth. Well moisturized skin makes cellulite less noticeable.
Shower and Massage
In the shower, massage a small handful of coffee grounds into your skin in a circular motion for about five to 10 minutes, focusing on problem areas such as the hips, thighs, buttocks and upper arms.
For a cellulite-reduction massage, mix about a tablespoon of coffee grounds into a body lotion or natural vegetable oil, such as almond oil. Massage gently into the skin using circular and back and forth movements for about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove with a warm, damp towel.
Try a Body Wrap
Coffee grounds can also be used for a cellulite-reducing body wrap. Mix equal parts coffee grounds and a moisturizing or massage cream, apply to the desired areas, and wrap with plastic wrap. Cover with a blanket to keep in body heat and allow the caffeine to penetrate the cells. Relax for about 20 minutes, then rinse. The chemical action of the caffeine during the body wrap is intensified with the heat, which induces perspiration. This helps to release toxins in the cells and reduce cellulite.
References
- "Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists;" Anne Williams; 2007
- "Healthy Healing, 10th Edition:" Linda Rector Page; 1997
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