My mom says coffee is a must-try home remedy for chapped lips

Many women complain about having chapped lips during winter due to the cold weather. The dry air that pulls out moisture from the skin, makes it worse. Summer or winter, I have always had chapped lips as I don’t drink much water and have a bad habit of licking my lips. That’s why I always carry a lip balm in my bag. I have tried many lip balm brands, but what really works for me is coffee! It was my mom who told me to use coffee for soft lips, and it worked. Let’s find out what an expert has to 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 even use coffee-based lip care products or homemade lip scrubs with coffee in them. Here are potential benefits associated with coffee for lips:

1. Exfoliation

Coffee grounds can act as a natural exfoliant. When used in lip scrubs, they may help remove dead skin cells, leaving the lips smoother and softer, says cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal. Exfoliation can promote healthier-looking lips by improving the texture and encouraging cell turnover.

2. Improved circulation

The caffeine in coffee is believed to have vasoconstrictive properties, meaning it may temporarily tighten blood vessels. This could potentially result in improved blood circulation when applied topically to the lips, giving them a plumper appearance. But this effect may be a temporary one.

3. Antioxidant properties

Some use coffee for skin, as it is full of antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid. Antioxidants can help protect the skin, including the delicate skin on the lips, from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This may contribute to maintaining the overall health and appearance of the lips.

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4. Reduced inflammation

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

5. Hydration

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

Ingredients

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

Method

• Mix the finely ground coffee, brown sugar, and coconut oil (or olive oil) in a bowl.
• Gently massage the mixture onto your lips in circular motions for about a minute or two.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water, pat your lips dry and apply a moisturising lip balm.

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

2. Coffee lip balm

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon of cocoa butter1 teaspoon of finely ground coffee

Method

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

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

3. Coffee lip mask

Ingredients

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

Method

• Mix the finely ground coffee, honey, and yogurt in a bowl to form a paste.
• Apply the mixture to your lips and leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Gently rub the mixture on your lips before rinsing it off with water then use a lip balm.

The honey provides moisturisation, while the yogurt contains lactic acid, which can contribute to gentle exfoliation.

Lip balm can be used as much as needed while scrub and mask can be used one or two times a week, says the expert. But perform a patch test before using these DIY treatments to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Only coffee-based treatments won’t help to get soft lips. You also need to stay well-hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, and protect your lips from harsh environmental conditions.