Regular exfoliation is a necessary step in skincare, regardless of your skin type. This practice aids in maintaining soft skin, unclogging pores, and reducing the risk of whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. It also contributes to diminishing blemishes, discoloration, and skin pigmentation by promoting the emergence of fresh skin cells. The best part is that you can easily perform exfoliation at home without the need to visit a salon. But how can you effectively remove dead skin from your face?
While many believe that incorporating the cleansing, toning, and moisturizing (CTM) routine into your skincare regimen is sufficient to achieve flawless skin, exfoliation adds significant value and supports skin rejuvenation. Furthermore, it's important to exfoliate not only your face but your entire body. In this article, we will delve into 10 natural methods for naturally exfoliating your skin from the comfort of your home. Let's get started; read on for more information.
The human skin is in a constant state of self-regeneration. Old cells on the skin's outermost layer die and are replaced by new cells originating in the lower layers, particularly the dermis, which is the basal layer of the epidermis. However, as we age, the natural regenerative capabilities of our skin diminish. Exfoliation plays a crucial role in aiding the skin's regenerative process by eliminating dead skin cells and creating space for new ones. According to Dr. Nadir Qazi, a board-certified cosmetic physician, Exfoliating removes excess dead skin cells, softens and revitalizes the skin, and stimulates collagen production. Maintaining healthy skin involves achieving balance and staying attuned to its changes.
Nevertheless, Dr. Qazi also warns against excessive exfoliation, stating, Over-exfoliation can compromise the skin's natural barrier, exposing the new skin. This can result in chafing, redness, and dryness. Conversely, when dead skin cells are not eliminated, they can clog pores, leading to acne, blackheads, and even ingrown hairs.
In the exfoliation process, we employ products designed to eliminate old skin and reveal the fresh skin beneath. Primarily, there are two methods of exfoliating the skin – physical and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation involves using body scrubs, while chemical exfoliation or chemical peels use products containing enzymes that assist in dislodging dead cells from the skin through their chemical actions. Other skin treatments that entail removing the uppermost layer of the skin include dermabrasion and microdermabrasion.
# Brown SugarYou Will Need1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon almond oil OR coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix the oil with sugar.
- Apply this face scrub to the skin, in circular motions, for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for another five minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Increase the quantities of the ingredients to use this on your body.
How Often You Should Do ThisRepeat this once or twice a week.
# Baking Soda
You Will Need1 tablespoon baking soda
1 vitamin E capsule
Water
What You Have To Do- Prick open the vitamin E capsule and add the oil present inside to the baking soda.
- Add a few drops of water to this and mix everything to get a paste with medium consistency.
- Apply this on a damp face and scrub in circular motions for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do ThisDo this once every week.
# Sugar And Honey
You Will Need1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon raw honey
What You Have To Do- Mix the honey and sugar.
- Scrub your skin with this for a few minutes and then rinse it off.
How Often You Should Do ThisUse this simple scrub 1-2 times a week.
# Epsom Salt
You Will Need1 cup Epsom salt
1 cup coconut oil
10-12 drops lavender oil (optional)
What You Have To Do- Combine the salt with the coconut oil and essential oil.
- Transfer this to an air-tight glass container.
- Use as much scrub as required for your entire body. Scrub gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Wash everything off using tepid water.
How Often You Should Do ThisUse this scrub once a week to exfoliate the dead skin on the body.
# Apple Cider Vinegar
You Will Need1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon water
Cotton ball
What You Have To Do- Dilute the ACV with water and use the cotton ball to apply this on the face.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off using cool water.
- To exfoliate dead skin on your feet, add half a cup of ACV to a tub filled with some water and soak your feet in this for 10-12 minutes.
How Often You Should Do ThisRepeat this once a week.
# Toothbrush
You Will Need
Lip balm
Toothbrush
What You Have To Do- Apply a hydrating lip balm on your lips and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Now, take a toothbrush and gently rub it in circular motions on your lips.
- Rinse off the dead, flaky skin with plain water.
How Often You Should Do ThisUse this remedy twice a week.
# Coffee Grounds
You Will Need2-3 tablespoons coffee grounds
1 tablespoon olive oil OR coconut oil
Water
What You Have To Do- Add the oil to the coffee grounds and mix them.
- Add some water to get a thick, grainy paste.
- Scrub the skin with this using gentle, circular motions. Alternate the circular movement with upward (towards the top of your head) movements.
- Keep scrubbing for 3-4 minutes.
- Wash off the scrub with water.
How Often You Should Do ThisDo this coffee ground exfoliation once every week.