8 ways to exfoliate naturally

Skin exfoliation

Using the following natural methods will not only give you beautiful looking skin, but also help you avoid abrasives and very importantly, plastic microbeads.

Exfoliating skin is a great way to give your skin a smooth and glowing complexion. Dead skin cells that are at the top layer of the skin are removed, and practicing regular exfoliation can help moisturise dry skin, encourage cell growth and unclog pores (a bonus that allows other skincare products to work more effectively).

The most common practice of exfoliation is on the face but of course your entire body can benefit too. Just be careful not to do it excessively as it can irritate the skin. Once a week is the recommended frequency.

In the recent years, manufactured scrubs have been found to contain thousands of plastic mircobeads. Not only are they a massive threat to our oceans and environment, but also to our skin. They can be highly harmful to you by creating micro-abrasions and tiny tears. So instead, why not turn to your kitchen pantry and start using natural and edible ingredients? This instantly eliminates any added chemicals, packaging, and costs. Plus, you get to know and decide what exact ingredients go onto your skin.

Skin type and why it matters

Before we dive into how to make your own natural exfoliator, let’s first identify your skin type. This is determined by the level of oil production of your skin, and it is important to know as your skin will respond differently to your choice of exfoliants.

Oily skin: Preferably honey, yogurt, or papaya

Sensitive skin: Preferably oatmeal or turmeric

Dry skin: Preferably sugar, coffee, or oatmeal

Combination skin: Preferably lemon juice or papaya

Natural ingredients

Honey

With anti microbial properties, honey is amazing for your skin. It has the ability to promote healing and hydration. It even has medicinal benefits and has been used for centuries to help with disorders like psoriasis.

Honey can be used either as an ingredient in your facial scrubs or on its own.

Simply apply a dollop of honey into your hands and in a circular motion, spread it onto your face with your fingers. Rinse with water. You can also add a touch of baking soda for abrasion.

Yogurt

The lactic acid found in yogurt is called alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It is a great component that helps remove dead skin cells AND stimulate new growth. It even gives you an even complexion. Some research suggests that the interaction of probiotics in yogurt and your skin creates a barrier to reduce inflammation and fight off infections.

To use yogurt as your exfoliant, apply one tablespoon of plain yogurt to your face. Gently massage in a circular motion, then let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing with water. NB: if you are sensitive to lactose, ensure to check with your dermatologist first.

Sugar

The natural chemical exfoliant in sugar cane helps separate the dead cells from the new ones in the outer layer of your skin. Make sure to apply it gently to safely and effectively remove the dead skin. NB: Sugar scrubs are not recommended for the face due to their large crystals, especially for sensitive skins, rather keep it for the body.

Mix one tablespoon of raw sugar and one tablespoon of your preferred natural oil (think almond, coconut, olive) to create a thick paste - you can play around with the ratio to achieve the consistency you wish for. Apply onto your skin in a circular motion and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Lemon

Another source of AHA, lemon juice is a natural chemical exfoliant. Not only does it help eliminate dead skin cells, lemon juice can brighten your skin and give you a glowing look.

Similarly to creating your natural sugar scrub, use a 1:1 tablespoon ratio of lemon juice and sugar to create a slightly abrasive paste. After applying the scrub onto your skin, let it sit for only 2-5 minutes. NB: if you have sensitive skin or abrasions, you might experience some discomfort and irritation. Make sure also to grind down your sugar finely if you are wanting to apply onto your face.

Papaya

What makes papaya such an effective exfoliant is its enzyme papain. This enzyme smoothens your skin by dissolving the keratin in dead skin cells and promotes blood circulation and elasticity. The papain is especially ideal for combination skin as it helps cleanse pores and prevent acne or infection. Top tip: use green papayas as they are higher in papain.

To use papaya as an exfoliator is straightforward. All you have to do is create a smooth paste by mashing the fresh papaya and applying it onto your face. Leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Coffee

Not only do we love the aroma that this ingredient is giving, but it’s also giving zero waste! Ground coffee is an exemplary natural ingredient for manual exfoliation. The grounds help scrub away dead cells and the caffeine can fight wrinkles and dark spots.

Simply combine a quarter teaspoon of USED coffee grounds with one tablespoon of your preferred natural oil (play around with the ratio until you find a consistency you are happy with). Apply on your skin and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing.

Oatmeal

A very common ingredient in skincare, oatmeal holds therapeutic anti-inflammatory benefits and can even protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Using the 1:1 ratio, one tablespoon for one tablespoon of ground oats and natural oil (or honey), let the paste sit for five minutes after gently applying.

Turmeric

Curcumin is the compound that gives the turmeric its yellow colour and health benefits. It is used widely across South Asia to medicinally treat skin conditions to reduce inflammation and fight infections when used as an exfoliant.

Combine one teaspoon of ground turmeric with either yogurt, natural oil or water to create the paste. Adding chickpea flour can provide the abrasion if you wish. Apply onto your skin and circularly rub it. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

But how often should I exfoliate, you might ask?

The answer to this question is very dependent on your skin type and age. You don’t want to over exfoliate as not to damage your skins natural protective barrier, but you also want to do it often enough to remove dead cells and allow for new skin. Starting once a week is the sensible trial frequency. Slowly increase if you feel you need to.

The older we get, the slower the regeneration of cell growth is. In general, cell turnover takes 40-60 days for adults over 65 and 28 days for adults between 18-25. Therefore, we might need to think of exfoliating more frequently the older we get.