How to Exfoliate Skin Naturally
Exfoliation is scrubbing your skin with natural ingredients to achieve radiant and clear skin.
The first thing in anything skin health-related is to determine your health status or, in this case, your skin type, as different skin types have different needs and triggers.
The Four Major Skin Types
These are oily, dry, combination, and sensitive.
Normal/combination skin: Swap between a chemical and manual exfoliator. Exfoliate with lemon juice or papaya.
Oily Skin: Use chemical exfoliants. You will likely have to exfoliate three times a week. Consider exfoliating with honey, yoghurt, or papaya. Same as dry
Dry Skin: Chemical exfoliation is ideal, and ingredients like sugar, coffee, or oatmeal can work wonders.
Sensitive Skin: A mild chemical exfoliator, exfoliate with oatmeal or turmeric.
How to Exfoliate Skin Naturally
10 DIY Scrubs to Exfoliate Your Skin Naturally
- Sugar
Sugar contains glycolic acid, a natural chemical exfoliator that can help eradicate dead skin cells. It should be noted that it is best for exfoliating the skin and not the face due to its coarse nature. To exfoliate with sugar;
- Mix a spoon to half a cup of sugar with natural oils like olive, jojoba, and coconut to form a paste.
- Apply in circular motions, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse.
2. Papaya
Papaya contains a natural element called papain, which is good for exfoliation. It breaks down dead skin, unclogging pores, preventing infection and acne, and smoothening the face.
- Make it into a paste, and apply it in circular motions.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
3. Coffee
It is a great natural exfoliator that eliminates dead cells and slows down ageing in the form of wrinkles, dark spots, and patches. To exfoliate;
- Combine a quarter-tea spoon with a tablespoon of natural oil and apply it to the desired area.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing.
4. Oatmeal
A typical skincare ingredient, it is primarily safe and has anti-inflammatory capabilities and UV protection.
- To apply, mix a tablespoon of finely ground oats with honey or natural oil.
- Leave for 5-10 minutes before washing off with water.
5. Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains an alpha-hydroxy acid (aha) that eliminates dead skin and encourages new healthy growth. To make it into an exfoliant;
- Apply a tablespoon to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing.
- Avoid yoghurt as a natural exfoliant if lactose intolerant, as it may have adverse effects.
6. Honey
Honey is a versatile material suitable for consumption and skin care. Its antimicrobial properties promote hydration and hastens healing. It is also an essential element for other natural exfoliants on the list.
- Take a little amount of honey.
- Apply to your face circularly to exfoliate and rinse with sufficient water.
7. Turmeric
It contains curcumin (its yellowing agent) and fights infections while reducing inflammation.
- Combine a teaspoon of ground turmeric with natural oil, yoghurt or water. Combine one teaspoon of ground turmeric with yoghurt, natural oil, or water and make into a paste.
- Apply in a circular motion and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
8. Lemon
Lemon has skin-lightening and bleaching properties due to its alpha-hydroxy acid. To make it into an exfoliator;
- Combine a tablespoon of lemon with sugar and honey and gently massage the body.
- Leave on for up to 5 minutes and rinse with cold water.
Exfoliation is a fantastic way to rejuvenate your skin naturally, revealing a healthy and vibrant glow. Just remember to choose the scrub that suits your skin type.
