Coffee for smooth lips: A natural way to get rid of chapped lips

During winter many women complain of chapped lips due to cold. Dry air that strips moisture from the skin, worsens it. Whether it’s summer or winter, I don’t drink much water, I have a bad habit of licking my lips and my lips keep getting chapped. That’s why I always keep lip balm in my bag. I’ve tried many lip balm brands, but the one that really works for me is Coffee! My mom told me to use coffee for soft lips and it worked. Let’s find out what experts say about this home remedy for chapped lips.

What are the benefits of coffee for lips?

Coffee is commonly known for its stimulating effects when consumed as a beverage. Some people also use coffee-based lip care products or homemade lip scrubs with coffee. Here are the potential benefits associated with coffee for lips:

1. Exfoliation

Coffee grounds act as a natural exfoliant. When used in lip scrubs, they help remove dead skin cells, leaving lips soft and supple, says cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal. Exfoliation promotes healthy-looking lips by improving texture and promoting cell turnover.

2. Better circulation

The caffeine in coffee is believed to have vasoconstrictive properties, meaning it can temporarily tighten vessels. It improves circulation when applied topically to the lips, making them look plump. But this effect may be temporary.

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3. Antioxidant properties

Some use coffee for skin because it’s full of antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid. Antioxidants help protect the skin, including the delicate skin on the lips, from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It helps maintain the overall health and appearance of the lips.

4. Reduces inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of coffee help soothe and calm irritated skin. If your lips are prone to inflammation or redness, using a coffee-infused lip balm or scrub can provide some relief, says an expert. However, individual responses may vary and it is important to consider other factors that may contribute to lip problems.

5. Hydration

Coffee is not a direct source of hydration. But some coffee-based lip products may contain moisturizing ingredients.

How to use coffee for soft lips?

You can always buy coffee-infused lip care products or you can make them at home.

1. Coffee lip scrub

What’s needed

• 1 tablespoon of finely ground coffee
• Brown sugar 1 tbsp
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil

method

• Combine ground coffee, brown sugar and coconut oil (or olive oil) in a bowl.
• Gently massage the mixture on your lips in circular motions for a minute or two.
• Rinse off with warm water, pat your lips dry and apply a moisturizing lip balm.

The coffee grounds and sugar act as exfoliants, helping to remove dead skin cells, while the oil provides moisture and nourishment to the lips, shares Dr. Mittal.

2. Coffee lip balm

What’s needed

• 1 tablespoon of beeswax pellets
• Coconut oil 1 tbsp
• 1 teaspoon cocoa butter 1 teaspoon finely ground coffee

method

• In a heat-proof container, combine the beeswax, coconut oil and cocoa butter.
• Melt the ingredients in small bursts using a double boiler or in the microwave.
• Once dissolved, stir in the finely ground coffee.
• Pour this mixture into a small lip balm container and let it cool and harden.

Apply coffee-infused lip balm regularly to keep your lips moisturized and enjoy the potential benefits of coffee.

3. Coffee lip mask

What’s needed

• 1 teaspoon finely ground coffee
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon curd

method

• Mix the ground coffee, honey and yogurt in a bowl.
• Apply this mixture on your lips and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Apply this mixture gently on your lips before washing it off with water and then use a lip balm.

Honey provides moisture, while yogurt contains lactic acid, which contributes to gentle exfoliation.

The scrub and mask can be used once or twice a week while the lip balm can be used as often as needed, experts say. But do a patch test before using these DIY treatments to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Coffee-based treatments alone do not help in getting soft lips. You should stay well hydrated, maintain a healthy diet and protect your lips from harsh environmental conditions.