Though not necessary every day, exfoliating your face using a gentle scrub is the perfect way to remove dry, dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. A natural, homemade scrub can also be used daily in place of a cleanser.
"Why exfoliate on a regular basis?" According to Stephanie Tourles, author of Organic Body Care Recipes, "Gentle, consistent exfoliation is essential to aid in cell turnover, revealing a fresher, smoother complexion that will more readily accept healing hydration from a toner, astringent, facial steam, mask, or moisturizer.
That said, if your skin suffers any of the following conditions or is sensitive or mature, it's best to skip the scrub: acne, acne rosacea, broken capillaries, sunburn or windburn. The Cornmeal and Honey Scrub is fantastic even for these more sensitive conditions, though.
Face Scrub for Normal to Oily Skin
- 1 tsp ground almonds
- 1 tsp oat flakes
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 tsp cider vinegar
- 1 drop basil essential oil
Mix vinegar, salt and basil essential oil together, then add almonds and oat flakes. Use damp fingers to roll the mixture over the face. Rinse off well.
From The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
All-Purpose Scrub
- 1/2 cup ground oatmeal
- 1/4 cup almond meal
- 1/4 cup sunflower seed meal
- 1 tsp ground peppermint, spearmint or rosemary leaves
- Dash cinnamon powder (optional)
- Purified water (for oily skin), milk (for normal skin), cream (for dry skin)
Combine dry ingredients and store in a jar. To use, combine 2-3 tsp of dry mix with liquid to make a spreadable paste and allow to thicken one minute before using.
From Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles
Cornmeal and Honey Scrub
(for all skin types including sensitive and damaged)
- 1 1/2 tsp cornmeal
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp water
Combine in small bowl and allow cornmeal to absorb liquids for one minute before applying. Massage into face and throat, lie back, and let sit 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
From Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles