Rejuvinate Yourself by Exfoliation

Published On Tuesday, February 08, 2011 By Luv4Nature. Under: Natural Skincare Recipes. Tags: exfoliation, face care, natural skin care, natural skin care recipes, scrubbing, Skin

Sometimes one needs a more exhaustive cleansing routine. These need not be a daily ritual, but they are required to rejuvenate
your skin, more so, if one has skin problems. You also need to get rid of dead skin cells. For this you need use exfoliates.

True, exfoliation is great as it stimulates the skin, and helps to get rid of dead cells leading to a clearer skin with fewer
lines and wrinkles. A word of caution here, everything is good within limits. Many woman believe that they should exfoliate everyday. Be cautious. One should never over exfoliate as that may damage bleed vessels especially the delicate skin area on the face. This can cause redness and inflammation. Your skin type determines how often you should exfoliate. Ideally speaking, it should be done once a week. Woman who have abnormally oily skins and an acne problems can do so twice a week. Never more than that. In winter, exfoliate less often than in summers.

Basically there are two types of exfoliates-mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliates involve using and abrasive sponge or loofah to physically buff the skin. Instead, you could use mechanical exfoliates made from grains, pulses or even vegetables. Chemical exfoliates are commercially marketed products which use beta hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells. These should be used only when advised by a beautician or cosmetologist. For normal requirements it is best to use exfoliates made from natural substances.

Oatmeal:

• Half cup oatmeal
• Half teaspoon salt
• One teaspoon honey
• Just a little cold milk to make a rough thick paste

Apply all over the forehead, face and neck. When it begins to dry up, rub using brisk, firm movement. A good exfoliate for
tough skins acts as an abrasive agent and helps in exfoliation.

Wheat husk:

The flaky powder left behind when wheat flour is made, is the best exfoliate. You could use wheat porridge grains also.

• Half cup of wheat husk or porridge
• One tablespoon honey
• One tablespoon of milk

Make a thick paste. Apply all over the forehead, face and neck (avoid the eyes). Exfoliate gently with a loofah, or use strong circular motions with the hand, keep rubbing for 5 minutes. Wash off. The skin is clean, baby soft and glowing.

Chickpea powder:

• Half cup chickpea powder
• One teaspoon turmeric powder
• One tablespoon olive oil (or any other oil like coconut).

Mix and make a thick paste. Apply all over the forehead, face and neck (avoid the eyes).

When the paste starts to dry up, rub with your hands, scrubbing as you go along, Then wash it off with lukewarm water. This is a mild but effective exfoliate that also helps get rid of fine facial hair.

Rice:

This makes an excellent exfoliate
.

• Half cup rice. Grind it coarsely to a powder
• One tablespoon of honey
• Two tablespoon of beaten curds

Blend into a paste. Apply all over the forehead, face and neck. This paste dries up very fast, so rub quickly in circular
motions. Scrub well and wash off.

Yellow Lentil:

• Half cup of any yellow lentil. Soak for half an hour. Drain out the water. Coarse grind it to a paste.
• One tablespoon of chickpea powder
• Just enough milk to make a thick paste.

Apply all over the forehead, face and neck. Keep rubbing in circular motions to remove dead skin and clear blemishes. This is an ideal exfoliate for even very tender skin.

Vegetables:

You can use cabbage leaves, the outer skin of sweet gourd, skin of tomato etc.

• Grated cabbage leaves, tied in a thin piece of muslin

Rub all over the forehead, face and neck. Keep rubbing, applying pressure. The same can be done with any other vegetable peels, or grated sweet gourd. these are the mildest of exfoliates and clean very gently.