Natural exfoliation methods for a radiant complexion

Natural exfoliation methods for a radiant complexion

Exfoliation is an essential part of skincare that we must carry out regularly along with our classic CTM (Cleansing - Toning - Moisturizing). By doing so, we not only help skin accelerate its natural cell regeneration process but also achieve a healthy-looking glow that one can flaunt without too much makeup. It would be untrue if you say this isn’t everyone’s ideal skin goal!

Now, exfoliation is not a new concept or a trend that just popped up. But there are several principles, skin science, the right techniques, and beliefs attached to it. Once you understand them, you’ll be better at your skincare game! In this blog, we will uncover how to exfoliate the skin at home, exfoliation benefits, how often you should exfoliate your face. Types of exfoliating techniques, and much more. But first, let’s unravel - 

What exfoliating does to your skin?

Apart from granting a renewed skin feel, here are some exfoliation benefits that you need to know. - 

Encourages Blood Circulation: When you exfoliate your skin the muscles and nerves of that particular region are stimulated as they get massaged during the process. This leads to a surge in blood circulation in that specific part, which is always considered good for your skin.

Eliminates dead skin cells: Regular scrubbing motions while exfoliating gently lift up the accumulated dead skin cells, sun tan, and dirt settled in skin pores. Exfoliation is therefore super effective if you have dull-looking skin. 

Brightens skin complexion: Once all your dead skin cells, sun tan, and dirt is lifted, your natural skin is revealed. This makes skin look visibly brighter.

Promotes cell regeneration: When the surface damage is get ridden off, the skin can properly start its regeneration process. Making it healthy and at its optimal state.

Unclogs pores: One of the most important exfoliation benefits is that it cleanses your pores that get filled with dirt/oil, and keeps your skin clean. 

Reduces ingrowth: Most of us experience ingrown hair that leads to an uneven, bumpy skin surface. Scrubbing eradicates this by letting the ingrown hair out. This presents you with a much even skin texture and no ingrown hair issues later in the future. 

Slow down signs of ageing: Regular exfoliation is proven to slow down ageing by maintaining a healthy skin barrier and giving you more youthful-looking, plumpy skin.

What are the different types of exfoliating techniques?

Well, exfoliation can be done using various mediums with various techniques. But most commonly there’s - 

Chemical Exfoliation - It is done by using certain chemical formulations like AHA (alpha hydroxy acids), BHA (beta hydroxy acids) & PHA.

Physical/Mechanical Exfoliation - Involves sponges, wash clothes, face & body scrubs, brushes, etc.

What are natural exfoliants?

We are ‘Team Natural’ always! It is a better alternative that is super effective, affordable, great for our skin, and generally not harmful at all. They are sourced naturally from nature and because of their potent properties, they work very effectively to tackle several skin issues. 

Speaking of natural exfoliants, you’ll find most of them in your kitchen pantry. You’ll be astonished to find out what these natural, humble ingredients are capable of. Tag along to learn more about them…

Note: Different ingredients are to be used for different parts of our body. As we all know our facial skin is way more delicate. So, we must be mindful of using the right ingredients based on where we wish to exfoliate.

Exfoliants that we use on the face must be fine-grained as the skin here is delicate. Make sure any natural exfoliant that you use has even particles that are not too rough or abrasive. 

Another point to note here is to not over-exfoliate your face as it may strip away the natural oils and also leave rashes on the outermost layers of your skin. This can lead to breakouts, bumpy skin texture, skin irritations, etc.

Before finding out - How to do face scrub at home with natural ingredients? Let’s first see what are the popular natural exfoliants:

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a household staple and is also a very common natural exfoliant used by everyone. It is often found in skincare products as the main ingredient as well because of its nourishing properties. It effectively lifts off dead skin cells, oil, and even bacteria from the skin. 

Fine salt and sugar

Sugar scrubs are reigning in the market right now. Not only are they visually appealing or simply satisfying to use, but serve as a great natural exfoliant. 

The same goes for fine salt. It is said to minimize the appearance of pores and also absorb toxins. 

Baking soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is often used as a household ingredient for various purposes, including baking, cleaning, and personal care. When it comes to skincare, baking soda is sometimes used as an exfoliant due to its mild abrasive properties. Baking soda has a slightly coarse texture, which can help remove dead skin cells and gently exfoliate the skin's surface. 

When used in the right manner and in appropriate amounts, it can help slough off dry, rough skin, leaving it smoother and softer. It also helps to balance the pH levels of our skin that are disturbed by environmental stressors. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of baking soda provide relief from any existing mild skin irritations. 

However, it's important to note that using baking soda as an exfoliant may not be suitable for everyone, and it should be used with caution. 

Coffee grounds

Coffee is often considered a cellulite buster. The high concentration of caffeine in coffee grounds has several benefits for our skin. Plus, its anti-oxidant properties treat all the free radical damage caused to the skin by various factors.

Finely ground almonds

If you are looking for even more nourishing and gentler exfoliation, ground almond powder is a great option. Unlike more abrasive exfoliants, ground almonds get the job done without harming the skin. 

Moreover, it is super nutrient-rich which makes it a favoured exfoliant option for all skin types. As we all know almonds are jam-packed with Vitamin E, healthy fats, and proteins. All these constituents moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and supple. 

Now there are some other natural additives that are commonly added to scrubs. These offer a nice texture to your scrubs along with additional benefits. 

1. Almond oil
2. Coconut oil
3. Honey
4. Olive oil
5. Vitamin E oil

Generally, sweet-smelling components are also added to the scrubs. They offer an extra appeal and again; an additional benefit to the scrub. Some most commonly used options are -

1. Cocoa powder
2. Vanilla extract
3. Peppermint oil or extract
4. Lavender essential oil
5. Rosemary essential oil
6. Rose water

How to exfoliate skin at home?

Exfoliation is an easy skin care treatment that you can do at home; because ingredients are anyways available in your pantry & it doesn’t require much effort or practice.  Here’s how to scrub face at home naturally -

Here's a simple recipe for a homemade face scrub using natural ingredients:

Scrub no. 1 - Almond scrub for your face

• Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of finely ground almonds
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (melted)
• Optional, but highly recommended: a few drops of essential oil of your choice (such as lavender or tea tree)

Ps. Now you know how to make face scrub at home with honey.

Scrub no. 2 - Oatmeal body scrub

This body scrub will work wonders as oatmeal has a skin-soothing beta-glucan compound. Use it during your shower time post a warm water splash on soft skin.

• Ingredients
• Powdered oats 
• Coconut oil or jojoba oil
• Coconut Milk
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar

• Instructions:

• In a small (clean) bowl, combine all of the above ingredients.
• Mix well until you have a thick, paste-like consistency.
• If desired, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil for added fragrance or skincare benefits. Stir to incorporate.

• Directions:

• Wet your face/body with lukewarm water.
• Apply a small amount of the prepared scrub onto your face/body and massage gently in small circular motions for about 2 mins.
• Focus more on areas that need extra exfoliation such as forehead, nose, ankles, elbows, etc.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water and do not forget to follow up with body butter, body lotions, or moisturizer. 

Now, let's move on to some FAQs related to exfoliation that you might have. 

• How much scrub to use?
• You only need a few tbsps of scrub for your face. Using too much scrub might not give you different results, so avoid wasting natural ingredients by using only a small amount.

• Will exfoliating remove hyperpigmentation?
• Yes, definitely. But make sure to scrub every week to dull away the highly pigmented areas and follow up with sunscreen.

• Are exfoliating gloves bad for your body?
• If used the right way, they are not at all harmful to the body.

• Are exfoliating gloves reusable?
• Yes. Since they are made from high-quality cloth, they can be reused. Although, due to hygiene purposes, it is advised to replace them every 3 months. 

• Will exfoliation help acne scars?
• To some extent, yes. But topical treatment must be combined along with exfoliation for this issue. 

• Why exfoliate after waxing?
• Because it reduces the risk of ingrown hair and clogged pores.

• How to choose the right exfoliants? How to exfoliate dry face at home?
• Choose ingredients that will work to benefit/support your skin type. If you have dry skin, opt for ingredients that are moisturizing and nourishing like almond powder or coconut milk.

• How to exfoliate lips naturally at home?
• Simply combine honey and fine granulated sugar to form a scrub and massage gently to get rid of flaky, dry skin. Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm later.

• How to exfoliate your face at home for oily skin?
• Mix rice flour, lemon juice, and honey to form a scrub. Use the same directions mentioned above. Follow up with fresh aloe vera pulp on your face for a cooling aftereffect. Aloe vera is great for oily skin.

• How to exfoliate your face without scrubbing?
• You can use skin-safe sponges, wash clothes, or exfoliating gloves if you want to exfoliate without using scrubs. 

Now that we have shared with your the easiest way to exfoliate your face, let’s move on to the things you need to consider while exfoliating- 

• Please do a test patch of every new scrub you are about to try on because you may never know which ingredient might cause you skin allergies or irritation.
• Always apply gentle pressure while scrubbing. Because the more abrasively you scrub, you end up damaging your skin barrier by giving you micro-tears.
• Do not exfoliate if you have open wounds, sunburn, or injuries.
• Never forget to moisturize liberally post-exfoliation. 

Here was our take on natural exfoliation and all that comes with it. Write back to us if we left out any concerns.