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Just like all of us, you belong to one of the two teams – you either love the way exfoliators buff away your skin’s sins or you fear the hardworking scrubs (ouch) would damage your skin’s barrier. If it’s the latter, you have yet to get your hands on a good scrub that can spell good news for your skin sans snagging it. After all, face scrubs have evolved beyond the use of abrasive exfoliants, so you can drop the idea of them being ‘too rough’ on your skin and get closer to achieving baby-soft skin.
Benefits Of Using Face Scrub
When it comes to scrubbing, remember two things: ‘less is more’ and ‘coddle your skin’. Translation? Limit scrubbing your face to twice a week, and always follow it up with a layer of moisturiser to make up for the loss of moisture during the process. Here’s how regular scrubbing works wonders for the skin.
Improves Skincare Product Absorption
Exfoliation allows better absorption of the subsequent products in your skincare routine, thereby ensuring the products work to their optimal best. Scrub away your beauty woes with our exfoliation guide.
Offers A Deep Cleanse
Regular facial cleansers are not equipped to draw out impurities and bacteria trapped in your skin pores. This is where the zealous scrub comes into the picture and frees your skin completely from bacteria, sweat, oil, and dirt.
Revives Glow By Removing Dead Skin
Do you look at the mirror and wonder at times, ‘Where did all that glow go?’ Well, you probably didn’t notice the gradual build-up of dead skin cells, which makes your complexion dull and robs it of its glow. This can be avoided with weekly scrubs to buff away dead skin cells.
Reduces Ingrown Hair with Regular Exfoliation
How often do you hear the lady at the salon mention your ingrown hair during waxing? If the answer is too often, someone has definitely been skimping on scrubbing. It’s time to up your exfoliation game if you want to prevent the formation of ingrown hair.
Achieves Smooth & Clear Complexion
When dead skin cells, flakes, dirt, and impurities are eliminated from your skin, what do you get? Clear complexion. Regular scrubbing can get you closer to a smooth, clear, and glowing complexion. Now, who wouldn’t want that?
Prevents Acne by Unclogging Pores
We know it may sound counterintuitive, but scrubbing actually helps keep breakouts at bay. If you already have acne-prone skin, stick to a gentle exfoliating formula that unclogs pores to get rid of acne-causing agents and prevent future breakouts.
Ingredients For Each Type Of Scrub
There are several types of scrubs that you can make at home. Here’s a lowdown on face scrub for skin type and what you will need to make them:
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Exfoliating: Sugar, coffee, coarse salt, oatmeal, apple cider vinegar, and yoghurt. These ingredients are excellent for exfoliation and removing dead skin cells for smooth skin.
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Moisturising: Oils like coconut, jojoba, almond, and honey. They are great for providing your skin with a boost of hydration and moisturisation to help regulate oil production.
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Brightening: Lemon, turmeric, papaya, and gram flour. Traditional at-home remedies to brighten dull skin and reduce dark spots or pigmentation.
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Soothing: Aloe vera, tea tree oil, chamomile, and liquorice. Known for their anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, these ingredients are great for soothing sun-damaged and inflamed skin.
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Deep Cleansing: Charcoal, glycerin, baking soda, and citric acid. These deep cleansing ingredients are great for unclogging pores, which eventually helps minimise their appearance.
Choose The Right Scrub Ingredients For Your Skin Type
Face Scrub At Home For Oily/Acne Prone Skin
Neem powder: Dirt and pollution can easily stick to oily skin due to its naturally greasy and sticky nature. This can make way for acne and blackhead-causing bacteria. Neem or neem powder is regarded as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces whiteheads.
Green tea: Oxidative stress, like sun damage and tanning, can make the skin look dull. This can accelerate the rate of dead skin cells, which can clog the pores, resulting in whiteheads and blackheads. According to a study, green tea has the highest level of EGC and EGCG, which makes it effective in mitigating excess sebum, bacteria and fading dullness for smooth, glowing skin.
Homemade Face Scrub For Dry, Flaky Skin
Honey: Due to its thick consistency, honey has hydrating and moisturising properties which relieve dry and itchy skin. Moreover, it also slows down premature ageing.
Sugar: Finely ground sugar can be forgiving on dry skin as it gradually dissolves once it comes in contact with the skin. Therefore, you can get rid of dead skin cells without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Face Scrub At Home For Sensitive Skin
Colloidal oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal is very finely milled oatmeal that is proven to be a beneficial ingredient to treat dry skin conditions and a compromised skin barrier, as per a study done in 2016. It’s also said to be used to treat an itchy, flaky scalp.
10 Best DIY Face Scrubs
Facial scrubs formulated with natural ingredients, such as coconut oil for the face, promote skin health and radiance sans any harmful side effects. Here’s a lowdown on homemade exfoliating face scrubs you can whip up and apply on your face for instant skin rejuvenation. Check the one meant for you based on your skin type and concern.
1. For Oily Skin: Kiwi Scrub
The flesh and seeds of a kiwi act as a gentle and organic exfoliator that help remove dead skin cells and improve the overall texture of the skin. It’s suitable for all skin types as it’s not too harsh and rich in vitamin C.
Step 1: In a bowl, squish the pulp of a Kiwi and add 2 tablespoons of Sugar and 1 drop of Olive Oil. Stir it well to form a paste.
Step 2: Slather copious amounts of this mixture all over the face and massage in circular movements with fingertips.
Step 3: After 10 minutes, wash off with lukewarm water and follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.
2. For Dry Skin: Coconut Oil Scrub
Coconut helps exfoliate, nourish, and hydrate your skin. It is great for all skin types, as it removes dead skin cells and sebum for oily skin type, while it hydrates dry skin, and nourishes sensitve skin type.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil, 1 tablespoon of Sugar and 1 drop of Lemon Juice. Stir it well.
Step 2: Massage this scrub on your face in small circular movements with your fingertips.
Step 3: After 10 minutes, wash off with lukewarm water and follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.
3. For Sensitive Skin: Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe itchy, irritated, and inflamed skin. It also has the ability to retain moisture and is thus good for normal, dry, and sensitive skin.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of ground Oatmeal and 1 tablespoon of Organic Honey. Mix it well. gar and 1 drop of Lemon Juice. Stir it well.
Step 2: Gently apply this scrub on your face and massage with your fingertips.
Step 3: After 10 minutes, rinse off with water and follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.
4. For Combination Skin: Coffee Scrub
Coffee has antioxidant properties that help unclog pores and exfoliate your skin. It can be a little harsh, so if you have a weak barrier or sensitive skin, you can skip it. It’s best for oily and normal skin.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of finely ground Coffee and 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Mix it well.
Step 2: Gently massage this scrub all over your face.
Step 3: After 15 minutes, cleanse your face with water and follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.
5. To Achieve Glowing Skin: Tomato Scrub
Due to their naturally astringent properties, tomatoes make a great absorber for oil and excess sebum, making it perfect for oily and combination skin.
Step 1: Slice a tomato in half and sprinkle the exposed part with sugar.
Step 2: Now, rub this tomato pulp gently in circular motions all over your face for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cleanse your face with water and continue with the rest of your skincare routine.
6. To Remove Blackheads: Lemon
Lemon is a great exfoliator and natural astringent. It unclogs pores, balances sebum production, and brightens the skin from within. It is also suitable for sensitive skin as it heals open wounds.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1/2 tablespoon of Lemon Juice, 1 tablespoon of Salt and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix it well.
Step 2: Gently apply this scrub all over your face and massage for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with water and follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.
7. To Prevent Acne: Cinnamon Scrub
Since cinnamon is coarse in nature, it helps remove dead skin cells and polishes the skin for a more even skin tone and texture. Although it’s suitable for all skin types, make sure to check if your skin is not allergic to cinnamon.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of Cinnamon Powder and 2 tablespoons of Honey. Mix it well.
Step 2: Gently scrub this evenly all over your face.
Step 3: After 15 minutes, wash off with a mild cleanser and follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.
8. To Minimise Large Pores: Papaya Scrub
Papaya contains enzymes that dissolve dead skin cells without abrasions, allowing the skin to become soft and plump. It is most suitable for oily and combination skin types.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of Papaya pulp, 1 tablespoon of Brown Sugar and 1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice. Mix it well.
Step 2: Gently dab this paste all over your face and slowly massage in circular motions for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with a mild cleanser and follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.
9. To Remove Tan: Gram Flour (Besan) Scrub
Due to its exfoliating properties, besan or gram flour is great to remove dead skin cells and clogged pores. It is ideal for an oily skin type.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of Gram Flour, 1/2 tablespoon of Yoghurt and 1/2
Step 2: Massage this scrub all over your face in small circular motions for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse off with water and follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.
10. For Dull Skin: Walnut Scrub
Walnut helps reduce clogging in the pores, reduces uneven skin texture, and controls oil.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of granulated Walnuts, 1 tablespoon of Honey and 1/2 tablespoon of Lemon Juice. Mix it well.
Step 2: Gently apply this paste all over your face and massage in circular motions.
Step 3: After 15 minutes, wash off with a mild cleanser and follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.
Ready-To-Use Face Scrubs You Can Try
If you’re wary about using a homemade scrub, here are some best-selling products from Nykaa for a lit-from-within glow.
1. Mamaearth Ubtan Scrub
Well-known as a brightening agent and a trusted grandma-approved remedy to soft skin, you can use gram flour without worry. Say goodbye to sun-damaged skin with the Mamaearth Ubtan Scrub, which has been formulated for tan removal and protection of the skin.
2. Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Exfoliating Scrub
Walnuts are the best option to fight dry, dead skin cells that refuse to budge. However, excessive use of walnuts can damage the skin barrier and using moisturising agents along with walnuts is very important. We recommend the Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Exfoliating Scrub which contains finely milled walnuts with aloe vera and a vitamin-rich gel base that protects the skin and restores skin elasticity.
3. Biotique Bio Papaya Brightening & Revitalizing Tan Removal Scrub
Papaya is a rich source of enzymes that exfoliate the skin and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Restore your skin’s brightness and natural glow with the Biotique Bio Papaya Brightening & Revitalizing Tan Removal Scrub.
4. MCaffeine D-Tan Exfoliating Coffee Face Scrub
Coffee energises the skin cells, removes tan, and gently exfoliates to provide glowing skin. Get this super ingredient into your skincare routine with the MCaffeine D-Tan Exfoliating Coffee Face Scrub which has all the goodness of coffee along with Vitamin E that leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
5. Old School Cinnamon And Oranges Cleansing Ubtan Face Wash Powder
Cinnamon provides a plumping effect and improves blood circulation in the skin. Use the Old School Cinnamon and Oranges Cleansing Ubtan Face Wash Powder, which is also enriched with rice and dal powders to boost collagen production and fight infections.
Conclusion
Exfoliating your skin with facial scrubs can be beneficial as it helps deeply cleanse your pores and remove impurities, dirt, sweat, and oil from your skin. You can easily make homemade facial scrubs with some of the top-notch ingredients, such as the best green tea in India and pure honey in India. Several ready-to-use facial scrubs feature natural ingredients on Nykaa as well. Using a face scrub regularly – DIY or ready-to-use – allows skincare products to absorb better, while preventing the build-up of dead skin cells and ingrown hair. It is great for people with all skin types and should be a part of your weekly skincare rituals. x
FAQs On DIY Face Scrub
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What ingredients can be added when preparing sugar scrub for the face?
You can add yoghurt, honey, olive oil, mashed strawberries, almond oil, or lemon when creating a DIY face scrub with sugar. If you are looking for ready-to-use face scrubs, here are a few recommendations.
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Are homemade face scrubs safe? What should I apply after scrubbing?
Homemade face scrubs are totally safe as long as you include appropriate proportions of ingredients when preparing a DIY face scrub and use it correctly. Since it includes natural ingredients without any chemicals, you can rest assured of applying and leaving it on your face for a few minutes.
Once you are done scrubbing your skin, it’s essential to immediately apply copious amounts of glycerine-fortified moisturisers. This keeps the skin from getting dry and helps retain moisture. The following are some moisturisers you can use.
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Can I use a homemade face scrub daily?
It is not advisable to scrub your face daily, as exfoliating too much can strip the skin of its natural oils. As a result, your skin may get dry and damaged while becoming prone to breakouts. It’s recommended to use scrubs at least once and a maximum of twice a week, depending on how much your skin can handle. If you possess acne-prone skin, read this guide.
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Recommend the best face scrubs for normal skin type.
