Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of hot, fresh coffee? That warm, inviting aroma greeting your nose as you blink open your eyes to a new day. Now imagine carrying that delicious scent into your morning shower…

The humble coffee scrub has been around for a while now, with many startups taking advantage of the trend and quickly becoming well known brands we use and love. 

Firstly, why are they so popular? Coffee is known for its stimulating effects on consumption. But did you know that the caffeine in coffee can have the same effects when applied topically? The enzymes in coffee can aid in reducing cellulite, buff away dry dead skin, and improve blood circulation. No wonder we’re all obsessed.

If, like myself, you are binning (or even better, composting) cafetiere after cafetiere of used coffee grind, why not make your own scrub at home, with ingredients you more than like already have, and save yourself some serious pounds!

You will need:

• 3 tablespoons of coffee grind - preferably used or too stale to use, so as to minimise waste

• 2 tablespoon of coarse sea salt - the chunkier the better

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil - or olive oil if you are concerned about the comedogenic element of coconut oil, for example if it is to be used on the face

• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon - or a few drops of essential oils in a scent of your choice

In a bowl, mix together the coffee grind and salt. Once combined, add in the coconut oil and the cinnamon. Find an old jam jar, give it a very thorough clean and put your new coffee scrub inside, ensuring the lid is on tight. 

Not only is the coffee grind and coconut oil beneficial to the skin, the coarse sea salt also plays a part other than providing exfoliation. Sea salt is well known for its purifying properties, detoxifying the pores as well as restoring the skin's natural pH balance. So not only is this recipe great for knowing exactly what you are putting on your skin, every ingredient has a purpose and a benefit.

There’s nothing better than jumping out of the shower in the morning with silky smooth skin, exfoliated and ready to take in moisturiser for all day comfort. Except perhaps knowing that you’re also doing your little bit to help the planet by making your own homemade beauty products. 

At a time when upcycling has never been so important, it is imperative we think creatively in order to first use up what is right in front of us, before purchasing yet another beauty product, only to use it twice before shelving it with the other forgotten items. So grab your leftover coffee grinds, dig out that coconut oil and wash up an old jam jar - your skin (and the planet) will thank you for this one!

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Written by Claire Bullen

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