Lipoedema leaves our skin prone to dryness and irritation, particularly if we wear compression daily. And if there’s fibrosis underneath the skin in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, we can start to see the surface of our skin hardening and thickening, and taking on the uneven ‘mattress pattern’.
Having a good skin care routine helps to improve skin health and reduce these skin changes, and making your own decadent skin products at home with natural ingredients removes some of the nasty endocrine disruptors that so many off-the-shelf products contain. I’ve already shared my home-made body butter, so today I’m handing over my easy coffee and sugar body scrub.
But First….Why Does Exfoliation Matter for Lipoedema Skin?
Exfoliation helps to clear away dead skin cells, which can build up when wearing compression daily and leave the skin looking dry and dull.
I’ve found it much worse in humid climates. I once visited a dermatologist in Indonesia for her verdict on tiny hard bumps that were multiplying in the areas around my lymph nodes, and the areas where my lipoedema is most prevalent. She suggested that it was a combination of excess keratin (a protein) and the extremely humid Indonesian climate causing extra dry skin. Her recommendation was to exfoliate at least three times a week for good skin health and to prevent the little keratin bumps; mix a little tretinoin (a prescription retinoid) into my body moisturiser for rapid skin cell turnover; and moisturise at least once a day.
The Benefits of Coffee, Sugar, and Coconut Oil for Your Skin
This body scrub is so simple to make, with just three ingredients that have powerful benefits for your skin:
1. Coffee:
Coffee isn’t just for your morning energy boost. The antioxidants in coffee can promote a healthier skin tone, and there’s evidence to suggest that the caffeine increases microcirculation of the blood, leaving your skin looking brighter. The coarse coffee grounds exfoliate your skin, sloughing off dead skin cells and leaving you with smoother, more radiant skin. This paper mentions a study in which caffeine helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but I think it would be hard to replicate with just coffee grounds instead of the 3.5% caffeine solution used in the study!
2. Sugar:
Sugar is a fantastic natural exfoliant – it’s an humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin leaving it soft and hydrated. Sugar also contains glycolic acid, which helps to dissolve dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and a smoother texture. By using sugar in your scrub, you’ll get a dual-action exfoliation that clears pores while keeping your skin nourished.
3. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is a skincare powerhouse. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated or chafed skin, which is especially important for those with lipoedema. It’s also a deeply moisturising ingredient, perfect for dry, cracked skin. Coconut oil supports healing by boosting antioxidants and collagen production, which helps regenerate and repair the skin naturally.
How to Make Your Body Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dry coffee grounds
- 1 cup of raw sugar
- 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil
Instructions:
- Grab a bowl and pour the coffee grounds and raw sugar into it.
- Slowly add the melted coconut oil and mix until you have a thick consistency.
- Transfer the mixture into a glass jar for storage – I keep mine in the shower for easy access.
How to Use The Body Scrub
I use this scrub at least three times a week – more if I’ve been outdoors a lot and my skin is drier than usual. Simply apply it to damp skin in circular motions, focusing on areas that may need extra exfoliation (like elbows, the backs of your legs, knees). I always take my time massaging it in, and then I leave it on my skin for a minute or so to soak up all the benefits of the coffee before I rinse off.
If you’ve spent a lot of time outdoors or in humid conditions, feel free to use the scrub more often — it’s gentle enough for frequent use and will leave your skin feeling refreshed and nourished.
Final Thoughts
Exfoliating regularly is a simple and effective way to improve the texture and appearance of lipoedema skin. I experienced benefits within a couple of weeks – consistently brighter skin, fewer tiny bumps, and I began to lose that ‘grey’ look that the skin on my legs had started to take on. I had no idea that one small habit could make such a difference. When combined with daily skin brushing, this body scrub is a great way to strengthen and support lipoedema skin, and a wonderful way to take a moment of self-care for yourself.
