12 Homemade Exfoliators

Exfoliating? You’ve probably heard this term before- but it probably didn’t really mean anything to you. What is exfoliating? Is this something we are SUPPOSED to be doing? Well, let me tell you this: exfoliating gets rid of old, dead skin cells hanging around on our skin. These dead skin cells can clog up the pores and cause acne and other pesky, unsightly blemishes. Not only that, but they can even give your complexion a rough and tough exterior that’s rather dull and lifeless. So, yes, I would have to say exfoliation is important for beautiful and youthful skin; and here’s 12 easy homemade exfoliators to get the job done.

1. Baking Soda

Did you know that baking soda is one of the main ingredients found in exfoliating products you find on store shelves? That being said, baking soda is clearly a great exfoliator and it really doesn’t NEED to be paired with anything else to work wonders. All you need to do is rub the baking soda in a circular motion on your body, then rinse it off. Seriously, how simple is that? You probably have this ingredients in your pantry already anyways!

2. Sugar and Oil

Pure cane sugar crystals are actually loaded with glycolic acid, which not only helps the production of new skin cells but also breaks down proteins that are found in dead skin cells that just won’t flake off the body. Mix together the sugar with your favorite oil, preferably olive oil, coconut oil, or joboba oil, and form into a paste. Scrub your body and face, then rinse as usual.

3. Oatmeal and Honey

This tasty treat doesn’t have to be reserved for early morning! Oatmeal is known as being the gentlest exfoliant, making it the ideal choice for people with sensitive skin who still want to reap the benefits of exfoliating. Not only is it a gentle exfoliator, but it’s also an anti-inflammatory and extremely moisturizing. Mix together ground oatmeal with honey and scrub all over. Let the mixture stand on your face/body for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse off.

4. Green Tea, Sugar, and Honey

This combination makes a wonderful exfoliator, as green tea is not only an excellent exfoliator for the face and body, but also has anti-aging effects; a great choice for older men and women! For this exfoliator, brew a cup of green tea. Cool and add two tablespoons of tea to one tablespoon of sugar. Stir in a tablespoon of honey and you’re done!

5. Coconut Oil, Sugar, and Lemon

Coconut oil has risen in popularity in recent years, becoming this amazing product that can be used in cooking, cleaning, and so much more. It can also be a heavy-duty exfoliator, especially when combined with sugar and lemon. Stir a half cup of coconut oil with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Scrub and rinse, and enjoy amazingly hydrated skin that’s clean and smooth.

6. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds! It’s as simple as that. They are an all-natural exfoliant and will even soften the skin generously. Grind up some coffee grounds, or you can even use the leftovers from your morning cup of joe. Mix 1 tablespoon coffee grounds with 1 tablespoon water and apply in a circular motion. Done!

7. Yogurt Mask

For fresh, rejuvenated skin that’s free of pesky dead skin cells, all you need is some plain yogurt or kefir. Apply it to the face and let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. (Make sure you start out with a clean face). Repeat once a week!

8. Rice and Honey

For this particular exfoliator, all you need is some rice. Any type of rice is fine, brown, white, jasmine, etc. Grind the rice into smaller granules, but not so much that it becomes a powder. Mix the ground rice with honey until it is a thick paste. Scrub on body/face and rinse.

9. Chocolate and Sugar

Careful- this scrub smells so good you MAY just want to eat it! All you need for this delectable exfoliator is ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1/8 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix and lather onto the face/body, rubbing gently to exfoliate. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

10. Blueberry and Honey

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants while honey is anti-bacterial and extremely moisturizing, making for one amazing exfoliator. You will need ½ cup of blueberries, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor until it forms a paste, then set on skin for 15 minutes before rinsing off.

11. Tomato and Sugar

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that not only protects the skin but prevents wrinkles and other signs of aging. Combined with sugar, this is an incredible exfoliator that will help fend off age lines while creating a beautiful, smooth finish. Cut a tomato in half and dip the tomato into 1 tablespoon of sugar. Rub the tomato in a circular motion on the skin. Leave the mixture on for 10 minutes before rinsing.

12. Sea Salt and Oil

Such a luxurious scrub that will send your skin into a moisture paradise while also detoxifying- perfect! You will need 1 cup of COARSE sea salt and a half cup of baby oil (which can be substituted for vegetable oil). Combine the ingredients and let sit for 24 hours before mixing and applying to the body. Massage into the skin before rinsing.

If you’ve never exfoliated before, you’ll be shocked and surprised at how baby smooth your skin feels after just one scrub. These scrubs and masks should only be used once a week, as over-exfoliating your skin isn’t a good idea and can be rather harsh on the skin. Take your exfoliating to the next level by using an exfoliating brush which you can find online or in many stores.

Have you ever tried any of these scrubs/masks? Which is your favorite homemade exfoliator? Let us know below!

2 Comments