Updated on March 11th, 2025
You should exfoliate your skin at least once a week — or twice if you have the time. A good exfoliation makes your skin feel and look brighter and it actually improves the functionality of your dermis. Or, in layman’s terms, exfoliation makes your skin do its job better.
Exfoliating nixes built-up makeup and product residue while removing dead skin cells that are just hanging out on the skin’s surface. This, in turn, makes skin appear brighter and healthier. It also decreases the likelihood of acne breakouts and subsequent scarring.
Now the question is, what’s the easiest/cheapest way to work exfoliation into your skincare routine? Well, you could spend $25 on this stuff. But you could also make a do-it-yourself face scrub with ingredients you already have sitting around.
- Physical & Chemical Exfoliant for…
- Dead Skin Remover: This facial…
- Clean Skin Care: This face…
- Marshmallow-Like Texture: This…
- Consumer Results: 94% said their…
DIY face scrub recipe
Today’s three-ingredient DIY face scrub combines coffee, honey and baking soda:
- Coffee smells fabulous and works as an exfoliator.
- Honey is a natural antioxidant that cleanses, protects and moisturizes.
- Baking soda exfoliates and brightens the skin.
How to: Coffee and baking soda scrub
1. Combine ingredients
Combine equal parts coffee, honey and baking soda. I used a tablespoon of each, but you can double or triple the recipe. Store your face scrub in an airtight container for up to a week in your refrigerator.
Tip: Use local honey. It’s only slightly more expensive and likely supports small/independent business.
2. Apply scrub to clean face
Remove all makeup, sunscreen, lotion, etc. from your face. Do not dry. Apply your DIY face scrub and massage it into the skin for at least 45 seconds. Let it set for three to five minutes.
Tip: If you have children, roommates, a husband or even a pet, now is the perfect opportunity to scare them with your gooey face.
3. Rinse and dry
Gently rinse the scrub off your face with tepid water and pat dry. Follow up with your favorite facial serum or cream to lock in moisture.
Do you use coffee that has already been brewed?
either will work — but use the grounds. 🙂
The benefits were undeniable, but following this recipe, I ended up with a sludge so thick, it was impossible to “massage” it into skin.
Awesome info. Definitely going to try it! Thanks!
I’m confused, so you use brewed coffee or coffee grounds?
Super soft! I used dry ground coffee and doubled the honey. Perfect! =)
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