Radiate main character energy with exfoliation! We previously covered the differences between physical and chemical exfoliation here, and how beginners can ease into it.
Exfoliation can brighten your complexion, even out your skin tone, boost blood circulation, and prevent pore clogging and acne. Get that glow; exfoliation can bring you smoother, healthier skin.
Some people don’t exfoliate because they aren’t familiar with the complex ingredients or find the practice costly. Well, it doesn’t have to be. Exfoliation can be fun and relaxing! And you can do it safely with ingredients that you already have at home. As part of your skincare ritual, it does the work for you so that you can enjoy better-looking skin. Extra important as we’re leading post-WFH lives and are ready to serve fresh new looks from 9 to 5.
Here are some easy remedies you can try from the comfort of your home without breaking the bank. DIY means you know exactly what’s going into your skincare.
1. Oats
The nutrient-packed, fuss-free oatmeal has earned its place as a breakfast staple but they’re also great for exfoliation. An oatmeal scrub is versatile – suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Mix ½ a cup of uncooked oats with almond milk, then gradually add in honey until a paste forms. Aim for a breadcrumb-like consistency. Then gently apply it and massage in circular motion. When not in use, pop it back into the refrigerator. A DIY oatmeal scrub doesn’t need much – just what you likely already have in the kitchen.
2. Brown sugar
A sweet treat for your skin, brown sugar does an excellent job exfoliating dirt and dead skin without being abrasive.
Mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 4 to 6 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil or olive oil, then add a tablespoon of vanilla extract or your favourite essential oil for that personalised fragrance. You could make a few bottles of these, each with different essential oil to suit your liking.
3. Coffee grounds
Coffee is not just a morning must-have to get through the daily grind, but also a trusty skincare ingredient! Maximise coffee grounds by adding ½ a cup worth of it to 2 tablespoons of hot water and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix it properly.
What can we say? A little coffee goes a long way. Mmmmm can’t say we’re complaining about the aroma of this one.
4. Yoghurt
Packed with vitamins and minerals, the lactic acid present in yoghurt makes your skin soft and supple. Mix it with sea salt, coffee powder or oats and honey to milk its goodness!
Apply it on your face or body, then rinse with warm water.
What do you need to do after exfoliation?
After exfoliation, don’t use a cleanser but try a moisturiser instead as it enables deeper penetration for greater effect on the skin. It’s important to moisturise after exfoliating as exfoliation can have a drying effect on the skin.
*Before you incorporate physical or chemical exfoliating products into your routine, we advise you seek a dermatologist or healthcare provider for guidance.
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