Homemade exfoliants can be prepared with natural ingredients, such as sugar, honey and coconut oil, for example, helping to reduce the oiliness of combination or oily skin, protect and increase hydration in dry skin and maintain the balance of normal skin. The choice of homemade exfoliant must be adjusted to each skin type, so it is essential to know the specific skin type, to guide the choice of the best ingredients. See how to know your skin type.
Exfoliation is a technique that consists of applying a substance with microspheres to the skin and performing circular movements, with the aim of unclogging pores, eliminating impurities, increasing blood circulation in the area and, therefore, allowing some active ingredients present in creams to be absorbed. and masks can penetrate more easily, helping to nourish and hydrate the skin more intensely.
For homemade exfoliants to have the desired effect, it is recommended to follow certain precautions before and after treatment, such as washing your face with warm water and neutral soap to eliminate oil, deeply hydrating your skin to keep it intact and healthy, and the use of sunscreen.
To prepare a good homemade exfoliant for your skin type, follow the steps below:
1. Dear mister, I’m oleosa
Combination or oily skin is characterized by a greater production of sebum, which can lead to larger pores and the formation of acne and blackheads more frequently. It is also possible to notice a more pronounced oiliness in the T region of the face, that is, in the forehead, nose and chin region, and drier on the cheeks.
Exfoliants for oily skin must contain ingredients that help regulate skin oil and sebum production, in addition to containing particles that provide more intense exfoliation.
Honey and oat scrub
Ingredients:
- 2 spoons of honey;
- 5 spoons of sugar;
- 4 tablespoons of warm water.
Preparation mode
Mix all the ingredients in a clean, dry container until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, and then apply to a clean face, using circular movements. Leave for 3 minutes and then wash your face with cold water.
This exfoliant should not be used by people who are allergic to pollen, honey or propolis.
Sugar and jojoba oil scrub
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of jojoba oil;
- 2 tablespoons of refined white sugar.
Preparation mode
Add the ingredients to a clean, dry container and mix until you obtain a homogeneous paste. Apply to a clean face, rubbing gently with circular movements, for about 3 minutes. Then wash your face with cold water and dry with a soft towel. This exfoliant can be used twice a week.
2. Dry or sensitive skin
Dry skin can be characterized by the feeling that the skin is pulling after contact with water, in addition to being able to flake more easily and not have as much shine as normal or oily skin.
Exfoliants for dry skin should contain ingredients that contribute to increasing skin hydration, as well as helping to soothe and reduce skin irritation.
Cornmeal and almond oil scrub
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of cornmeal;
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil;
- 3 drops of mint essential oil.
Preparation mode
To make the cornmeal and almond oil scrub, simply mix the ingredients in a container until you obtain a homogeneous paste. Then apply to the face using circular movements and leave for a few minutes. Then, remove the exfoliant with cold water and dry with a soft towel.
Exfoliating coconut oil, chamomile and refined sugar
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of iced chamomile tea;
- 2 tablespoons of refined sugar;
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
Preparation mode
To make this exfoliant, you must add the ingredients to a clean, dry container and mix until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Apply to a clean face using gentle circular movements for about 3 minutes. Then, wash your face with cold water and dry with a soft towel. This exfoliant can be used once a week.
3. Normal skin
Normal skin has moderate oiliness, without the presence of excess pimples and blackheads, with a balance between sebum production and the amount of water in the skin, keeping it without excess shine or dryness.
Exfoliants for normal skin must contain ingredients that provide a less intense exfoliation, unlike oily skin, but that help keep the skin hydrated.
Yogurt and honey scrub
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of natural yogurt;
- 1 tablespoon of honey;
- ½ cups of sugar.
Preparation mode
To make this exfoliant, you must place the ingredients in a container and mix until you obtain a smooth mixture. Then, apply it to your face using circular movements and leave it on for a few minutes, then remove it with cold water.
People who are allergic to pollen, honey or propolis should not use this exfoliant.
Coffee scrub
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Coffee scrub is made by placing the ingredients in a clean, dry container and mixing until a smooth, thin paste is obtained. Then, place it on your face, rubbing gently with your fingertips in circular movements, for about 3 minutes. Then wash your face with cold water and dry with a soft towel. See other coffee scrub options.
Main benefits of skin exfoliation
Skin exfoliation increases blood circulation, helps eliminate toxins present in the skin, stimulates cell renewal, unclogs pores, leaving the skin smoother and softer and providing vitality and rejuvenation.
Furthermore, exfoliation facilitates the penetration of moisturizing substances, which is why after exfoliation, the skin needs to be hydrated with a cream, moisturizing lotion or an essential oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba or avocado.
Care before and after exfoliation
For the exfoliation to be more effective and enhance its effects on the skin, it is recommended to follow some precautions before and after the procedure, including:
- Wash your face with warm water and neutral soap before applying the exfoliant and, afterwards, to remove all residue from the natural exfoliant;
- Use sunscreen daily, after exfoliation, to avoid the appearance of dark spots on the skin. Check out the best sunscreen for each skin type;
- Exfoliate the skin with circular movements and gently, especially in more sensitive areas, such as close to the eyes;
- Avoid exfoliating the skin if there are lesions, wounds or even an excess of pimples, so as not to worsen the current condition;
Before using any exfoliant, it is important to perform an allergy test on the back of your hand and wait for 15 minutes. If the skin is not red, itchy or irritated, it is possible to use the exfoliant, but if any reaction appears, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to use the specific cream for your skin type.
