Block hair loss!
Ever feel guilty for relying on coffee to keep you alert? No need! Every day, scientists are discovering new ways that the brew helps keep you healthy and young, doing everything from energizing skin cells to nixing hair loss! “Coffee is rich in antioxidants that slow the aging process by protecting cells from free radical damage,” says Rebecca Scritchfield, R.D., author of Body Kindness. “Plus, it helps increase circulation, ensuring adequate blood flow to your cells and organs to support optimal function.” Exactly what can it do for you?
Keep skin young!
Coffee is one of nature’s ultimate anti-aging pickme-ups for the skin—and it works inside and out! One study found that applying coffee topically reduces the sun damage responsible for wrinkles and sagging, while another revealed that caffeic acid, one of the many antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in coffee, helps repair skin tissues and sparks collagen production. (One option: Simply Radiant Organic Espresso & Cocoa Face Mask, $16.95; Amazon.com.) And from the inside out, “one study of more than 93,000 women, published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, showed a single daily cup of coffee helps prevent skin cancer,” says Scritchfield. “Compounds in coffee can suppress cancer growth factors in skin cells
by reducing inflammation.”
Help hair grow!
According to the International Journal of Dermatology, topical caffeine encourages hair growth by blocking the effects of a follicle-damaging hormone called DHT. “DHT shrinks hair follicles, which makes it impossible for hair to survive,” Scritchfield explains. Caffeine blocks the hormone from being stored in the oils of the follicles—and you don’t need a pricey product to benefit: Simply apply the cooled grounds from your coffee filter to your scalp; gently scrub for two minutes to ensure the caffeine makes its way into the follicles. Rinse and shampoo. (Caution: Coffee may darken white or light blonde hair.)
Fight cellulite!
Over time, skin thins, making cellulite, the superficial fat held in place against the skin by fibrous bands of collagen, more apparent, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Caffeine helps dehydrate the fat and may actually help the body break it down to some degree.” Dr. Zeichner’s advice: Mix two parts coffee grounds with one part olive oil and massage the scrub into celluliteprone areas in the shower daily for several minutes to spike circulation before rinsing.
How much is enough?
Daily use of caffeine-infused topical products is generally safe. (Sensitive skin? Do a patch test first.) When drinking coffee, Dr. Zeichner recommends two cups a day.