Nature’s Best Skin Exfoliators

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Nothing refreshes skin like a good exfoliation.  Exfoliating the skin on a regular basis, say 2-3 times a week can really help boost collagen production and also helps to accelerate cell turnover, leading to a fresher and more vibrant look.  However, you want to choose your exfoliation method carefully.

Many exfoliation methods can be harsh and abrasive, leaving the skin red and even swollen for a day or two. These harsh methods include dermabrasion and chemical peels.  A slower, more gentle method is the way to go, especially since you can administer it to your skin in your own home, and adjust it specifically to your skin’s needs instead of a one size fits all approach.

Natural exfoliating agents are chemical free, so there is no risk of depositing chemicals or heavy metals into your pores or into your blood stream, such as the risk with aluminum crystals, a popular ingredient in some microdermabrasion creams and also in the machines that perform the abrasion process in offices.  While the granules are probably large enough to not absorb into the blood stream, there are many totally natural alternatives that exfoliate just as effectively.

You may choose to mix these exfoliants with a cream cleanser or a lotion or cream for easier application, or you can simply apply them on their own to wet skin, rubbing in circular motions to remove dead skin cells and speed existing cell turnover. It also helps to increase circulation and may even help to produce more collagen.

Ground pumice

You’ve probably heard of pumice stone, which is a porous natural stone formed from solidified lava, most often associated with pedicures and foot “pampering”.  You can also buy this stone ground up into smaller particles which are suitable for gently exfoliating the facial skin when blended with a creamy cleanser of lotion.  This may be the closest natural alternative to the aluminum crystals that are often used in Doctors office procedures like microdermabrasion and in other preparations for at-home microdermabrasion.

Ground walnut shells

Ground walnut shells are another excellent natural exfoliant that you may be able to find easily on cosmetic “DIY” types of sites.  They are a good one to add to a cream based since they won’t break down and maintain their shape and ability to exfoliate well.  These are a bit more gentle than something like pumice, but they still result in a good scrub, and are great for sloughing off old skin cells and brightening the skin’s surface.

If you want to do a complete DIY scrub that offers not only exfoliation but also offers  soothing moisture, then you can puree half an avocado and add enough ground walnut shells to make a semi-paste.  Apply to the skin with a circular scrubbing motion. When you rinse, your skin will be ultra-smooth and moisturized thanks to the soothing fatty acids in the avocado and the skin softening properties of the sterolins or plant steroids and hydrating effect of the electrolyte potassium.

Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds are a good option if you want an energizing, skin tightening exfoliating scrub.  The caffeine helps to firm the skin, while the naturally gritty texture of the grounds gently exfoliates with a medium texture that’s good for skin that is combination or slightly sensitive, but still texturized enough to deliver good exfoliation.  These also will not dissolve in a base, so they can be added to a cream or lotion base, or they can be used on their own with a little bit of water added.

Dried strawberry seeds

The dried seeds of strawberries make a great gentle exfoliating agent as well.  These are sometimes added to soaps as a natural exfoliator, and can be added to scrubs and clarifying facial products since strawberry seeds have a slightly astringent quality to them as well.  They are very small and fine, so they are suitable to sensitive skin when you just want a light exfoliation and slightly more polished look.

Sugar

Sugar is one of the easiest and most readily available of the natural exfoliators.  Sugar is excellent for use on sensitive skin as it is just abrasive enough to slough off dead skin cells.  Some may use sea salt or baking soda as alternatives, but there is a concern that these may be drying, especially if used too vigorously. Sugar is great for gently renewing the skin without drying it out.

It will quickly dissolve when added to water, so simply applying some with slightly moist fingers works, or sugar also works suspended in some types of gels and also works in combination with carrier oils and essential oils to form a paste. Sugar is incredibly softening, and you can even combine it with sea salt for a bit more abrasion without the drying effect.

Danna Norek founded AuraSensory.com which offers popular facial skincare products, including a 100% pure, organic argan oil for skin and hair, a hyaluronic acid serum and popular MSM and Vitamin C Ester Nourishing face cream.

 

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Danna Norek
Owner, AuraSensory.com at AuraSensory.com
Danna Norek founded AuraSensory, a line of naturally inspired and effective hair, body and skin care products free of harmful chemicals.