5 Homemade scrub recipes for perfect skin

Homemade recipes for perfect skin

Taking care of your skin doesn’t always require spending a fortune on beauty products. Natural ingredients you already have in your kitchen can be just as effective for exfoliating, hydrating, and reviving your complexion’s glow : Skin Radiance. In this article, we present 5 simple and effective homemade facial peel recipes you can make at home. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive skin or skin prone to blemishes, there’s a recipe suited to your skin type.

Contents

How to make a homemade peel ?

Making a homemade peel is simple and only takes a few minutes. You only need a few basic ingredients and a bowl to mix them in. Start by selecting ingredients based on your skin type : for example, use sugar or coffee grounds for exfoliation and add honey, olive oil, or yogurt to hydrate and soothe the skin. Mix until you get a smooth paste. Then apply the peel to your clean, damp face using gentle circular motions to exfoliate the skin softly. Avoid the eye area, where the skin is more delicate. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and finish by applying a moisturizing cream to soothe and protect your skin after exfoliation.

Why use a facial peel ?

A facial peel is an exfoliating treatment that removes dead skin cells from the outer layers of the skin. This process helps to :

  • Restore the skin’s glow by removing impurities and dead cells.
  • Improve skin texture for a softer, smoother feel.
  • Promote cell renewal for healthier skin.
  • Prepare the skin to better absorb subsequent treatments, such as moisturizing creams and serums.

It is recommended to do a peel once or twice a week, depending on your skin type and specific needs.

Body peels, which are medical procedures, should be done twice a year. 

Facial peels

Sugar and honey peel for soft, hydrated skin

The sugar and honey peel is perfect for dry and sensitive skin. Sugar acts as a gentle exfoliant, while honey hydrates and soothes the skin.

Ingredients :

  • 1 tablespoon of brown or white sugar.
  • 1 tablespoon of organic honey.
  • 1 teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil.

Why is this peel effective ?
Sugar helps remove dead skin cells while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. Honey, rich in antioxidants, deeply hydrates the skin and soothes irritation.

 

Coffee and yoghurt peel to revitalise and brighten the complexion

Ground coffee is an excellent ingredient for exfoliating the skin and stimulating blood circulation, which can help reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

Ingredients :

  • 1 tablespoon of fresh coffee grounds
  • 1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt.
  • A few drops of lemon juice (optional for combination to oily skin).

Why is this peel effective ?
Coffee is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals. It also helps boost blood circulation for a more radiant complexion. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates while moisturizing the skin.

 

Oatmeal and baking soda peel for sensitive and redness-prone skin

Oatmeal is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, while baking soda helps deeply cleanse pores without irritating the skin.

Ingredients :

  • 2 tablespoons of rolled oats.
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
  • 2 tablespoons of water or rose water.

Why is this peel effective ?
Oatmeal is an excellent choice for sensitive skin as it soothes and hydrates while removing dead skin cells. Baking soda has a cleansing effect and helps rebalance the skin’s pH.

 

Aloe vera and sugar peel for combination to oily skin

Aloe vera is a hydrating and soothing ingredient, perfect for combination to oily skin that needs both moisture and sebum regulation.

Ingredients :

  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (preferably fresh).
  • 1 tablespoon of fine sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon of honey.

Why is this peel effective ?
Aloe vera moisturises and soothes the skin, reducing redness and irritation. Sugar gently exfoliates, and honey adds a dose of moisture while helping to regulate bacteria on the skin's surface.

 

Turmeric and chickpea flour peel for radiant skin

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. Combined with chickpea flour, it gently exfoliates the skin while evening out the complexion.

Ingredients :

  • 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
  • 2 tablespoons of milk or rose water.

Why is this peel effective ?
Turmeric helps to reduce inflammation and brighten the complexion. Chickpea flour exfoliates while nourishing the skin. This scrub is particularly recommended for those who want even, luminous skin.

Tips for using homemade scrubs safely and effectively

  • Sensitivity test : before applying the peel to your entire face, test it on a small patch of skin to check for any allergic reactions.
  • Hydration after peeling : after each peel, apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type to soothe and nourish it.
  • Avoid delicate areas : never scrub too hard, especially around sensitive areas like the eyes.
  • Respect your skin type : adjust the frequency of peel use based on your skin type. Once or twice a week is enough for most skin types.

Why opt for homemade scrubs ?

Homemade peels have several advantages.

  • Control over ingredients : you know exactly what you're putting on your skin. These peels do not contain harsh chemicals or additives.
  • Lower cost : homemade peels are generally much more economical than commercial products.
  • Eco-friendly : making your own peels helps reduce plastic waste and allows you to choose organic, eco-conscious ingredients.
  • Customizable to your specific needs : you can adjust the ingredients based on your skin type, personal preferences, or even the season.
  • Natural preservation : unlike store-bought products that often contain preservatives to extend shelf life, homemade peels are made from fresh ingredients and used immediately, which minimizes the risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Additional tips to maximize the benefits of homemade scrubs

  • Choose quality ingredients : opt for organic ingredients whenever possible. Organic products are grown without pesticides or chemicals, reducing the risk of skin irritation.
  • Use immediately or store properly : homemade peels do not contain preservatives, so they should be used right after preparation. If you've made a larger quantity, store the extra in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 2 to 3 days.
  • Adjust usage frequency to your skin : oily or combination skin can tolerate exfoliation twice a week, while dry or sensitive skin should not be exfoliated more than once a week.
  • Always hydrate after exfoliation : exfoliation can strip the skin of its natural oils. To compensate and avoid dehydration, apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type right after the peel.
  • Avoid abrasive peels on fragile skin : if you have very sensitive skin, avoid peels with abrasive particles such as sugar or coffee. Choose gentler ingredients like oatmeal or white clay.

Common mistakes to avoid when using homemade scrubs

Even the simplest homemade peel recipes require caution. Here are some common mistakes to avoid :

  • Using irritating ingredients : some ingredients, like lemon or baking soda, can be irritating for certain skin types. Use them sparingly and always perform a sensitivity test before applying the peel to your entire face.
  • Not following a consistent routine : exfoliation is effective when done regularly, but not excessively. Too frequent exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, causing redness and irritation.
  • Scrubbing too hard : an effective peel doesn’t require vigorous scrubbing. Movements should be gentle and circular to avoid damaging the skin.
  • Forgetting sun protection : after a peel, the skin is more sensitive to UV rays. Be sure to apply suitable sun protection every morning, especially after exfoliating care.
  • Using expired peels : avoid using peels that were prepared several days ago.

Focus on natural ingredients used in homemade peels

Each natural ingredient used in homemade peel recipes has specific benefits for the skin.

Sugar : sugar, especially brown sugar, is a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells without irritating the skin. It contains glycolic acid, which helps keep the skin hydrated and soft.

Honey : a versatile ingredient, honey is rich in antioxidants, has antibacterial properties, and helps maintain skin hydration.

Coffee : ground coffee beans are rich in antioxidants and stimulate blood circulation, which can improve the appearance of the skin and reduce inflammation.

Turmeric : turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps reduce redness and even out the complexion.

Oatmeal : oatmeal is soothing and gentle, making it ideal for sensitive or irritation-prone skin. It helps reduce redness and calms itching.

Which peel recipe to choose based on your skin type ?

Here are some recommendations for choosing the right homemade peel recipe for your skin type :

  • Peel for dry skin : the sugar and honey peel is ideal for its hydrating and soothing properties.
  • Peel for oily or combination skin : the coffee and yogurt peel, enriched with lemon juice, helps regulate sebum production and reduce blemishes.
  • Peel for sensitive skin : the oatmeal and baking soda peel is gentle and soothing, ideal for minimizing irritation.
  • Peel for mature skin : the aloe vera and sugar peel, thanks to its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, is perfect to revive Skin Radiance and reduce wrinkles.
  • Peel for acne-prone skin : the turmeric and chickpea flour peel helps combat redness and inflammation while brightening the complexion.

Long-term benefits of homemade facial scrubs

Adopting a homemade peel routine can not only improve your skin’s immediate appearance, but also provide long-term benefits.

  • Prevention of breakouts and blackheads : by regularly removing dead skin cells and excess sebum, homemade peels help prevent breakouts and blackheads.
  • Reduction of aging signs : exfoliation stimulates cell renewal, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
  • Complexion balance : regular peels help even out the complexion.
Photo of doctor Valeria Romano in Geneva

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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