The Benefits of Using a Coffee Scrub

One of the most popular skin care products that you can use is a coffee scrub. In fact, you’ve likely seen friends post pictures of themselves with coffee face scrubs smeared on their complexions. You may have even wondered whether you should add one to your skin care routine. But what exactly is a coffee scrub—and how do you use one? Well, it turns out coffee scrubs can be a pretty useful skin care product for various skin types, including oily skin and dry skin. Keep reading to learn all about coffee body scrubs and face scrubs, including coffee scrub benefits and how to exfoliate with one. Plus, we’ll fill you in on our best coffee scrub for exfoliating your face—and lips!

WHAT IS A COFFEE SCRUB?

A coffee scrub is basically what you think it is: a face or body scrub formulated with coffee. To get more specific, coffee scrubs are a type of mechanical exfoliation—that means they physically remove dead skin cells from your skin’s surface through the act of sloughing your skin. With a coffee scrub, finely-ground coffee particles are used to do the exfoliating.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A COFFEE SCRUB?

As with all scrubs, a coffee scrub can help exfoliate the surface of your skin, lifting away dull, dead skin cell buildup and leaving you with a complexion that looks more radiant. And, just as drinking coffee can help make you feel more energized, when used in skin care products, coffee can help energize the look of your skin. (That’s why it makes sense that you tend to see eye creams formulated with caffeine, as your under-eye area can be a dead giveaway that you’re sorely lacking energy.)

You may have heard of using coffee scrubs for cellulite, and that’s because research has found that products containing caffeine may dehydrate cells, which can make cellulite less obvious—though not get rid of it—per the American Academy of Dermatology. While it may not make your dimpled skin disappear, you can try using a coffee body scrub for cellulite.

HOW DO YOU ADD A COFFEE FACE SCRUB TO YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE?

Want the ability to post your own coffee scrub-covered selfies on Instagram? In that case, you’ll need to incorporate a coffee scrub into your regular skin care routine. Instead of attempting to DIY a coffee scrub, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub. In addition to finely-ground Kona coffee, the gentle face scrub is formulated with three pure sugars and coconut oil. Basically, it’s a total treat for your skin!

To use your new coffee scrub, smooth a small amount onto dry skin. Then, gently massage the face scrub onto your skin using wet fingers and rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water before patting dry. Use your chosen face scrub three times a week for best results. You can also use the scrub to exfoliate your lips for a smoother pout—and better lipstick application.

Editor’s tip: Make sure to follow up exfoliation with a moisturizer, as skin hydration is key in helping to maintain the appearance of beautiful skin. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, and L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin are all formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water for long-lasting hydration.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER FACE SCRUB OPTIONS?

If you’re looking into different ways to exfoliate your skin, coffee scrubs aren’t your only option—even if they’re a great one. You could also consider face scrubs formulated with other ingredients, like cocoa, kiwi seeds, and acai. (Sounds delish, we know, but don’t try to take a taste!) Below, find three additional face scrub recommendations:

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub: This face scrub, which is formulated with cocoa and cocoa butter, leaves skin feeling softer and smoother and looking more refined. Immediately, skin feels smooth and comforted, while skin feels nourished with continued use over time.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Kiwi Scrub: This face scrub, which is formulated with kiwi seeds, effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from skin’s surface and polishes away dead skin. With continued use over time, pores look tighter, unclogged, and less visible.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Grapeseed Scrub: This face scrub, which is formulated with ground acai and grapeseed oil, gives skin a glowing appearance immediately and leaves skin feeling baby-soft, smooth, and comforted with continued use over time.

HOW DO YOU ADD A COFFEE BODY SCRUB TO YOU ROUTINE?

We talked about how to use a coffee face scrub and even shared a few other face scrubs, but what about a scrub for your body? Sloughing the skin on your legs and arms is important, too! Since coffee scrubs can get a bit messy, we recommend hopping into the shower to scrub down your skin. Wet your skin, then massage the coffee scrub over your body with gentle circular motions. Rinse off and follow with body lotion—essentially following the same steps as you would for a face scrub.

Now that you know exactly what a coffee scrub is and how to add it to your skin care routine, you can move right along to learning about different types of exfoliation. Here’s What’s the Difference Between Mechanical and Chemical Exfoliation?