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Have you been toying with the idea of making your own homemade face exfoliator?
Exfoliators, whether shop-bought or homemade, are good for scrubbing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores to reveal smoother and more radiant skin.
Although there are several exfoliating products available to buy, it’s surprisingly easy to make your own homemade exfoliator with ingredients you might already have in your kitchen cupboard.
When you exfoliate, you remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, which may sound a bit gross, but happens to be really good for skin.
Over time, dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria build up on our skin, regardless of how often we wash clean our face . And this build-up can block our pores, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.
Getting into the habit of exfoliating, which is done either by using an exfoliating scrub product or chemical exfoliation product, can keep any build-up in check and also help reveal glowing skin. What’s more, exfoliation is a crucial step in most facials, mainly because it helps pores absorb products better.
The older we get, the more important it is for us to exfoliate our skin. Why? Because as we age, the rate at which our skin cells regenerate naturally slows down. And this means old skin cells hanging around on our skin for longer. This can make skin dull, rough and dry and potentially lead to excess oil production and clogged pores that can cause blemishes.1
Use this moisturising homemade salt scrub in the shower, up to two times a week, for a gorgeous glow.
Take a small amount of the mixture in your hands and gently rub it into your skin in a circular motion. Continue for up to two minutes and rinse off with warm water. After showering, pat your skin dry and apply a moisturiser or body lotion for super-soft skin.
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Apply this scrub to oily skin on a regular basis to help prevent breakouts and blemishes. However, don’t use it too often or over scrub your skin, as this can lead to excess oil production, which can make breakouts worse.(2)
Using a brush, apply the paste evenly over your face. Scrub gently in circular motions and wash off with cold water after 7 to 8 minutes. After a few hours, wash your face with a regular cleanser and moisturise your skin.
Coffee’s caffeine content reportedly supports blood circulation and stimulates the skin. It also contains antioxidants that help protect against UV damage and prevent moisture loss. (3)
Directions
How to use
Apply the mixture to your face by gently scrubbing in an upward circular movement for around 8 to 10 minutes. Wash off with cold water. Use twice a week for the best results.
Help your lips fully benefit from the healing properties of lip balm, and help plump them up too! (4)
Apply to your lips with your fingertips and gently slough off dry, dead skin cells by scrubbing in circular motions. Use a gentle technique and don’t over-exfoliate – this will avoid small tears from potentially being created in the skin. Rinse with warm water and follow with lip balm. Use this scrub once or twice a week.
Oatmeal contains compounds called phenols that have anti-oxidant and soothing properties. Meanwhile, yoghurt contains natural lactic acid that can help boost exfoliation and jojoba oil can add moisture without clogging pores.(5)
Apply to cleansed skin in gentle circles for about 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse the scrub from your skin with lukewarm water. Spoon any remaining mixture into an airtight container and store in the fridge for another time.
Bananas contain nutrients, such as potassium, Vitamin C and traces of Vitamin A. They also contain silica, which can help boost collagen production. (6)
Apply the scrub to your skin in circular motions for 30 to 60 seconds, then wash off with warm water. Keep any leftover scrub in the fridge for another time.
Aloe vera is packed full of calming, skin-soothing properties and is widely recognised as being an excellent moisturiser. (7)
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Almonds can help skin feel smooth and moisturised, while green tea adds antioxidants to the skin's barrier. This scrub is perfect for hydrating and plumping up skin.(8)
Yoghurt contains lactic acid that helps exfoliate skin in a non-abrasive way, making this scrub particularly useful for sensitive skin. (9)
Flaxseeds contain soothing and antioxidant properties that can potentially help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (10) For added moisture, use oats instead of flaxseed.
Soothing and calming, oats are ideal for sensitive skin. Ground oats gently unclog pores, while their natural saponins cleanse and absorb dirt and oil.(11)
Tip: You may also want to try using milk or yogurt instead of water. They both contain lactic acid that works as a natural chemical exfoliant. Alternatively, add apple cider vinegar, which contains malic acid, to help make skin look that little bit brighter.
Thanks to its super-fine texture, baking soda acts like an at-home microdermabrasion for all skin types. It also helps absorb excess oil, making it particularly useful for oily skin.(12)
Has this list of homemade face exfoliators made you realise most of the products that are sitting in your kitchen cupboard can actually be put to good use for your skin?
Most of them can be whipped up in a matter of minutes too, and if you get into the habit of applying these homemade exfoliators regularly, then you should soon start to see the results – brighter, clearer and more moisturised skin!
Last updated: 27 May 2021