How To Exfoliate Your Skin Naturally For A Summer Glow

Exfoliating your skin can improve the appearance of your complexion, removing dead skin cells and revealing newer, smoother ones beneath. But if you want to exfoliate your skin naturally, without harsh chemicals that may irritate it or cause allergic reactions, there are plenty of ways to do so with products you probably already have around the house. Even better, they don’t take long to do and they aren’t at all time-consuming! Let’s take a look at how to exfoliate your skin naturally.

What Does Exfoliation Of Skin Mean
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can be done mechanically, with a physical exfoliator like a scrub, or chemically, with an acid. Exfoliating is important because it helps to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant by preventing buildup of dead skin cells. It also allows for better absorption of skincare products. When done correctly, exfoliation can leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and more youthful.
There are many ways to exfoliate your skin naturally. You can make a homemade sugar scrub, use a dry brush, or try an enzyme mask. Be sure to start slowly and increase frequency as tolerated. It’s also important to moisturize after exfoliating to prevent dryness and irritation.

Use an enzymatic cleanser
Enzymatic cleansers are a natural way to exfoliate your skin. They work by breaking down dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This can leave your skin feeling softer and smoother. Plus, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are many enzymatic cleansers on the market, but you can also find natural remedies for this at home. Simply combine equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply this to your face in circular motions and rinse with warm water. You should only exfoliate two to three times a week to avoid irritation. Avoid over-exfoliating as that will only lead to dry skin.

Skip the harsh scrubs
Instead of harsh scrubs that can irritate and damage your skin, try these natural exfoliating remedies that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and healthy. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps lock in moisture while gently sloughing away dead skin cells. Mix honey with an equal amount of brown sugar to create a gentle exfoliating scrub. Just massage the mixture onto damp skin in a circular motion, then rinse clean with warm water. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to relax and soothe your senses.
Salt has been used for centuries as a natural exfoliant because of its abrasive qualities. When mixed with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, salt becomes even more effective. Add 1⁄2 cup of coarse sea salt to 2 cups of water until it dissolves, then mix in 2 tablespoons each of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (your choice). Soak cotton balls in the solution and use them as you would any other face mask by applying them on top of your makeup for about 10 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly.

Get hydrated before you exfoliate
It’s important to make sure your skin is hydrated before you exfoliate. This will help the process go more smoothly and prevent your skin from becoming too dry. You can do this by drinking plenty of water and using a hydrating face mask or serum. If you have time, try soaking in a bath with Epsom salts for about 20 minutes. If not, apply an oil-based moisturizer or serum before starting your exfoliation routine.

Let your moisturizer do most of the work
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on products to get smooth, hydrated skin. In fact, you can probably find everything you need in your kitchen. Just use a little bit of coconut oil or olive oil as your base, and add some sugar or coffee grounds for exfoliation. You can even add a few drops of essential oil for a nice scent. Mix it all together until it reaches the consistency of mayonnaise, then slather it all over your face. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water and patting dry with a towel.
Remember that this is not an acne treatment – so if you’re prone to breakouts, make sure that the mixture is 100% oil-free. And if you have sensitive skin, try making the mixture at a 1:1 ratio of coffee grounds to moisturizer. If you want a way to really perk up tired eyes, dip two cotton pads into green tea and place them under your eyes while the mask sets.

Incorporate a gentle chemical exfoliant into your regimen
The best way to slough off dead skin cells is with a chemical exfoliant. This can be done naturally by incorporating products with glycolic or lactic acid into your skincare routine. Avoid scrubs that are too rough as they may irritate sensitive skin and cause breakouts. If you’re looking for an all-natural product, apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar or lemon juice will also do the trick.
Be sure to moisturize after using any of these ingredients as they tend to be drying on the skin. Use once every other day, gradually building up to daily use if desired.

Stay away from pumice stones and brushes that are too rough
If you want to avoid irritating your skin, make sure to stay away from pumice stones and brushes that are too rough. Instead, try using a gentle exfoliating scrub or a soft washcloth. Be sure to use circular motions when exfoliating, and always follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. In summertime, it’s especially important to exfoliate regularly to avoid build-up of sweat and oil on the skin.
Additionally, it’s important to not overdo this process: You should only exfoliate once or twice per week so as not to irritate your skin. It is also recommended that you do this at night before bed because there is an increased risk of sunburn if you do it during the day. Finally, don’t forget to moisturize!