Who knew that coffee grounds held cellulite reducing properties? Well my friend Marisa did, that's who. After my girlfriend mentioned making a homemade body scrub with coffee grounds to get ready for shorts season, I did a little research for myself.
It turns out that coffee, or more specifically caffeine, is an antioxidant that breaks up cellulite deposits and tightens skin when externally applied. Sadly, my morning cup of joe doesn't count. Wouldn't it be great if drinking coffee led to the smoothest of thighs? Ah, well...
And while you can purchase a variety of coffee body scrubs in stores, it's just as simple to make the homemade version of this Coffee & Sugar Body Scrub in your own kitchen. The exfoliating nature of raw sugar mixed with the antioxidant power of coffee and super moisturizing sweet almond oil leave skin feeling so incredibly soft! So get to scrubbing. By next summer we will all have flawless thighs...fingers crossed.
photos by Leah Bergman
Coffee & Sugar Body Scrub
½ cup sugar in the raw¼ cup coursely ground coffee
⅓ cup sweet almond oil
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and store in an air tight jar. Enjoy!
Note: This body scrub does have a strong coffee smell so be prepared! Also, make sure to wash all coffee grounds down the drain after using this scrub as they can discolor your tub.
Chelsea says
I love coffee scrubs! Thanks for sharing Leah.
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Freutcake says
Thanks Chelsea! Hope you make yourself a batch. 😉
Julie says
I've been into making my own body scrubs lately and this one sounds amazing! I'll add it to my list of recipes to try 🙂
Freutcake says
Making homemade body scrubs is the best! Hope you will give this one a try. 😉
Emily West (@sparklemeetspop) says
Sounds great - anything to put a little pep in my step 🙂
Freutcake says
Well said! We could both use a bit more of that.
Jaimep says
On a side note, what polish is that? It's a great red!
Freutcake says
Thanks Jaime! Sadly, I can't remember the color. It's a Shellac gel nail polish and it was the first time getting this color!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
I was just going to say...so if I start using this scrub now, I should be golden for next summer! Ha ha...I had no idea that caffeine could help with cellulite!
Freutcake says
It's all about preparation lady! 😉 You and I are so on top it this year.
[email protected] says
Ooh I need to try this! It's Spring here in Oz so I need to get my pins ready for some shorts haha
Erin @ CO.IN Design Studio says
I add a dab of vanilla extract + brown sugar to mine to make it extra sweet smelling (sort of take down a little of the strong coffee smell). And this is a good reminder to be more routine in using the scrub to see results!
Violeta, your Shoegal Out In The World says
I will make it this weekend & start using it, even though summer is over... I will be ready to wear my party dress during the Christmas holidays...
Have a great weekend!!!
xoxo Violeta, your Shoegal Out In The World
http://www.shoegaloutintheworld.com
Sarah says
Do you think I could use coconut oil instead? My son has a life threatening peanut and tree nut (but not coconut) allergy so almond oil is out. Thank you!!
Leah Bergman says
Of course! For any of my homemade body scrub recipes you can substitute the olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil. Coconut and almond are my favorites and both work beautifully. Enjoy!
carlynicoleelliotteachel says
Have you found any issues washing this down your drains? My husband dips (gross I know!) but he dips while he showers and spits the stuff down the drain when he's finished and we are constantly having to unclog the bathroom drain because of it! Wonder if the coffee grounds would cause the same problem?
Leah Bergman says
You know, I personally haven't had trouble with it but I am guessing it would depend on how fine the coffee was ground. Also, if you have sensitive plumbing I wouldn't risk it.
Basma Diaa says
how many time should girl do this coffee scrub to get off her selolite lines ?
Leah Bergman says
Hi Basma, this is a natural scrub and can't actually get rid of cellulite but it will make the appearance of your skin more smooth! I would use it a couple of times a week but you can use it every day if it doesn't irritate your skin.
tiffanysylvia says
Hi there! I included your link/blog in my DIY spa day post. Thanks for the recipe!! I love it, and love your blog.
Leah Bergman says
Hi Tiffany, thanks so much for reading! I'm off to check out your spa post now. 😉
Kacee says
What's the shelf life of diy body scrubs like this one?
Daena says
This may seem like a silly question but I'm not a coffee drinker so I know nothing about anything to do with coffee, but would instant coffee work for this?
Leah Bergman says
Not a silly question at all! I actually had to think about that for a moment but no, it wouldn't work. Instant coffee will dissolve and won't give you that "scrub" quality. Hope this helps!
Daena says
Oh thank you! that was very helpful, I managed to find a bag of coffee beans hidden away from a coffee and chocolate shop that my partner attended 😛 and I just tried this recipe, boy oh boy does my skin feel soft 😛 Also I added one extra little ingredient.. A small amount of rose hip oil, just for that little extra help on the skin 🙂
Claudia Lopez says
How long am I supposed to leave the coffee scrub on for?
Leah Bergman says
I don't usually leave it on. I just scrub all over my arms, legs, etc and then wash it off!
Love This Product says
I’ve been dying to try a coffee scrub…this will definitely do! Thank you!