After playing around with the original recipe for this COFFEE SCRUB, I found a few variations that I really loved (link to original recipe at end of post). Since switching to this from a store-brand product, my skin has become smoother and softer. I have fewer breakouts. And, my fine lines seem to be going away... not too shabby for a product that costs pennies to make.
Basic Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Ground Coffee ** you can use grounds that have already been brewed and then left to dry. It decreases the caffeine content (caffeine has been credited with lessening the appearance of cellulite) but the grounds supposedly maintain their antioxidant properties even after brewing
** standard grounds can be great for exfoliating the body, but can be too coarse for the face. I like to grind the coffee in my food processor for about 30 seconds or so.
1/2 Cup Sugar
** I prefer unprocessed or "raw" sugar. Some brands can be really coarse (turbinado style). This can also be ground down in the food processor until you reach the consistency you like
1/4 Cup Organic Coconut Oil
** Sam's Club sells a 28 oz jar for around $8 (I don't get any kind of kick-back from them. I just like sharing a good deal if I find one)
Mix together coffee and sugar. Heat coconut oil until liquefied, but not hot (about 20 seconds in the microwave). Pour melted oil into coffee/sugar mixture. Stir until combined and store in whatever container is convenient for use in the shower.
To use: In a warm shower, apply about 1 tsp to wet skin of face and neck/chest. Massage gently in a circular motion, being careful to avoid the delicate skin around the eyes. Rinse. It will leave a thin film of coconut oil on the skin. This will absorb and leave the skin really soft. Just be sure to rinse your body well, or you will be finding coffee grounds for days.
How to personalize this recipe:
For FINE LINES: add 1 tsp ground CINNAMON or a few drops of cinnamon or mint essential oil
** Cinnamon is antioxidant and both cinnamon and mint improve circulation, plumping the skin. Mint is also very cooling and refreshing. Good for the warmer months
For ACNE PRONE SKIN: add 1 tsp TURMERIC, or a few drops of Tea Tree or Clove essential oils
**Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which will lessen the appearance of blemishes. Tea Tree and Clove oils are antibacterial. Use sparingly, they are pretty strong.
For relaxation: 1 tsp VANILLA extract or a few drops LAVENDER essential oil
For energy boost: a few drops of your favorite CITRUS essential oil, like grapefruit or sweet orange oils
Try it, and let me know what you think!!
Personal note: I use cinnamon and turmeric in mine, and I LOVE it. The turmeric will leave a slight yellow residue. It isn't noticeable on the skin, but it will transfer to your towel when you dry your face. So, you may want to stick with darker towels if you add this ingredient.
CUSTOMIZABLE ANTIOXIDANT EXFOLIATING SCRUB
Basic Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Ground Coffee ** you can use grounds that have already been brewed and then left to dry. It decreases the caffeine content (caffeine has been credited with lessening the appearance of cellulite) but the grounds supposedly maintain their antioxidant properties even after brewing
** standard grounds can be great for exfoliating the body, but can be too coarse for the face. I like to grind the coffee in my food processor for about 30 seconds or so.
1/2 Cup Sugar
** I prefer unprocessed or "raw" sugar. Some brands can be really coarse (turbinado style). This can also be ground down in the food processor until you reach the consistency you like
1/4 Cup Organic Coconut Oil
** Sam's Club sells a 28 oz jar for around $8 (I don't get any kind of kick-back from them. I just like sharing a good deal if I find one)
Mix together coffee and sugar. Heat coconut oil until liquefied, but not hot (about 20 seconds in the microwave). Pour melted oil into coffee/sugar mixture. Stir until combined and store in whatever container is convenient for use in the shower.
To use: In a warm shower, apply about 1 tsp to wet skin of face and neck/chest. Massage gently in a circular motion, being careful to avoid the delicate skin around the eyes. Rinse. It will leave a thin film of coconut oil on the skin. This will absorb and leave the skin really soft. Just be sure to rinse your body well, or you will be finding coffee grounds for days.
How to personalize this recipe:
For FINE LINES: add 1 tsp ground CINNAMON or a few drops of cinnamon or mint essential oil
** Cinnamon is antioxidant and both cinnamon and mint improve circulation, plumping the skin. Mint is also very cooling and refreshing. Good for the warmer months
For ACNE PRONE SKIN: add 1 tsp TURMERIC, or a few drops of Tea Tree or Clove essential oils
**Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which will lessen the appearance of blemishes. Tea Tree and Clove oils are antibacterial. Use sparingly, they are pretty strong.
For relaxation: 1 tsp VANILLA extract or a few drops LAVENDER essential oil
For energy boost: a few drops of your favorite CITRUS essential oil, like grapefruit or sweet orange oils
Try it, and let me know what you think!!
Personal note: I use cinnamon and turmeric in mine, and I LOVE it. The turmeric will leave a slight yellow residue. It isn't noticeable on the skin, but it will transfer to your towel when you dry your face. So, you may want to stick with darker towels if you add this ingredient.
Even though I changed up the recipe, I like to give credit where credit is due. Here is a link to the inspiration for this post:
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