While a shot of coffee instantly uplifts your mood and a cup of tea can relax you after a hard day at work, have you ever imagined the wonders it can do if you applied these on your skin and hair? Read on to know more about these beauty secrets…

Coffee

For your skin: “Caffeine helps in treating dark circles and is often found in most cosmetics, which are imported. It also helps reduce the build-up of blood under your eyes, which contribute to eye shadows,” says beauty professional Nishi Karamchandani. Apart from this, it contains anti-ageing properties, which delay the signs of ageing. Phytosterols

(friendly plant sterols and stanols that blocks cholesterol absorption in our system) promote moisture and provides chemical-free sun protection. It also reduces the appearance of cellulite and tightens the skin. One can also use coffee beans as scrubs for the face and body.

For your hair: It has rich antioxidant properties, which aid in repairing damaged hair and prevent breakage. Coffee also stimulates hair growth and thickens the mane. One can use coffee in hair packs as well. Several beauty parlours use coffee along with other ingredients when applying henna on a client’s hair. This adds shine and lustre to the hair. It is also an antioxidant that counteracts the effects of pollutants in the air.

Tea

Green: Apart from aiding in weight loss, tea also protects the skin from damage and reactivates dying skin cells.

For your skin: EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in the green tea reactivates your dying skin cells. It also protects your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Moreover, it gives a glow to your skin. It contains antioxidants, which help rejuvenate your skin and protects it against free radicals. Karamchandani says, “Green tea is also used as a skin toner, especially for those with oily skin. Soak green tea leaves in hot water for half an hour. Cool, strain and use the liquid to tone your skin.” Green tea bags can be dipped in water and applied over your eyelids like eye pads for instant cooling and relaxation. They help reduce the puffiness around your eyes and add brightness. Neha Matang, skin professional, says, “Green tea also serves as an exfoliator. If you use it in the form of a face mask, it will naturally help in getting rid of unwanted toxins and make you look healthy and add shine.”

For your hair: This tea may also be used as a hair rinse, as the tannin in the tea helps to add lustre to your hair. Boil used tea leaves again in enough water. After boiling, cool and strain the water. Then add lemon juice to it and use this as a last rinse after shampoo. Matang says, “Green tea helps in reducing dandruff. It also stimulates hair growth and softens your hair. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E and panthenol, which are used as common ingredients in hair conditioners.

Chamomile: Chamomile tea helps you achieve those golden streaks. Steep two chamomile tea bags in two cups of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Then add two tsps of lemon juice to the mixture. Use this as a final rinse on your hair after using a normal shampoo and conditioner. But do not rinse it out. This will help you bring the natural blonde or red tones in your hair and slightly lighten your hair without looking drastic or fake.

Black: It helps fight free radicals that fasten the process of ageing of your skin. If you need a quick-fix for your under-eye bags, instantly dip two bags of black tea, cool and strain and put these on your eyes. It also serves as a natural astringent. All you need to do is make some tea, cool it and then splash it on your face for instant refreshment.

Ginger: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help your skin against acne. Highly antiseptic in nature, it keeps your skin clean and blemish-free. Ginger is invigorating and stimulating to your skin, it is also used topically to treat cellulite. Ginger tea is excellent for your hair as well. It increases scalp circulation and encourages hair growth. It also helps get rid of dandruff. Rinse your hair with ginger tea at least once a week.