If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ll know the two most important things for radiant skin are exfoliation and moisturizing. Today we want to tell you about the bounty of exfoliation ingredients right in your kitchen cupboard.
Making exfoliating scrubs at home is quick and easy. Best of all, you won’t wonder about skin care product safety because these at-home exfoliators are edible (though we don’t recommend eating them).
What we do recommend is regular exfoliation in between your facial treatments, and making your own exfoliating scrub is a fun (and cheap) way to take the natural approach on your next self-care date.
5 exfoliants in your kitchen cupboard:
- Sea salt – This is the most abrasive exfoliator in your cupboard so salt scrubs are best used on body parts that tend to get extra-dry and calloused, like feet and elbows.
- Sugar – This delicious exfoliant contains glycolic acid which breaks down dead skin cells through a mild chemical reaction, like what happens during an active peel treatment at the spa.
- Baking soda – This is the most controversial exfoliator on the list. Some people swear by it and others believe it’s too harsh for delicate facial skin. Test it on your arm, and if your skin gets itchy or hurts after the baking soda scrub, stick with a gentler option.
- Oats – Ground oats make a gentle exfoliator, perfect for people with sensitive skin.
- Coffee – This exfoliant smells great but may be too rough for your face and it’s the messiest of them all. Coffee grounds can also clog your drain and stain your towels so rinse well.
A basic recipe for exfoliating scrubs
There are thousands of recipes for homemade exfoliating scrubs, but you can get started with one simple principle: Make a paste. Choose your exfoliator, and mix it with one of these ingredients: coconut oil, honey, yoghurt, milk, or jojoba oil.
Start with the dry ingredient and add the wet ingredient a small amount at a time until your paste is a smooth consistency that can be easily applied to your skin. For a pleasant aroma, add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil.
To use the scrub, rub it onto your skin, rinse it off, then moisturize while your skin is still damp.
For more at-home facial scrub recipes, search Google or have a look at Stephanie Tourles’ book, Organic Body Care Recipes.
4 ways to get the most out of your exfoliation routine:
- Exfoliate once or twice a week, as needed.
- Apply less pressure on your face, more pressure on your body.
- Be especially gentle on the delicate area around your eyes.
- Be generous with moisturizer after exfoliation.
Whether you make your own exfoliating scrub at home or use a store-bought product, an exfoliating routine is essential for smooth skin that glows.
We’re here to help. If it’s time for your next professional treatment to get the glowing complexion that makes you feel great, give us a call to book a rejuvenating facial.
Feel great, look great with Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa.
Massage. Facials. Waxing. At Hand & Stone, our registered massage therapists will relieve tension, soothe tired muscles and ease headaches. Interested in our facial services? We know radiant, healthy skin reflects how you look and feel. Hand & Stone’s facials are performed by certified estheticians and we are proud to offer Dermalogica®, YonKa and Diego Dalla Palma products so you can enjoy a bright, beautiful complexion between regular appointments.
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