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The Importance of Exfoliating
Exfoliation is a necessary practice that benefits all skin types. Especially those individuals with acne-prone skin are advised to make exfoliation part of their daily skincare routine. Exfoliation is a process that helps unclog pores, blemishes, boosts circulation, and evens the skin tone. It helps the individual get rid of the pollutants that have penetrated the skin after a long day of work.
It is also proven effective in the anti-aging process. It helps the user achieve a much younger and smoother looking skin with regular exfoliation. It gives that instant glow and freshness to the face and gets the skin ready for the next step in skincare routine by eliminating the dead cells on the surface of the skin. Along with all these, exfoliation also prevents ingrown hair and gets rid of bacteria on the skin.
5 Benefits Of Exfoliating Skin
Unclogs Pores
Debris in the pores and dead skin cells on the surface, which could potentially clog the pores are removed by exfoliating. So, exfoliation not just unclog pores, but also prevent their formation itself. It also prevents the formation of white heads and blackheads.
Skincare Products Will Easily Penetrate Skin
Exfoliation leaves the skin clean by unclogging the pores and removing any dry and dead skin cells. This helps the skin to absorb the skincare products better as they can penetrate deep into the skin. So, they work better on the skin and gives good results.
Increases Cell Turnover
Exfoliation boosts circulation in the skin, which in turn makes the skin more radiant. By removing the dead and dry skin off the surface, exfoliation paves way for the formation of new cells. This accelerated cell turn makes the skin glowy, fresh, and radiant.
Reduces Acne and Breakouts
Exfoliation is a great way to remove excess oil, dirt, pollutants, and unclog pores, which are the major factors that contribute to acne and breakouts. So, it is very important to make exfoliation part of the daily skincare routine to maintain clear and soft skin.
Rejuvenates Your Skin
Exfoliation helps in improving the blood flow in the skin and stimulate new cell production. When it is done aftershave, it eliminates the skin of dead cells, pollutants, etc. All these rejuvenates the skin and makes it smooth and radiant.
Natural Exfoliators That You Can Use in Your DIY Face Masks
Honey and Baking Soda for Acne Free Face
The oil-reducing and anti-inflammatory ingredients in this facial scrub are ideal for acne-prone skin.
Ingredients
- Baking Soda – 2 Tbsp
- Honey – 2 tsp
- Vitamin E Oil – ½ Tsp
- Aloe Vera Gel – 1 Tbsp
- Tea Tree Oil – 2 Drops
Directions
- Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Cleanse your face and apply this scrub on the face. Massage gently in a circular motion. Continue for 1 to 2 minutes. Leave the scrub for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- After exfoliating apply a light oil-free moisturizer, as it is beneficial for acne-prone skin.
Almonds, Argan Oil and Raw Honey Facial Scrub
The natural ingredients in this facial scrub are so much healthier than the fancy expensive store-bought face washes and lotions that are packed with harsh ingredients. Your skin will love the ingredients in this organic face scrub. Almonds are a superfood for the skin. It removes dead skin cells leaving a lovely glow. Almonds have an abundance of Vitamin E, which is an excellent antioxidant.
Argan Oil: This plant-derived oil is loaded with Vitamin E. The oil is non-greasy and softens and hydrates the skin. It also boosts the elasticity of the skin.
Raw Honey: Raw honey has antibacterial properties that help fight breakout. It is also a natural moisturizer and helps delay ageing signs. It is wonderful for sensitive skin too.
Ground Cinnamon: The antimicrobial property of cinnamon fights acne-causing bacteria and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
Ingredients
- Finely Ground Roasted Almond Meal – ¼ Cup
- Ground Cinnamon – ¼ Tbsp
- Raw Organic Honey – 3 Tbsp
- Argan Oil – 1 Tbsp
Directions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Cleanse your face. Apply a small quantity of scrub on the face and gently massage in an upward movement. Avoid the area around the eyes.
- Leave the scrub for 10 minutes and rinse with water.
- Apply toner and moisturizer.
- The scrub can be used on hand, heels, and elbows, etc.
In just a few days, you will notice that your skin is cleaner, softer, and brighter!
Coffee Scrub Recipe
This invigorating homemade coffee scrub is made using simple ingredients. If you are a coffee lover, you will also love this gentle aromatic scrub recipe for your skin.
Coffee Beans – Coffee grounds have a sand-like texture, which makes it a wonderful exfoliant. It helps in removing dead cells on the surface of the skin and boosts blood circulation. Coffee grounds also help in rejuvenating the skin giving a silky-smooth, glowing, and youthful skin.
Ingredients
- Brown Sugar – ½ Cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1 Tbsp
- Fresh Ground Coffee – ½ Cup (dry used coffee ground will also work)
- Coconut Oil – ½ Cup
Directions
- Mix together brown sugar and coffee grounds (choose fine grounds. The coarse ones are not suitable for delicate or sensitive skin).
- Add coconut oil and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well.
- Apply the mixture on the face and gently rub for a few minutes. Avoid the eye area.
- Rinse with warm water.
Pumpkin Spice Scrub
Every season brings in an opportunity to make necessary adjustments to your skincare routine. Try including seasonal ingredients in your exfoliation recipe to slough off the dead skin and clear clogged pores.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – ½ Tbsp
- Jojoba Oil – ½ cup (for Oily Skin).
- For dry/normal skin use Coconut Oil – ½ Cup
- Vitamin E Oil – ½ Tbsp
- Brown Sugar – 1 Cup
Directions
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Cleanse your face. Apply the mixture on damp face and gently scrub in a circular motion massaging your neck and face. Avoid the eye area.
- After 1 or 2 minutes of massaging rinse the face with warm water.
Natural Exfoliator for Body
Himalayan Salt Scrub
This exfoliating scrub has the following ingredients – Himalayan Salt, Grapefruit Essential Oil, and Peppermint Oil. Himalayan Salt is rich in minerals including trace elements like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Using this in the scrub is nourishing for the skin. Peppermint oil is rich in menthol. It helps balance oil secretion, which gives clear skin. Grapefruit Essential Oil has a high content of limonene that helps protect from free radical damage. It also boosts circulation and reduces cellulite appearance.
Ingredients
- Sweet Almond Oil – 2 Tbsp
- Peppermint Essential Oil – 2 Drops
- Grapefruit Essential Oil – 20 Drops
- Coconut Oil – 1 Tbsp
- Himalayan Salt – ½ Cup (finely ground)
- Castile Soap – 1 Tbsp
Directions
- Mix sweet almond oil, essential oils, and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Add Himalayan Salt and castile soap
- Store the scrub in a glass jar.
- Whenever needed, rub the scrub all over the body to exfoliate. Rinse off with water.
Natural Exfoliator for Lips
We mostly focus on hydrating our lips, but not many have heard about exfoliating lips. However, exfoliating lips is as important as exfoliating your face or body to maintain a smooth and healthy pout. Here are few wonderful DIY lip scrub recipes that will not only help remove dead cells but also will help your lip balm penetrate deeper ensuring that your lips are rosier, supple and smooth.
Honey and Coconut Oil Lip Scrub
Honey has natural healing properties while coconut oil is packed with fatty acids and antioxidants. Brown sugar is a natural exfoliant. All these ingredients will not only remove dry and dead skin but also nourishes your lips.
Ingredients
- Organic Honey – 1 Tbsp
- Coconut Oil – 1 Tbsp
- Brown Sugar – 2 Tbsp
- Lukewarm Water – ½ Tbsp
Directions
- First mix together honey and coconut oil.
- Add brown sugar to the mixture along with lukewarm water.
- Rub this exfoliant mixture on your lips for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
Peppermint Lip Scrub
Exfoliating is made easy with this effective lip scrub. Use it 3 times a week to get soft and supple lips.
Ingredients
- Sugar – 1/4th Cup
- Olive Oil – 1 Tbsp
- Honey – 1 Tbsp
- Peppermint Oil – 1 Drop
Directions
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to form a paste.
- Store this paste in a glass jar.
- Dampen a washcloth in warm water and hold it on your lips for 2 to 3 minutes. This will soften your lips.
- Apply the scrub on your lips and allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Gently scrub and wash off with lukewarm water.
- Apply lip balm.
- Your lips will feel plump and fresh.
Green Tea Sugar Scrub
Green Tea is a perfect addition to the lip scrub as it is nourishing, soothing and gives adequate hydration to your lips. The tannin in the green tea treats cracked and chapped lips. The other ingredients in the scrub include coconut oil, which is a wonderful moisture replenisher. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Vitamin E in coconut oil is an excellent antioxidant. Sugar sloughs off the dead skin cells making your lips soft and smooth.
Ingredients
- Green Tea – 1 Tbsp
- Coconut Oil – 1 Tbsp
- Regular Sugar – 1 Tbsp
Directions
- Mix granulated sugar and green tea leaves. Blend this mixture into a coarse powder.
- Add coconut oil to the ground powder and mix well.
- Store this in a glass container.
- Scrub your lips with a small amount of this scrub gently for a couple of minutes.
- Wash with mild soap to get rid of the greasiness.
Raspberry Lip Scrub
Lip balm is not enough to keep your lips soft, especially in winters. A lip scrub is highly recommended. Homemade lip scrubs are an inexpensive addition to your beauty regimen, which are excellent to exfoliate lips leaving them to look healthier, fuller, and hydrated.
Ingredients
- White Sugar – 6 tbsp
- Raspberries – 3 ripe
- Coconut Oil – 2 Tbsp
Directions
- Place all the ingredients in a bowl. Take a metal spoon and smash the ingredients.
- You can add more sugar if the mixture turns out to be wet and a berry if it is too dry.
- Transfer the coarse paste to a glass jar. You can store this in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
- Take a small amount of the scrub and gently scrub your lips for a few minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Apply lip balm.
Rose Petals and Milk Scrub
This lip scrub is a safe and gentler option. Rose petals and milk make a wonderful lip scrub, as both are natural moisturizers. The smooth and silky rose petals restore moisture and keep your pout soft and healthy. This gentle scrub can be used every day or as a night treatment.
Ingredients
- Rose Petals – 5 to 6
- Milk – ½ Cup
Directions
- Soak rose petals in the milk all night.
- The next day, strain and mash the petals in a mortar and pestle.
- Make a fine coarse paste using 1 or 2 tsp of milk if required.
- Gently scrub lips with this paste and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
There is no set guideline for exfoliation. It entirely depends on the skin type and how the skin is reacting to the process of exfoliation. However, studies suggest that individuals with dry skin may exfoliate at least three times a week in order to get rid of the dry and dead skin cells caused due to pollution, sun damage, or any other factor.
Although, individuals with acne-prone skin type are advised to exfoliate daily so that it helps them to unclog pores and reduce breakouts. It helps them to remove and prevent the formation of acne. Individuals with sensitive skin are advised to exfoliate as many times as their skin supports.
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Importance of Exfoliation in Today's Time!
Our modern-day lifestyles have us exposed to stress, pollution, and other elements that do a lot of harm to our skin cells. This is why, exfoliating is extremely important as it removes the dead cells off our skin, and honestly, unless that isn't done - your skin won't be with fresh new cells, which are good for you. So incorporate an exfoliating ritual in your skin regimen if you don't have one already!