About Author
Vinay Kumar Singh.
Head-Formulation
Kumar Organic Products Research Centre Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
It looks like today’s metropolitan lives are fuelled by coffee. Coffee is an indispensable part of our lives. Our day starts with a cup of coffee. One might rely on morning cup of coffee to boost their energy and metabolism on a daily basis. While it is scientifically proven that this ‘wonder drink’, when consumed in moderation, promotes good health and contains properties that help you keep illness at bay. Coffee lovers now have a reason to rejoice as we decipher its numerous benefits for the Skin and Hair!
Coffee is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. Coffea species are shrubs or small trees native to tropical and southern Africa and tropical Asia. The seeds of some species, called coffee beans, are used to flavor various beverages and products. The fruits, like the seeds, contain a large amount of caffeine, and have a distinct sweet taste and are often juiced. The plant ranks as one of the world's most valuable and widely traded commodity crops and is an important export product of several countries, including those in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Africa.
There are over 120 species of Coffea, which is grown from seed. The two most popular are Coffea arabica (commonly known simply as "Arabica"), which accounts for 60–80% of the world's coffee production, and Coffea canephora (known as "Robusta"), which accounts for about 20–40%. C. arabica is preferred for its sweeter taste, while C. canephora has a higher caffeine content. C. arabica has its origins in the highlands of Ethiopia and the Boma Plateau of Sudan, and was the result of a hybrid between C. canephora and C. eugenioides.
South Indian states are the major producer of Coffees in India with Karnataka 53%, Kerala 28%, Tamil Nadu 11% and remaining from the other states includes Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Assam and Tripura. Hilly area and good monsoon in this region makes it best place for important varieties of coffee and tea plantation. Indian coffee is considers as one of the finest coffee in the world, they grown under the shade rather than direct sunlight.
Coffee is a source of nutrients and antioxidants that may benefit the skin, scalp, and hair. The environment is full of free radicals (pollution particles, etc.) that wreak havoc on the skin. However, loading up skin with the antioxidants in coffee protects it and bolsters its natural defences.
In fact, the American Chemical Society has found that coffee is the most popular source of antioxidants in the United States — even more so than other antioxidant-rich beverages, such as tea and wine. A person can use it to exfoliate, treat acne, increase blood flow, and balance pH levels. Coffee is used for skin as below.
Exfoliation: Coffee grounds make a great exfoliant. The grounds do not dissolve in water, which makes them good at scrubbing away dead skin cells.
Results of a study from 2013 suggest that substances in coffee also help to promote healthy skin. Caffeic acid, an antioxidant, may boost collagen levels and reduce the premature aging of cells.
Caffeic acid also has antimicrobial properties, which means that it may help protect the skin against germs. Confirming these findings will require more studies in humans.
Getting rid of puffy eyes : Coffee may benefit people with puffy, inflamed eyes.
Caffeine stimulates blood flow and widens, or dilates, the blood vessels. This increases blood flow, which can help the skin to naturally tighten. The result may be a reduction in the buildup of fluid under the eyes. Other compounds in coffee, such as chlorogenic acids, may also reduce inflammation around the eyes.
Sun protection: Coffee contains antioxidants that may help to protect against ultraviolet rays. Coffee contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols. These may help to protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays and some signs of aging linked to sun exposure. Authors of a study from 2015 concluded that participants with the highest consumption of polyphenols, from coffee or other sources, had fewer UV age spots on their faces.
Cellulite reduction: Coffee may also help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin.
A small study reported that a topical slimming product containing caffeine and several other active ingredients was more effective at reducing stubborn cellulite in women than a placebo product.
Acne treatment: The antioxidants, stimulants, and chlorogenic acids in coffee may make it an effective acne-fighting facial scrub.
Acne occurs when oil, dead skin cells, and other substances clog pores, which can become infected by bacteria, resulting in inflammation.
Foot bath: Coffee may be very effective at cleansing the feet and smoothing and softening the skin. The grounds can help scrape away dead skin cells from the soles of the feet, and the stimulating effects of caffeine may help to increase blood flow and circulation in the area.
Use of Coffee for Hair and scalp
Rubbing coffee grounds into the scalp can scrub away dead skin cells. The scalp and hair are naturally acidic. Coffee is naturally acidic. The American Dental Association gives a pH value of 5.11 to the medium roast of a major brand. Applying coffee to the hair can be a great way to help rebalance the pH levels of the hair and scalp.
Coffee is known to boost hair growth. Caffeine is present in coffee in abundance. It is caffeine that helps to stimulate the hair follicles to promote hair growth. Here's how. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a major component in determining hair growth. DHT when broken down by certain enzymes helps promote hair growth. However, when these enzymes fail to break it down, DHT starts to build up and that weakens the hair follicles and tampers with the integrity of your hair, thereby stopping hair growth. That is where caffeine comes in. Researchers have found that caffeine helps to block the build-up of DHT, improving the blood circulation in your scalp, and stimulating the hair follicles to boost hair growth. Regular use of coffee on the hair strengthens the hair follicles and makes you hair soft, smooth, and long.
According to the American National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), coffee directly activates cells in hair follicles by releasing ATP. ATP is a molecule that carries energies between cells. It can also combat DHT, thus reducing hair fall and making your hair stronger.
Coffee not only makes your hair stronger, but it also improves its quality and makes them soft and shiny. Wondering how? Well, coffee contains flavonoids that fight dullness and dryness.
It boosts blood circulation to the scalp. When applied to the scalp, coffee improves blood circulation. This helps to transfer nutrients to the hair roots. As a result, your hair grows faster and becomes thicker.
Coffee is great for detoxifying the scalp. It allowing you to deal with flakiness and dandruff while also balancing the pH level.
Thus, Coffee is a multipurpose ingredient that can potentially offer a variety of Skincare, Scalp & Haircare benefits.
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