How to make your own exfoliant

A few weeks ago I wanted to make some exfoliant. I knew it was EXPENSIVE in the stores, and I just remember it being VERY simple. I found this site, and didn’t not realize all the different ways you could make it!  I think from now on I’ll just make my own. I also think you can add essential oils for smell. Example: Lavender, Rosemary etc.  I made the sugar one.  It was great!

Here is what I found:

Coarse Ingredients

• coffee grounds(used are just fine):
  They are antibacterial, exfoliating and stimulating to the skin.
• sugar(table sugar or coarse):
  Works well with olive oil to provide gentle scrubbing for your homemade exfoliant.
• almonds(ground up):
  Creates a gentle scrubbing action while providing healthy oils to the skin.
• oatmeal(use natural unflavored):
  Healing and soothing for the skin especially sensitive skin. Ground up for finer scrub or left as for a little more action.
• corn flour or rice powder:
  Another good easily available choice especially for oily skin. Helps absorb skin oils.
• kosher or sea salt:
  An age old exfoliator, use a gentle touch to avoid irritating the skin. Coarse salt and coarse sugar work better when combined with a moist ingredient that is sticky. When combined with just a juice no paste is formed.

Moist Ingredients

Usually a tablespoon or two of coarse ingredients is enough. Add in moist ingredients a little at a time to create a paste. Water can always be added if any mixture is too thick. Apply to both face and neck and if you make a little extra use on your hands.

• lemon, lime or orange juice:
  These provide an astringent quality to your homemade exfoliant plus the vitamin C provides a boost. Good for oily skins.
• honey:
  Healing and soothing along with an ability to help skin retain moisture.
• yogurt, milk, sour cream etc.:
  Contains lactic acid which help skin slough off dead skin cells.
• olive oil:
  Soothing, moisturizing. Antioxidants help protect the skin from the effects of aging.
• cucumber(peeled, cut up and pureed):
  Provides cooling and astringent qualities.
• avocado(mashed):
  Rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Moisturizing. Good for dry skin.
• apple juice:
  Contains natural fruit acids which help exfoliate.

Recipes to try:

1.Corn flour scrub. For oily skin

2 tbs.corn flour

apple juice(enough to create a paste)

Mix ingredients and apply to face. Massage gently in a circular motion. Splash with warm water to remove, then cool water to help close pores.

2.Oatmeal facial scrub. Good for sensitive skin.

1/2 cup uncooked oats (for finer scrub you can blend into powder)

1 tbs.honey(if you use ground up oats you may want to adjust honey)

Mix ingredients together to form a paste. Massage into face and neck. Let scrub sit on skin for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

3.Olive oil and sugar scrub. Great for dry skin.

1 tbs. sugar

few drops olive oil

Blend together both ingredients adding a few drops of oil at a time to form a spreadable paste. Gently massage into skin. Rinse with warm water.