The skin on your face goes through a lot. It is always exposed and endures hot, humid climates as well as the bitter cold. It constantly experiences dirt, UV rays, sweat, and countless other damaging elements. Since the face withstands so much, skin cells regularly regenerate. This helps keep skin protected and healthy. In fact, the skin regenerates every 27 days.
We are happy that the skin regenerates so often but this also means that old dead cells can be left on the surface of our skin. This leads to a dull complexion, dry patches, and even breakouts. Just a few months of forgetting to exfoliate can really change the entire appearance of the skin.
Exfoliants are the best method to clear away dead cells and rejuvenate the skin. A general guideline is to exfoliate no more than 2 times a week but most people prefer just once a week. This is especially true for dry or sensitive skin. Take a look at the diagram below. Notice how new cells are created at the very base layer of the skin. As they die and are replaced these cells are moved to the top layer of the skin, the surface.
Exfoliate your face after it has been thoroughly cleansed. Slightly dampen your skin before exfoliating to make it easier to rub everything on. Always rinse with lukewarm water as the skin will be more sensitive to hotter temperatures immediately following exfoliation. Lastly, moisturize afterward to nourish and hydrate the newly exposed skin.
Exfoliating too much can dry and crack the skin. Be sure to exfoliate no more than 2 times a week to preserve the skin’s natural barrier and maintain hydration.
Exfoliate your body and feet using similar guidelines only doing in once or twice a week. It’s easier to do it in the shower after your skin has been warmed by the water. You can use an exfoliant that is moderate or more vigorous as the skin on your body tends to be less sensitive than your face. Always test it out first and never use exfoliants aggressively. Gentle circular motions are all you really need.
Below are some of the best natural ways to exfoliate your skin. We also added some of our favorite recipes to get you started.
Apple Cider Vinegar
-Moderate Exfoliant-
Apple cider vinegar contains alpha-hydroxy acids such as malic acid and lactic acid which help penetrate the upper layers of skin and loosen dead cells. Since ACV is so potent it will do the hard work for you and lift dead skin with very little effort. Apple cider vinegar is strong so if you have sensitive skin test a small area first.
ACV Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon sugar (white or brown)
Optional: 3 tablespoon honey
Directions:
Mix everything together
Apply to skin using circular motions
Rinse off with warm water
ACV Foot Soak
Ingredients:
1/4 cup ACV
3 cups warm water
Directions:
Add the ACV to the warm water
Soak your feet for 15 minutes
Rinse off and pat dry
Honey
-Gentle Exfoliant-
Honey has natural antimicrobial properties which means it kills bacteria and helps heal the skin. Honey also clarifies the skin by opening pores and unclogging them. It will gently remove excess dirt, oil, and dead cells while allowing the skin to maintain it’s moisture.
It is always best to use raw, unprocessed honey. Honey in this form has the most benefits. If you are unable to find raw honey the next best choice is something organic and 100%, pure honey
Honey Scrub
Ingredients:
1/4 cup warmed honey
4 tablespoon sugar (white or brown)
2 tablespoon oil (olive, grapeseed, or warm coconut oil)
Directions:
Mix everything together
Apply to face and rub in circular motions
Leave on the skin for 5-10 minutes
Rinse off
Yogurt
-Gentle Exfoliant-
Yogurt naturally contains lactic acid which targets the upper layers of skin to remove dead cells and dullness. A bonus of lactic acid is that it also provides hydration and tightened pores. It is gentle and non-abrasive so it’s suitable for all skin types.
Yogurt Honey Scrub
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup olive oil or warm coconut oil
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
Mix everything together
Apply to skin in circular motions
Rinse off
Sugar
-Moderate Exfoliant-
Sugar is generally softer and finer than salt which makes it a great exfoliant for skin that’s more sensitive. Sugar will remove dead, dry skin and leave you with polished and rejuvenated skin. For best results choose soft brown sugar or small granular white sugar.
Basic Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
4 tablespoon sugar (white or brown)
2 tablespoon olive oil, or warmed coconut oil
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
Mix everything together
Gently apply to skin in circular motions
Rinse off
Salt
-Vigorous Exfoliant-
Salt is generally more course and aggressive which makes it a fantastic choice for feet, elbows, knuckles and any other super rough patches. It will sluff off rough patches or skin allowing softer renewed skin to surface. Since salt is somewhat rough you should avoid using it on your face or any other sensitive areas.
Spa Salt Scrub
Ingredients:
4 tablespoon salt (fine salt not rock salt)
2 tablespoon olive oil, grapeseed oil or warm coconut oil
Optional: 3 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree, rosemary or lemongrass)
Directions:
Mix everything together
Apply to skin in circular motions
Avoid sensitive areas as well as around the eyes
Rinse off
Oats
-Gentle/ Moderate Exfoliant-
Oats are soothing and an ideal option for sensitive skin types. They are less abrasive and offer anti-inflammatory properties as well. The saponins in oats act as a natural cleanser removing dirt and unclogging pores. Oats also absorb excess oil which is ideal for oily, combination or acne-prone skin. The zinc in oats is an anti-inflammatory and also fights acne-causing bacteria.
Basic Oat Scrub
Ingredients:
4 tablespoon oats
1-2 tablespoon warm water
Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar (white or brown)
Directions:
Mix everything together
Apply to face using circular motions
Leave to dry for 15-20 minutes
Rinse off
Oats might clog your drain so either use a drain catcher or you can off the oats using a warm damp towel.
Rice
-Gentle/ Moderate Exfoliant-
Ground rice or rice powder is a soft and gentle way to exfoliate. Rice absorbs oil and it also contains anti-inflammatory properties such as allantoin. This will leave your skin calm and refreshed.
Rice and Green Tea Scrub
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon rice powder or 2 tablespoons rice ground up in blender or food processor
2 tablespoon brewed and cooled green tea
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
Mix everything together
Apply to skin in circular motions
Let dry for 10-20 minutes
Rinse off
Rice and Milk Scrub
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon rice powder or ground rice
3 tablespoon cold milk (can also use a milk alternative like almond or cashew)
Directions:
Mix everything together to form a paste
Gently apply the paste to the skin
Use circular motions to rub it in
Allow it to dry for 5-10 minutes
Rinse off
Banana
-Gentle Exfoliant-
Banana contains many nutrients such as vitamin C, E, and potassium. It gently removes excess oil and hydrates dry skin. Vitamins C and E also offer antioxidant properties to keep skin protected from damage and aging.
Banana Peel Rub
Ingredients:
1 banana peel
Directions:
Use the inside of the peel and rub it all over your face
Work in circular motions
Rinse
Banana Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
1 banana
3 tablespoon sugar (white or brown)
Directions:
Mash banana to the consistency of guacamole
Add sugar
Apply to face/ body in circular motions
Do not press too hard or stay in one area for too long
Rinse off
Apple
-Gentle Exfoliant-
Apples contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) that loosen dead skin cells and remove dry patches. These acids also contain antioxidant properties that protect the skin from damage and aging.
Apple Oat Scrub
Ingredients:
1 peeled apple
2 tablespoon oats
2 tablespoon olive oil (or your favorite oil)
Directions:
Remove apple core and place the apple in the blender
Blend for a few seconds and add the oil and oats
Blend for a few more seconds
Apply to the skin in circular motions
Rinse off
Coffee grounds
-Moderate/ Vigorous Exfoliant-
The caffeine in coffee grounds stimulates circulation and promotes healthy blood flow. This plumps and revitalizes the skin reducing the appearance of cellulite. It is less rough than salt but should only be used on the face if you are gentle and avoid the eye area. More about how coffee can make you glow.
Basic Coffee Scrub
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coffee grounds
1/4 cup oil (olive, grapeseed, warmed coconut oil or your favorite)
Directions:
Mix everything together and gently apply to face/ body
Apply in gentle circular motions
Rinse off
Papaya
-Gentle Exfoliant-
Papaya contains the enzyme papain which targets dead skin cells and removes them. Papin also stimulates new skin cell growth. Papaya is a great source of vitamin A for an additional boost of antioxidants. It is a very gentle and soothing way to remove dull skin.
Basic Papaya Scrub
Ingredients:
1/4 cup papaya
Directions:
Gently apply to skin working in circular motions
Rinse off after 2 minutes
Papaya Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
1/4 cup semi-green papaya
1 tablespoon sugar (white or brown)
3 tablespoon olive oil (or your favorite oil)
Directions:
Mash the papaya
Add oil and sugar and mix well
Apply in circular motions to face/ body
Rinse off
