Having glowing, smooth skin doesn't have to cost an arm + a leg. And you don't have to run out to your nearest boutique to get it. By simply reaching into your kitchen pantry, you can achieve radiant, silky soft skin.
In this post, we will share with you 3 pantry staples that you can use to easily + effective exfoliate your skin as well as 3 DIY recipes to try.
But first, let's talk about what exfoliating does + why it is important.
What is Exfoliating?
Exfoliation refers to the removal of the dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. Exfoliation can be performed mechanically, by using abrasive scrubs on the skin or chemically, by using scrubs that contain special kinds of acids that dissolve + remove the dead skin cells without scrubbing.
Why is Exfoliating is Important?
As we age, the process of cell regeneration slows down. This means that the body is slower to shed skin cells + generate new ones. When old skin cells start to pile up on the surface of the skin, it can leave skin looking dull, rough, + dry. Furthermore, the build-up of dead skin cells can result in excess oil + clogged pores, leading to blemishes + acne.
Proper exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the skin + uncovers fresh new cells below. This opens the way for moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply into the skin, which makes them more effective. In short, a regular exfoliating routine will leave your skin looking fresh and healthy.
How Does Exfoliation Benefit Your Skin?
Exfoliating can improve the appearance of your skin in several ways.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, exfoliation can leave your skin looking brighter + improve the effectiveness of topical skin care products by enhancing absorption.
2. Regular exfoliation can also help prevent clogged pores, resulting in fewer breakouts.
3. Long-term exfoliating can increase collagen production. Collagen is key to glowing, vibrant skin. The protein also promotes skin elasticity, minimizing the appearance of fine lines + related sagging.
Now, let's talk about how to exfoliate at home + our 3 simple ingredients.
Oatmeal - Oatmeal is more than just a cereal that helps lower high cholesterol. Oatmeal contains avenanthramides, antioxidant + anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe itchy, dry and irritated skin. Oatmeal is also great for acne-prone skin because it may absorb oil from the skin’s surface.
Exfoliating Oatmeal Scrub for Face + Body
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oatmeal flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions: Mix together oats, lemon juice and honey. Apply to face. Rinse with warm water.
Sugar - Sugar is one of the best natural beauty ingredients to exfoliate your skin. Sugar scrubs are mild + one of the most versatile + affordable ingredients to use in a scrub. Any sugar will work...white sugar, cane sugar, coconut sugar, brown sugar, pineapple sugar. If it's sugar, use it! We love to use sugar scrubs not only on our face + body but also as delicate (+ delicious) lip scrub. Bonus: The oil in the scrub works as a moisturizer.
Exfoliating Sugar Scrub for Face + Body
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 coconut oil (you can also use olive, grapeseed, or avocado oil)
1/2 t vanilla or almond extract (optional)
Directions: Mix together sugar + coconut oil. Apply to skin + rinse off. Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Salt- Salt is full of minerals that help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, improve skin texture + tighten the skin at the same time as exfoliating off dead skin cells. The mineral content is also therapeutic + relaxing. You can use table salt, kosher salt, coarse salt or, our personal favorite, Himalayan sea salt. Note: Salt scrubs are more abrasive than oatmeal or sugar so please scrub gently.
Exfoliating + Brightening Salt Scrub
Ingredients
3/4 cup salt
1/4 coconut oil (you can also use olive, grapeseed, or avocado oil)
1 Tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
- Directions: Mix together salt + coconut oil. Apply to gently to skin + rinse off. Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
