Next time you go to throw away your used coffee grounds – stop – because they could well form the basis of a brilliant at-home spa treatment. “Coffee is a skin superfood,” says Ivonne Quinche, spa manager at Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort. But why? “Coffee is renowned for its regenerative properties and its ability to combat inflammation, making it a valuable addition to skin care routines,” says Ivonne.
Thanks to its high caffeine content, coffee exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that are particularly effective in reducing fluid retention and addressing cellulite concerns.
“Coffee is also rich in antioxidants that deeply penetrate the skin’s dermis, contributing to improved elasticity and an overall healthier, more rejuvenated appearance,” says Ivonne.
So how can you use it at home?
THE DIY SPA TREATMENTS
Banana & coffee face mask
For this exfoliating and hydrating face mask you’ll need: your used coffee grounds, a ripe banana, a tablespoon of honey. The coffee texture along with fruit enzymes from the banana will buff away dead skin cells and brighten, while the honey is antimicrobial and nourishing.
1 Mix your coffee grounds in a bowl with a well mashed banana and enough honey to bring the lot together.
2 Apply all over the face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes to let the natural ingredients work their magic.
3 Rinse with warm water, and apply your favourite moisturiser to finish.
Coffee & coconut oil body scrub
You’ll need: your used coffee grounds, plus an oil to bind them together like coconut oil. The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut make it an excellent choice for soothing skin irritations and redness, promoting a calmer complexion.
1 After forming a paste with your coffee and your coconut oil, stand in the bath and massage it into the skin on your body in circular motions. This has an exfoliating and circulation boosting effect.
2 Rinse with warm water, ensuring all the mixture washes away down the pug hole.
3 Pat yourself dry – there may be some oil residue left but leave this to continue nourishing the skin.
*Rooms at Royalton Grenada cost from £383.61 per night
*British Airways flights to Grenada start from £522pp economy return, flights operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays with a stop in St Lucia
*For more information on what to do in Grenada, visit Pure Grenada