Coffee scrub can be good for the skin

MANILA, Philippines — Imagine the smell of roasted fine ground coffee beans, brewed and poured in a cup.

Now imagine the same freshly-roasted ground coffee being slathered on the face and the body as part of a beauty regimen.

The lush coffee aroma does not only make the skin smell amazing, it also has the ability to exfoliate, leaving the skin polished as well.

The Bureau of Agricultural Research embarked on a project aimed at promoting organic production technology for coffee and cacao.

Thus came Coffee Body Scrub and Massage Cream, a result of years of study led by Estela Taño of the  Green Rescue Organic Association Inc.

. “Value-adding activities and establishing new markets were implemented to increase people’s income, divert them from uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources in the area and to show them that they do not have to migrate in search of better jobs once enterprises have been put in place,”  said Taño.

The Coffee Body Scrub and Massage Cream was first introduced by Taño’s group in 2015. It was one of the featured products of GRO at their booth during the 11th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition (NTF) in 2015.

The product hogged the limelight when it won second prize for the “Best New Product Award” during the 2015 NTF because it provided a good option for coffee farmers in terms of marketability especially in cases when the price of coffee was low.

All the entries for that year were evaluated based on creativity and uniqueness, relevance to food security, health and wellness, good product attributes, packaging and labeling, and market potential and competitiveness.

Taño said  the product is being marketed under the trademark Masalukot, named after a mountain in Candelaria in Quezon Province.

The product comes in two sizes: small (120 ml) and big (250 ml) which are  priced at P199 and P399, respectively.

According to Taño, the new coffee body scrub uses all-natural ingredients not found in ordinary chemical-based body scrub and exfoliators.

The product has exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties and a temporary cellulite reduction effect. It also improves blood circulation, reduces eye puffiness and makes skin super smooth and clean.

Aside from being an “amazing exfoliant,” the product has caffeine, an effective stimulant when consumed as beverage.

“Caffeine helps tighten the skin and helps reduce cellulite. When applied under and around the eyes, it can minimize the appearance of puffy eyes because caffeine restricts blood vessels, reduces swelling and inflammation. It can also help treat non-hereditary dark circles under the eyes,” she said.

She said  “caffeine is loaded with antioxidants which help fight premature skin aging, wrinkles, sun spots and fine lines.”

However, she said not all coffee scrubs are created equal. “Some coffee scrubs use recycled brewed coffee grounds which means much of the caffeine content is depleted.

This new coffee body scrub is made from the finest roasted ground beans ever,” she said.

Taño demonstrated how an individual can prepare the product even at the comfort of his or her own home. Among the basic materials are 150 grams roasted fine ground coffee beans, 300 ml virgin coconut oil, and five grams beeswax.

“Heat all together under low fire for about 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally. Let it cool. Pour in suitable containers and label,” she said.

On the application of product on the body or face, Taño said:  “First, shake the bottle, apply drops of the coffee scrub on the skin. Rub gently on the skin. Dead skin cells and dirt will fall off. Continue scrubbing until the skin is clean and smooth.”

She said users “may experience sweating, which indicates that the skin pores had been opened.”