While our bodies and skin have wonderful self-cleaning systems that can care for themselves, sometimes they need help. It’s during autumn and winter that natural exfoliants are especially important. When cold winds dry out skin, regular gentle exfoliation can slough away dead cells to leave behind an even complexion. In this article, we’ll share some of our favourite natural exfoliants for those chillier months.
Our skin renews itself every month, peeling away old layers of skin to reveal new, healthier skin. With harsh weather conditions like wind and cold, the skin may dry and need to regenerate faster than usual. Exfoliating can naturally eliminate dead skin and brighten the complexion. As lower temperatures lead to people applying heaps of moisturiser to the skin, giving it a gentle and cleansing exfoliation also helps.
A soft loofah or brush combined with natural scrubs can help the skin regenerate in autumn and winter. Here are some helpful natural exfoliants you can find in your kitchen.
Surely you’ve heard the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While most are aware of how beneficial apples can be to our health, people seem to forget that it has plenty to offer the skin, as well. Apple sauce contains malic acid which is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that works to exfoliate, moisturise, reduce fine lines, and generally improve the skin’s texture. This type of exfoliation is better known as chemical exfoliation, as it doesn’t remove skin cells physically like a natural scrub.
Oatmeal is well-known in the natural beauty world for its soothing and gentle properties. If you’re looking for very light exfoliation, oatmeal is your best bet. This natural exfoliant can reduce dryness, remove dead skin cells, moisturise, condition, and smooth the skin. Its naturally occurring saponins also make it a wonderful gentle cleanser, suitable for even those with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Oatmeal can even protect against irritation in autumn and winter as it helps retain water in the skin.
In the beauty world, coffee is a popular ingredient that provides noticeable results. The vitamins and minerals in coffee can help fight off free radicals, reduce inflammation, and eliminate redness. Not to mention, coffee grounds are a wonderful physical exfoliator that can even out a person’s skin tone. Coffee is also known for helping with acne, dark circles, cellulite reduction, and after-sun care. As a result, coffee is one of the easiest and most effective natural exfoliators you can find in your kitchen cupboard.
Exfoliating can help your skin naturally regenerate, although if you exfoliate too much or at the wrong time for your skin it can do more harm than good. As a general rule, you shouldn’t exfoliate more than twice a week to avoid damaging your skin’s barrier. Also, avoid exfoliating skin that is damaged, sunburnt, or currently experiencing a skin condition. If you are using products that contain retinol or benzoyl peroxide, you should avoid exfoliating on top of these products as this can cause skin problems.
When you are trying out a new exfoliator, always do a patch test first. This is especially important for people with allergies or sensitive skin, because some products can provoke allergic reactions. Furthermore, it’s not recommendable to exfoliate the night before or the day of a big event since the skin can become red or irritated from exfoliating. If you are going to shave or do any hair removal, take care to exfoliate first as this will keep dead skin cells from clogging pores. Finally, always remember to moisturise after you exfoliate as the skin will be sensitive and in need of hydration.
Using these natural exfoliants at home, you’re sure to keep your skin healthy and smooth all autumn and winter long. If you want to make natural exfoliating products at home, there’s still time to sign up for the WapoBeauty’s Online Halloween Shampoo Bar Workshop this weekend. Anyone looking for more in-depth resources, be sure to check out WapoBeauty’s Traditional Soapmaking eBook. Those searching for guided learning should visit WapoBeauty’s Complete Facial Skincare Online Course for Beginners and discover how to make professional, safe, and stable natural beauty products. Join the ranks of students who found this class valuable and rewarding!
Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni.
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