Exfoliation – What, How And DIY Exfoliating Scrubs

Exfoliation is paramount to your skincare routine because it helps clean out the dirt from your pores, dead skin and also gives a gentle massage to your skin, allowing better blood flow. As per the dictionary exfoliation means

• To remove (a layer of bark or skin) in flakes or peel
• To cast off in scales, flakes or splinters
• To come off or separate into flakes, scales or layers.

The process of exfoliation can be done in three ways, chemically, through an exfoliation tool, an exfoliating scrub which has granular particles thus helping in exfoliation. Your skin sheds dead cells every 30 days, if it does not shed properly, it clogs your pores, that is where exfoliation comes in handy.

If reading this has made you want to exfoliate or reminded you to start your exfoliating journey, then online delivery is your best friend. Order your favourite exfoliant from Milkbasket and have it delivered at your doorstep, the next day.

How Does It Help Your Skin?

Exfoliation helps your skin in several ways, the most important being it helps your skin glow. Your skincare routine should have at least one type of exfoliant which you should do once a week or once in two weeks, depending on the nature of your skin, pollution around you, makeup application etc. Exfoliation also helps your skin produce more collagen, which helps your skin be smoother, tighter and younger looking.

You don’t need to spend through your nose to buy exfoliants. Read on to know how to make exfoliant with products found around your house. To make an exfoliant yourself you need these things

• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Container to store (if a big batch has been made)
• A mixing bowl
• Carrier oil/moisturising element
• Essential oils if needed

DIY Scrubs

1. Coffee scrub

Some scientific evidence has shown that coffee helps reduce cellulite, if not significantly, but over a period of time it helps. Coffee also is a mild exfoliant so you can use it frequently, without any side effects. This exfoliant can be used once a week on your face and body. Follow this with a cold shower, because exfoliating causes your pores to open up. The cold shower will close your pores. You will need 

• ½ cup of coffee grounds
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or as per your liking for the consistency
• Vitamin E oil

Steps

• Warm the coconut oil
• Pour the coffee grounds into the mixing bowl and add the warm coconut oil
• Pour oil slowly, depending on the consistency that you like
• Once cooled, add the Vitamin E oil
• Store in an airtight container, with a small spoon to avoid touching it with wet hands, which can cause mould.

2. Sugar Scrub

Brown sugar or even plain granulated sugar is less abrasive as compared to sea salt or epsom salt. This is ideal for sensitive skin. But if you are using a sugar scrub, know that it will end up feeling sticky, so you will have to wash thoroughly. You can use a mild soap if you feel it needs to be washed properly. For this scrub you will need

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup oil of your choice. Avoid castor oil or mustard oil, they’re thick and have a pungent smell
• Essential oil

Steps

• Mix sugar and oil together in the mixing bowl
• Check if the consistency is to your liking
• Add your essential oil
• Store in an airtight container

3. Sea Salt Scrub

Salt has antibacterial properties which helps in many skin conditions, especially if you have itchiness or redness. The scrub helps eliminate that and also improves blood circulation and gives a post rosy glow. Since salt is a preservative, you do not need to worry about mould. Ingredients for this scrub are

• ½ cup sea salt
• ½ cup oil of your choice
• Essential oil (optional)

Steps

• Mix the sea salt and oil in a mixing bowl
• Add your essential oil
• Check consistency and store in an airtight container

4. Green Tea Sugar Scrub

Green tea has several antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Some studies have shown that products with green tea help with reducing sun damage caused to your skin. Green tea is easily available on Milkbasket,the grocery delivery app, delivers whatever you need at your doorstep by 7 AM everyday, rain or shine. For this scrub you will need the following ingredients

• ½ cup hot water
• 2 green tea bags
• Brown sugar
• ¼ cup coconut oil/oil of your choice

Steps

• Add tea bags to hot water. Steep till it cools down
• On the side, mix brown sugar and coconut oil
• Add the green tea after its completely cooled down, to avoid dissolving the sugar
• If the mixture is crumbly or not to your liking, add a bit more of oil
• Store in an airtight container and ensure to use it soon, because it has water in it, it can get mould

DIY Scalp Scrubs

Scalp scrubs help exfoliate your scalp and makes the pH balance better. It also helps your scalp to clean out any dirt or build up which a cleansing shampoo may not be able to do. A scalp scrub will also help increase blood circulation which in turn will help your hair grow better, be healthier and help you feel lighter too. You can use a scalp scrub. You can DIY your scalp scrubs and we have listed them down.

1. Olive Oil,Lemon & Salt Scrub

For people with an oily scalp, lemon is a great exfoliant. Lemon is acidic in nature so it helps exfoliate and also balances the pH. The olive oil, enriched with vitamin A and E moisturises your scalp and hair. The salt acts as an exfoliant but be careful it can be very abrasive so you should use it only if you don’t have a sensitive scalp. For this scrub you need equal amounts of lemon juice, oil and salt. Depending on your usage you can either make a big batch and store it or make just enough for that session.

How to use

• Wet your hair and apply the mixture
• Massage your scalp in gentle circular motions for 2-3 minutes and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. You can even apply it on your hair but DO NOT SCRUB, it will cause your hair to split.
• Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner as per usual.

2. Coffee scalp scrub

Coffee is great to be had as a beverage and as a scrub for your body and your scalp. After you have had your cup of coffee, use the grounds to your benefit. Bonus tip you can even use coffee grounds to put it in your plants, they help nourish your plants. For this scrub you will need

• 4 tbsp olive or coconut oil
• 5 tbsp coffee grounds
• 1-2 drops tea tree oil

Steps

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl
• Store in an airtight container

To use you use a small spoon to scoop out a certain amount of scrub. Massage your scalp for four to five minutes. Rinse and wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner. This scalp scrub works because the tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Coffee grounds help clean the scalp and the oil nourishes your hair and scalp.

In the end, know your scalp, understand what your scalp needs and what it doesn’t. Do not over exfoliate and always ensure not every skincare routine treatment will work for your body as it does for others. All the ingredients can be ordered on Milkbasket and can be delivered the next day at your doorstep by 7 AM.