A recent trend in cosmetics and body and skin care is the addition of coffee extract. There are many reasons for this. Scientific research has shown that coffee is a fantastic source of antioxidants, and that those antioxidants can be used to protect skin against damage. But what if the damage has already been done?

If you are a new mother, you’ve probably tried your best to guard against cellulite and stretch marks by using a number of commercial products while you were still expecting. However, you may not have achieved the results that you were after. Don’t fear! If you already have severe skin damage caused by your pregnancy, it is not too late to fight back. And, coffee is just the antidote.

Caffeine from coffee can stimulate skin by encouraging the blood flow needed to build new skin cells. New cells will eventually replace the damaged cells, therefore improving the appearance of nasty stretch marks and cellulite. It also helps to increase collagen and elastin production, making the skin more likely to snap back to its original shape prior to your pregnancy.

Here are a few recipes for coffee scrubs that are sure to get your skin back in tip-top shape:

Note: each recipe makes one scrub application.

1. Coffee Grounds Body Scrub with Coconut Oil

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon of ground coffee (ground all roast coffee beans finely)
• ½ teaspoon of coconut oil

Instructions:

Thoroughly mix the coconut oil and the coffee grounds, then apply the mixture to the desired area using an elliptical motion. Leave the compound on your skin for at least 20 minutes, or up to 60 minutes, if desired. Cover the area with plastic to avoid staining your clothing or furniture. When the time is up, rinse the scrub off in the shower with warm water.

2. Toxin Release Coffee Grounds Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon of ground coffee or used grinds
• ¾ teaspoon of yogurt, cream, or whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon of honey
• ½ teaspoon of cocoa powder

Instructions:

Completely blend all ingredients thoroughly and apply the mixture to the affected skin lightly. Let the scrub sit untouched for about 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water in the shower.

3. Sweet Sugar and Cinnamon Coffee Grounds Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon of coconut palm sugar
• ½ teaspoon of ground roast coffee beans
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients together and spread on the cellulite or stretch marks. Leave the mixture on the skin for approximately a half hour, gently massaging it into the damaged skin. The grounds and the sugar are sure to exfoliate the area, while the olive oil makes a wonderful moisturizer. Afterward, rinse well in warm to hot shower water.

Coffee, and the caffeine that it contains, is a natural wonder. It can be used to contribute to your skin’s health in a number of ways. Mainly, it can help diminish the cellulite and stretch marks that come with many pregnancies, and it can tone and tighten any saggy skin that is trying to spring back into pre-baby shape.

On top of all that, coffee smells refreshingly wonderful and it’s a great way to make further use of leftover coffee grounds (if you roast your own coffee at home). Just remember to shower with water that is a bit on the warm side so your scrub doesn’t clog your drain.

Have you tried a coffee scrub before? SHARE with us in the comments below.

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