Basics of Exfoliation:Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface, and has been used for many years to help maintain the skin. New skin cells are created in the skin's lower layer, the dermis. Over time, cells migrate to the surface of the skin and become more acidic. During this period, they die and become saturated with keratin. Keratin is important because it protects the skin from outside elements. Through the ageing process, and after menopause for women, the natural process of skin erosion becomes uneven, which gives skin a dry and rough character. Exfoliation removes the outer layer to reveal the newer skin beneath. This shedding of the outer layer unclogs pores, keeps skin clean, and helps reduce acne breakouts. Exfoliation should always be done after cleansing the skin. Exfoliation is important for men as it exposes the hair follicles, allowing a better shave. When you over exfoliate, it dries and irritates the skin. Face is the delicate and sensitive part of the body to exfoliate. So do it as gentle as possible.
Waxing, Using chemical hair removers, shaving also exfoliates the skin. In India the process of Exfoliating skin started hundreds of years ago. Their everyday shower includes herbal powders for skin and hair. Turmeric plays an important role. The health benefits of turmeric lie in the active ingredient called curcumin. This powerful compound gives turmeric its therapeutic benefits, its yellow color, and its pungent flavor. More specifically, curcumin harbors antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver-and heart-protecting, Anti aging and anti cancer effects.
Now-a-days, people use more chemicals in their day to day activities which results in skin problems. I have found the following herbal recepies help exfoliate skin without having effects of harsh chemicals.
Facial Scrub:Face is a delicate part and hence the ingredients used should be coarse as well as soft. Never use ingredients which might irritate or damage your skin.
Almond Oatmeal Scrub:
1/4 cup oatmeal, 1/4 cup Almond, 3 tbs Honey, 4 tbs milk.
Grind all these ingredients into a coarse paste, apply and massage gently on face and leave it for 10 Mins. Wash it with Warm Water.
Honey Cleansing:
2 tbs honey, 2 tbs finely ground Almond powder, 1 tbs lemon zest (grated lemon skin), 2 tbs lemon juice.
Mix them all, Rub gently onto face and rinse with warm water.
Fruit scrub:
3 strawberries, few chunks apple, banana, grapes, 3 tbs lime juice.
(Any fruits available could be used instead of above. For instance, orange flesh, grated cucumber, Mango pulp, Avocado pulp, Papaya, etc., could also be used)
Mash all these fruits (donot use blender as it makes it paste), add lime juice. Rub gently onto face and rinse with warm water.
Tomato Sugar Scrub:
1 tomato, 1 tbs sugar.
Cut Tomato into Half. Spread sugar on a plate. Now dip the open part of tomato into the sugar as sugar evenly coats the tomato's flesh. Rub the tomato with sugar onto face and then rinse. Don't throw the tomato. mash the tomato and apply onto face as a face pack and leave it to dry. Now Rinse with Warm water. U r a star now.
Indian Scrub:
2 tbs Green gram flour, 2 tbs Bengal gram /Besan flour, 2 tbs Sandal powder, 2 tbs turmeric powder, 3 tbs honey, 1 tbs milk, 1 tbs Multhani mitti, Rose water as required. (You can get these ingredients in Indian Grocery Store).
Mix all these well without lumps. Apply onto face and rub gently. Once done, leave the paste on face till it dries fully. Rinse with warm water.
Body Scrub:
Body scrub are different than the facial scrubs. This has the ingredients which are little coarse which will not suit for face. I see people complaining about their dark patches, tanned hands. Esfoliating those affected areas helps in getting new skin.
Yogurt Sugar Scrub:
1/4 cup baby oil, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 cup white sugar.
Mix them well, rub onto the required body part. Leave it for few minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Tea Sugar Scrub:
2 cups white sugar, 1 cup honey, 2 TBS tea
Mix them well, rub onto the required body part. Leave it for few minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Coffee & Brown Sugar Scrub:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 3 TBS fresh coffee grounds, 5 tsp almond/olive oil, 2 tsp honey
Mix them well, rub, leave it for few minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Lemon Sugar Scrub:
1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 TBS lemon zest (grated lemon skin)
Mix, rub, leave it for few minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Herbal Scrub:
1 cup Bengal gram/Besan Flour, 1/2 cup turmeric powder, 1 cup grated cucumber, 5 tbs honey, 5 tbs coconut milk/oilve oil, Rose water as required.
Mix all these well without lumps. Apply, rub and rinse.
Try the above recepies. Since all the ingredients are natural, there is no place for harm. You can create your own recepie with available fruits and veggies.
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