Having soft, beautiful skin is everyone’s dream. However, commercial skin care products can contain harmful ingredients that can cause long-term skin damage. That’s why more and more people are turning to natural options to care for their skin. Exfoliation is an important step in maintaining soft, smooth skin, and there are many natural exfoliants that you can easily prepare at home. In this article, we present some of the best natural exfoliants for beautiful and smooth skin, without having to worry about the harmful side effects of commercial skin care products.
Why use an exfoliator?
- Exfoliation removes dead skin cells: Exfoliation gets rid of dead skin cells that can clog pores and make skin look dull and rough. By removing these cells, the skin is smoother and softer, which also improves the absorption of skin care products.
- Exfoliation stimulates blood flow: Exfoliation stimulates blood flow in the skin, which can help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are important for keeping skin firm and supple.
- Exfoliation can reduce the appearance of blemishes: Exfoliation can help reduce the appearance of blemishes such as brown spots, acne scars and wrinkles by stimulating the production of new skin cells.
How do I choose the right scrub?
There are several types of scrubs available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Mechanical scrubs contain abrasive particles such as fruit pits or plastic microbeads that help remove dead skin cells.
- Chemical scrubs contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA) that work to remove dead skin cells by dissolving the bonds between the cells.
It is important to choose a scrub that is suitable for your skin type. Sensitive skin may be irritated by mechanical exfoliants, while oily skin may benefit from using a chemical exfoliator to control oil production.
It is also important not to exfoliate too often, as this can cause damage to the skin and make it more sensitive. Experts generally recommend exfoliating once or twice a week to keep skin soft and smooth.
Homemade scrub recipes
- Sugar and olive oil scrub: Mix one tablespoon of granulated sugar with one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply to your damp skin in gentle circular motions and rinse off with warm water.
- Salt and coconut oil scrub: Mix one tablespoon of sea salt with one tablespoon of melted coconut oil. Apply to your skin in gentle circular motions and rinse with warm water.
- Coffee grounds and jojoba oil scrub: Mix one tablespoon of coffee grounds with one tablespoon of jojoba oil. Apply to your skin in gentle circular motions and rinse with warm water.
- Oatmeal and honey scrub: Mix one tablespoon of oatmeal with one tablespoon of honey. Apply to your skin in gentle circular motions, then rinse with warm water.
- Papaya Sugar Scrub: Mash a slice of ripe papaya and mix it with a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Apply to your skin in gentle circular motions, then rinse with warm water.
Our special scrub for sensitive skin
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup oatmeal
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the oatmeal, raw honey and sweet almond oil until you have a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to your face using gentle circular motions for about a minute.
- Leave the paste on your face for 5-10 minutes to allow the ingredients to work.
- Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
This gentle scrub is perfect for sensitive skin as it does not contain any irritating ingredients. Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells, while raw honey and sweet almond oil deeply nourish and moisturize the skin. You can use this scrub once a week to keep your skin soft and glowing.
What to exfoliate with?
Kessa gloves
Kessa gloves are traditional scrubbing gloves used in Turkish and Moroccan baths to exfoliate the skin thoroughly. These gloves are usually made from a special fabric called vegetable hair, which is a natural abrasive fiber. Kessa gloves are usually used with black soap, a soft, pasty soap made from olive oil and black olives, to create a body scrub treatment.
When using Kessa gloves, it is recommended that you first wet and soap yourself with the black soap. Then gently rub your skin with the Kessa glove in a circular motion. The friction created by the horsehair fibers helps to remove dead skin cells and stimulate blood circulation, leaving the skin soft and smooth. It is important not to rub too hard to avoid irritating the skin. Kessa’s gloves are particularly suitable for rough skin or for removing traces of tan, as they can help to remove dead skin cells that can make the skin dull or uneven. However, it is important to note that Kessa gloves are not recommended for sensitive skin or for areas of the body with skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. In any case, it is important to moisturize the skin after a Kessa glove scrub treatment to prevent dryness and irritation.
The loofah sponge
The loofah sponge is a natural sponge used to exfoliate the skin and stimulate blood circulation during body scrubs. It is made from the vegetable fiber of the loofah gourd, a plant native to Africa and Asia. Loofah sponges are often used in combination with shower gel or soap to clean and exfoliate the skin.
When using the loofah sponge, it is recommended to wet the sponge with warm water to soften it. Then apply a small amount of soap or shower gel to the sponge and gently rub your body in a circular motion. The loofah fiber helps to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It is important not to rub too hard to avoid irritating the skin.
Loofah sponges are suitable for normal to oily skin and can help remove impurities and excess oil. However, they are not recommended for sensitive skin or areas of the body with skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. It is also important to rinse the loofah sponge well after use and to let it air dry to avoid the growth of bacteria.
In conclusion, body scrubbing is a simple but essential beauty step for soft, smooth, and radiant skin. By using natural ingredients such as sugar, salt or coffee, or by opting for accessories such as Kessa gloves or loofah sponge, it is easy to offer yourself a moment of relaxation while taking care of your skin. Remember to adapt your scrub to your skin type and not to rub too hard to avoid irritation. With regular use, body scrubs can help improve skin texture, stimulate blood circulation, and prevent ingrown hairs. So why not add a body scrub to your skincare routine? Your skin will thank you!
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