What is body exfoliation?

Our skin constantly renews itself, signifying that every 3 weeks our “ old” layer of skin dies off and the new layer replaces it. Old skin cells exfoliate off our body unnoticed for us. It's a completely normal process of cells regeneration.

As we got older this cell's renewal process slows down. Dead skin cells don't exfoliate off as fast and easily as in our younger age.

This creates dull-looking skin, causes skin impurities and can indeed lead to some skin problems (acne, clogged pores etc)

And this is when exfoliation comes in.

Exfoliating speeds up the skin renewal process and makes your skin look youthful and glowing.

Benefits of exfoliating

Dead skin cells can be trapped in our pores and cause dark spots, acne, clogged pores, inflammation, wrinkles, dryness and numerous other bad surprises. The skin might feel rough and as if it isn't breathing.

Your skin will feel fresh and will look brighter and more youthful. Exfoliation improves blood circulation. And that means enhanced oxygenation, delivery of nutrients and enhanced overall skin condition.

How to use a body scrub?

There are different ways to exfoliate your body's skin including physical and chemical exfoliators.

Simply put some warm to hot water on your body for 5-10 minutes allowing your skin to soften and your pores to open up. Generously apply exfoliants all over your body and do a 3-5 minutes massage and exfoliant into your skin allowing it to remove dead cells.

Rinse it off completely with warm water. You can boost the exfoliating effect by using a bath sponge or exfoliating gloves.

Remember, we strip off some outer layer of skin protective barrier after using the scrub, so apply moisturizing lotion to your body's skin.

How often should you exfoliate?

Body scrubs can't be used very often. In the summer you can clean the skin with it 2-3 times a week if you have a rather mild remedy. In winter, it's better to use the scrub only once a week. Try to use the scrub no more than once every two weeks, if you have a scrub based on salt or cane sugar as they are considered active components.

You can exfoliate your body twice a week.

Consider the type of scrub that you use. For example, sugar scrub isn't drying and can be applied by those who have dry, thin and indeed sensitive skin.

A salt body scrub is good for people who have thick oily skin. Just keep in mind that salt scrub will hurt you if you have a skin rash, small cuts or irritation.

8 Homemade Body Scrubs DIY for Glowing & Smooth Skin

Honey And Sugar Body Scrub

A honey and sugar body scrub can work to gently exfoliate your body and get clear of dead skin cells so you can attain glowing skin. You need three simple ingredients- honey, oil, and sugar. Mix them all and rub them all over your body before you hit the shower.

Tomato sugar scrub

A body scrub that includes tomato and sugar will assist you to attain smooth and soft skin in no time. Take a few slices of tomato and mix them properly with sugar. Once you have blended the mix well, apply it to your body before you wash it off with cool water.

Avocado and almond scrub

Almonds are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin E. Meanwhile, avocado is full of vitamins B, C, E, and K. All these nutrients can help heal skin and make it smooth and gentle. Combine olive oil with avocado and blend it in a blender to make this body scrub. Next, add finely diced almonds to the blend, along with two tbsp of witch hazel.

Brown sugar scrub

Brown sugar works best to gently exfoliate the skin. This may be the scrub for you if you have delicate skin. To make this body scrub, you'll need half a cup each of brown sugar and coconut, jojoba or olive oil. Combine the two components well. You can add any essential oil of your choice to the mixture if you want. Massage the scrub with your fingers all over your body and wash it off with water.

Green tea sugar scrub

When making a body scrub, make sure it's loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help your skin in numerous ways. To make a homemade scrub that's packed with goodness, you'll require green tea (two teabags), half a cup of hot water, a cup of brown sugar, and some coconut oil. Add the tea bags to hot water before mixing them with coconut oil and brown sugar. Once you get a nice thickness, apply the mix all over your body or store it in a container.

Sea salt body scrub

Since sea salt is rich in minerals and exfoliants it can help keep your skin appearing smooth and flawless. For this, you will need 1 cup Sea Salt, ½ cup Olive Oil and 5-15 drops of essential oil of your choice. Combine all the components to make a coarse paste and apply this paste to your skin. Use your fingers to gently massage your skin in a circular motion and leave the scrub on for another 5-10 minutes, wash it off using lukewarm water.

Epsom salt scrub

Known for its exfoliating properties, Epsom salt eases stress, relaxes your muscles, relieves soreness and can indeed lower blood pressure. You will need 1 cup Epsom Salt, 2 drops of essential oil (your choice) and 3 drops of jojoba oil. Mix all the components well to form a coarse paste and then using your fingers apply it to your skin and gently massage for 5-10 minutes. Wash it off with warm water.

Clay, milk and almond body scrub

This is a body scrub you should try as it's formed with clay milk and almond if you have acne-prone or oily skin. The bentonite clay works to get rid of all the extra oil. All you need is bentonite clay, almond meal, and powdered milk. You could also add a bit of almond oil and water to the blend to get a nice smooth paste.

Take Away

DIY body scrubs are quick and simple to make, and an affordable option compared to store-purchased scrubs.

These natural homemade exfoliants can be used to cleanse, soften, and nurture your skin. Always be gentle when exfoliating your skin, and use extra precaution if your skin is delicate or very dry.