DIY Coffee Scrub for Cellulite

Cellulite affects about 80–90 percent of all women. (1) Although extremely common, one of the top internet searches revolves around how to reduce cellulite. Thanks to current research, we now understand that cellulite is a complex issue, involving numerous causes and requiring well-rounded treatment and management.

So, what causes cellulite? What are the best treatment options? Not only is cellulite caused by subcutaneous fat bulging into the dermal layer (connective-tissue layer) of skin, but it is also a result of decreased blood flow to the area, which reduces collagen production, as well as decreased lymphatic drainage (often caused by restrictive clothing). Age, genetics, gender, ethnicity, diet, activity level and altered dermal matrix also contribute to cellulite. (2) According to Katherine Harmon of Scientific American, “There are three treatable components of cellulite: You have to address the collagen; you have to reduce the fat, and you have to increase circulation.” (3) There are home remedies for cellulite that work well in combination with a healthy diet and exercise, such as massaging scrubs, dry brushing (to increase lymphatic drainage), coffee cellulite wraps and DIY coffee scrubs. Let’s take a look at how to use a DIY coffee sugar scrub to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

How to Make a Coffee Scrub for Cellulite

Time: 5 minutes

Servings: just over 2 cups

Ingredients

1 cup coffee grounds

½ cup coconut oil (or sweet almond oil)

⅔ cup coarse sugar (I used turbinado sugar for this recipe)

4–8 drops cinnamon oil (less if you have very sensitive skin)

8 drops vanilla oil, or 1 teaspoon cooking vanilla

Directions

In a large bowl, add coffee grounds, coconut (or sweet almond) oil, sugar and essential oils.
Stir well to combine.
Store in a reusable container. Because of the use of essential oils, glass or high-quality plastic is preferred, but for shower safety, plastic will likely work best. May be stored for up to one year in the refrigerator.

How to Use Your DIY Coffee Sugar Scrub

After washing in the shower, massage coffee scrub into areas where cellulite is likely to be found (buttocks and thighs) as well as into any visible areas of cellulite. Massage as vigorously as tolerated, taking care to protect sensitive skin. You do not want to break skin or cause bleeding. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Because coffee scrubs are exfoliating, you will want to finish with a high-quality moisturizer, like my Grapefruit Cellulite Cream.

Some temporary redness to the scrubbed areas is normal. If any discomfort or irritation persists, try grinding your coffee finer, use finer-ground sugar and/or omit the cinnamon oil.

How It Works:

Coffee grounds exfoliate the skin, while the caffeine helps the dilation of blood vessels and tightens skin.
Coconut oil aids in moisturizing and has many potent skin benefits.
Sugar helps greater exfoliate the skin.
Cinnamon oil causes the blood vessels to dilate as well, giving the skin a subtle plumping effect, thereby decreasing the appearance of cellulite.

Do Coffee Grounds Get Rid of Cellulite?

People are searching for answers on how to get rid of cellulite. While scrubs made with coffee grounds cannot eliminate cellulite altogether, they have been found to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. This is thought to be from caffeine causing dilation of blood vessels, which improves blood flow and tightens of the skin.

What Does Coffee Scrub Do for Your Skin, and How Does Coffee Help with Cellulite?

Coffee scrubs work by two main mechanisms of action: the direct effects of caffeine on adipose (fat) tissue and the effects of massage. The massaging action while using coffee scrubs decreases tissue edema and likely stimulates the activity of cells that produce collagen (keratinocytes) and reduces the activity of fat cells (adipocytes). (4)