Our skin is our biggest organ and it’s constantly regenerating itself. You lose skin cells on a daily basis and then new ones grow to replace them. This shedding process is exactly why we need to exfoliate. Exfoliation is the act of removing the dead skin cells from your top layer of skin to allow for regrowth of new cells. When the skin sheds or when oil builds up, it can block your pores and lead to breakouts.
And if you’ve got acne or congested skin, you’ll still want to stick to your normal glycolic and salicylic acid routine, but you may find some relief through exfoliation as well. Scrubbing away your skin is easier than you might think and you don’t need to look any further than your own cupboard to find these amazing, all natural exfoliates.
Sugar
The very texture of sugar helps it rub away dead skin cells but it also contains glycolic acid which works to remove the upper layer of skin. The combination is a super pack that leads to shiny, brand-new skin.
Yogurt
Though it sounds strange, actual yogurt contains enzymes and lactic acid which work to smooth and repair skin. Yogurt also evens out skin tone and can help if you have hyperpigmentation.
Oatmeal
This technique has been around for thousands of years. Oatmeal’s texture is course and allows dirt and other impurities to be removed easily from the skin. It also contains minerals, vitamins and lipids that help protect your skin from free radicals. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oats are so renowned that they’re often used to treat Eczema and Poison Ivy.
Lemon
If you’ve got acne, spots or blemishes, lemon is an instant skin brightener. Applying it to your face can help even skin tone and refresh the skin. Sea Salt. Packed with minerals and nutrients, the rugged texture of sea salt is perfect for shaving off dead skin cells. But it may actually work too well. If you get irritated easily, you may want to avoid using it on your face and use it as bath soaks or a foot scrubber instead - both of which work famously.
A quick home scrub!
To make a face scrub at home: Mix any of the above with honey, yogurt or oil (like coconut or olive) to make a face mask or paste. Honey is a humectant that helps heal and moisturize.
Do you have any tips for homemade skincare exfoliators? (The five best will win one of our glycolic cleaners worth £11.99)
