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How Effective Is Coffee for Cellulite?

Sarah Sullins
Sarah Sullins

When used as topical agent, studies have shown coffee for cellulite is sometimes an effective way to reduce the amount of unsightly bumps that many women, and some men, struggle with. This type of application is thought to work because of the caffeine in coffee. Several creams made to reduce the appearance of cellulite contain this same ingredient.

Cellulite appears on the skin as dimples, bumps, or puckers that resemble cottage cheese, most often in around the buttocks, stomach, and thighs. It is most often caused by too much fat in the body, but has also been associated with skin thickness, age, and gender. Individuals as young as teenagers may notice the appearance of cellulite as their bodies change during puberty; some choose to use coffee for cellulite issues. The problem usually affects women because of the way that fat is stored in the body, but men can also experience cellulite.

A cup of coffee.
A cup of coffee.

Used topically, coffee for cellulite can be effective in breaking down the fat in the area in which it is applied. The caffeine in coffee is thought to be a diuretic, and works by increasing blood flow and eliminating the toxins in the body. This diuretic also reduces the amount of fluid that has built up in an individual’s skin cells.

Many women who wish to apply coffee for cellulite problem areas do so in the comfort of their own home. Typically coffee grounds, warmed just a little in the microwave, are mixed with a couple of other ingredients, one of them usually being water and the other being a type of oil. The coffee mixture is then applied to a problem area and secured there with plastic wrap. The whole process typically takes less than a few minutes to complete and is usually done a few times a week.

Ground coffee.
Ground coffee.

Coffee’s main active ingredient — caffeine — is thought to work well at reducing the appearance of cellulite, but this is only when coffee for cellulite is used in a topical cream or application. Caffeine can actually increase the amount of cellulite when it is taken orally because it is a diuretic able to reduce the amount of water in the body’s skin cells; when less hydrated, fat cells can seem more visible. Most of the time, however, men and women do not experience an increase in cellulite unless they drink an excessive amount of coffee every day.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

So I have to rub the cellulite with some kind of coffee decoction. I was going to say, if it helps cellulite when you drink it, I should have the smoothest skin in three counties! I've seen eye cream that contains caffeine and I've wondered if it was effective.

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    • A cup of coffee.
      A cup of coffee.
    • Ground coffee.
      By: ronstik
      Ground coffee.