BEST DIY SCRUBS FOR FACE, BODY, AND SCALP

Exfoliation is an essential step in a skin care routine. It is a process of gently removing dead skin cells using an abrasive surface or a scrub. If you’ve recently started exfoliating, you might notice new blemishes appearing on your skin. Do not be alarmed; it is a natural way for your skin to purge toxins. As your skin becomes healthier, these blemishes will disappear. Your usage of scrubs should be limited to once a week or even less, depending on your skin type. 

In this article I compiled DIY scrubs for the body, face, and scalp. I also included fruits rich in enzymes and acids that are great natural exfoliators. To learn how to use them, scroll to the bottom of the article. 

The benefits of regular exfoliation:

  1. Improved Skin Texture: Regular exfoliation will make your skin look and feel smoother and softer.
  2. Enhanced Skin Radiance: Exfoliation removes dull, dead skin cells and reveals new and healthy skin, giving you a brighter and more radiant appearance.
  3. Reduced Acne and Breakouts: Exfoliation helps unclog pores from debris that can lead to breakouts.
  4. Minimized Pore Appearance: Exfoliation helps reduce the appearance of large pores by keeping them clear of oil and dirt.
  5. Improved Skin Absorption: Exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells, which enhances the absorption of skincare products such as moisturizers, serums, and sunscreen, making them more effective.
  6. Even Skin Tone: Exfoliation can help fade dark spots, scars, and uneven skin tone by encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented cells.
  7. Anti-Aging Benefits: Regular exfoliation can stimulate collagen production, which may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  8. Smoother Shave: Exfoliating before shaving can help prevent ingrown hairs and make for a smoother, closer shave.
  9. Healthier Scalp: Scalp exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and product buildup, promoting healthier hair growth.

Body Exfoliation Techniques

Loofah Sponge: to exfoliate with loofah sponge, wet the loofah and gently rub it all over your body in circular motion. Start from your extremities and work your way towards your torso.

Garshan Silk-Mitten: you can exfoliate using a wet or dry Garshan Silk-Mitten. This method improves circulation and revitalizes the skin.

Ayate Fiber Cloth: Ayate Fiber Cloth, made from the fibers of maguey plant, has a rough texture, which helps improve blood circulation. To use, wet the Ayate fiber cloth and gently rub it in circular motions, starting from your extremities and moving towards your torso.

Sisal Fiber Glove: The sisal fiber glove, similar in texture to the Ayate fiber cloth, is made from a sisal plant. It also has a rough texture that is perfect for exfoliating and invigorating the skin.

Dry Brush: exfoliating with a dry brush is excellent for the lymphatic system because it is more vigorous compared to the methods mentioned above.

Scrubs: exfoliating with scrubs is an effective way to nourish your skin while exfoliating. You can do this during your bath or shower routine. Body scrubs can be slightly more stimulating than facial scrubs since the skin on the body is less sensitive. Below, I’ve compiled a few homemade body scrub recipes with invigorating ingredients.

DIY Body Scrub with Sea Salt

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup sea salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons almond oil
  • 10-15 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree, or lemon)

Steps:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sea salt and almond oil. Start with 3 tablespoons of almond oil and add more if needed to achieve a thick, spreadable paste.
  2. Add the essential oil and mix thoroughly.
  3. Gently massage the salt scrub on your damp skin using circular motions.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
  5. Finish with your regular toner and moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Ground Coffee Body Scrub

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup fresh or used coffee grounds
  • 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 8-10 drops essential oil (vanilla, peppermint, or lavender)

Steps:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine coffee grounds, coconut oil, and brown sugar. Stir until you achieve a thick paste.
  2. Add the essential oil and stir to evenly distribute it in the scrub.
  3. Gently massage the coffee scrub on your damp skin using circular motions.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
  5. Finish with your regular toner and moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Epsom Salt Body Scrub

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Epsom salt
  • ¼ cup jojoba oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops jasmine essential oil

Steps:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt, jojoba oil, and essential oils until you have a consistent texture.
  2.  Gently massage the Epsom salt scrub on your damp skin using circular motions.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
  4. Finish with your regular toner and moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Natural Face Scrubs

Exfoliation techniques for the face require delicacy since the skin on the face is very sensitive and rough exfoliators can irritate the skin. Here are a couple of homemade face scrubs that will help you achieve a smooth and glowing skin.

Sensitive Skin Scrub

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 1-2 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree, or grapefruit)

Steps:

  1. Use a blender or a food processor to grind the rolled oats into a fine powder. You want the oats to be finely ground but not powdery.
  2. Combine the ground oats with warm water until you achieve a paste-like consistency. If you want smoother scrub, add more water.
  3. Incorporate honey and yogurt into the mixture, and mix until thoroughly combined.
  4. Add a few drops of essential oil.
  5. Gently massage the oatmeal scrub on your damp face and neck using circular motions.
  6. Allow the mixture to sit on your face for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
  8. Finish with your regular toner and moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Oily Skin Scrub

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
  • 1 tablespoon finely ground oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ¼ cup rosewater

Steps:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine bentonite clay, oatmeal, and honey.
  2. Slowly add rosewater until you achieve a smooth, thick paste.
  3. Apply the mixture to your clean face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
  4. Let the mask sit on your face for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Before rinsing the mask, wet your fingers and gently massage your face in circular motions.
  6. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
  7. Finish with your regular toner and moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Dry Skin Scrub

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons rice bran
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

Steps:

  1. In a bowl, combine rice bran, honey, yogurt, and lemon peel, stirring until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency. You can add more yogurt if the mixture is too thick.
  2. Apply the rice bran exfoliator to your clean face and neck, avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes.
  3. Gently massage it onto your damp skin using circular motions for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Leave the exfoliator on your face for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
  6. Finish with your regular toner and moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Natural Scrubs for Scalp

When exfoliating your scalp, it’s essential to use gentle, scalp-friendly exfoliating scrubs and techniques to avoid damaging the skin and hair. Over-exfoliation or using harsh products can lead to irritation and hair loss. I compiled a list of gentle, homemade scrubs that will be perfect for your scalp. Do not exfoliate more than once a week.

Moisturizing Scrub for the Scalp

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon activated charcoal
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
  • 3-4 drops tea tree essential oil

Steps:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine aloe vera gel, activated charcoal, sea salt, and tea tree essential oil. For a smoother consistency, you can also add coconut oil.
  2. Mix well, until the activated charcoal is evenly distributed.
  3. Dampen your scalp with warm water. Then, using your fingertips, gently massage the mixture onto your scalp in circular motion.
  4. Allow the mixture to sit on your scalp for 10-15 minutes. This will give activated charcoal time to absorb impurities and aloe vera to soothe your scalp.
  5. Rinse your scalp thoroughly with warm water to remove exfoliator.
  6. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
  7. Use this exfoliator once a week.

Nourishing Sugar Scrub for the Scalp

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3-4 drops lavender essential oil

Steps:

  1. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, egg yolk, and olive oil. Mix well until you achieve uniform consistency.
  2. Add lavender essential oil and mix to evenly distribute it.
  3. Dampen your scalp with warm water. Then, using your fingertips, gently massage the mixture onto your scalp in circular motions.
  4. Leave the mixture on your scalp for 10-15 minutes to allow the ingredients nourish your scalp.
  5. Rinse your scalp thoroughly with warm water to remove exfoliator.
  6. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
  7. Use this exfoliator once a week.

Soothing Scalp Exfoliator

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3-4 drops lavender essential oil

Steps:

  1. Using a blender or a food processor, grind rolled oats into a fine powder.
  2. In a bowl, combine the oat powder, olive oil, honey, and lavender essential oil. Mix well until you have a thick paste.
  3. Dampen your scalp with warm water. Then, using your fingertips, gently massage the mixture onto your scalp in circular motions.
  4. After massaging for a few minutes, leave the mixture on your scalp for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow oatmeal, honey, and lavender oil to soothe your scalp.
  5. Rinse your scalp thoroughly with warm water to remove exfoliator.
  6. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
  7. Use scalp exfoliator once a week.

Fruit Enzymes as Exfoliators

Several fruits can be used as natural exfoliators due to the high concentration of enzymes and acids present in them. These enzymes and acids can help remove dead skin cells and promote a healthy complexion. These fruits are gentle yet effective, suitable for use on both the face and neck, as well as the body and scalp. Here is a list of fruits you can try using for exfoliation:

Lemons contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C, along with citric acid, which can help in exfoliating your skin. Citric acid is also found in other citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, and grapefruits.

Papaya contains papain and chymopapain, enzymes that effectively dissolve dead skin cells due to their protein-dissolving properties.

Pineapple contains significant levels of vitamin A and C, as well as bromelain, an enzyme that helps exfoliate and brighten the skin due to its protein-splitting properties.

Bananas are rich in vitamins B, C, and E, along with potassium and the enzyme papain, making them soothing and exfoliating for the skin.

Kiwi contains natural AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) that exfoliate the skin.

Mango also contains AHAs, making it an effective natural exfoliator for the skin.

Strawberries contain AHAs and ellagic acid, as well as vitamin C, which can boost collagen production. 

Caution: Exposing your skin to acids and enzymes will make your skin sensitive to sun; after applying the mask, avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours and remember to use sunscreen during the day.

Exfoliating Enzyme Mask

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup any of the listed fruits
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Steps:

  1. Blend the fruit in a blender or a food processor.
  2. In a bowl, mix blended fruit with honey.
  3. Apply the mask to your face and neck, avoiding the sensitive eye area. (You can also apply to your body or scalp).
  4. Lie down and relax for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
  6. Finish with your regular toner and moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

For scrubs specifically tailored for acne-prone skin, continue to read Effectively Clear Acne with DIY Spa Day and to find best scrub recipes for scars, go to Remove Scars with DIY Spa Treatments.

Works Cited

Breedlove, Greta. The Herbal Home Spa : Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils, and Scrubs. Pownal, Vt, Storey Pub, 1998.

Canada), Association. Traditional Wisdom Rediscovered. 2009. Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 2011.

Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, New York, Dk Publishing, 2016.

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