Skin care can be a challenging process, and exfoliation is one method for achieving healthy and young-looking skin. A natural exfoliator with little to no artificial ingredients may prove to be a solid option for many individuals. Numerous factors can help determine the most effective product purchase, including obvious considerations like price and method of exfoliation. Another important but perhaps less considered variable is individual skin type. Natural exfoliators may also possess different textures that will likely impact effectiveness.
Exfoliation is a skin cleansing process that removes dirt and dead cells from the surface of the skin. Many individuals make this process a part of their daily cleaning routine in order to maintain healthy skin and reduce wrinkles or other unsightly lines. Using warm water, moisturizer, and circular cleaning motions during the process may help facilitate positive results.
Commercial natural exfoliators are available in various retail outlets, and they contain little to no artificial additives. Due to the emphasis of many regions on organic and natural products, true natural exfoliators will likely be heavily marketed as such. Oils, butters, and plant extracts are some of the ingredients contained within a natural exfoliator.
Broad categories of natural exfoliators generally fall into two divisions: scrubs or polishes. While scrubs are made with large, noticeable individual particles, polishes achieve results with small seeds or substances with a more powdery texture. Comfort levels with each type of product will vary depending on the individual. Therefore, an individual might wish to experiment with both types before choosing a regular product.
Skin type will likely influence the choice of natural exfoliator as well. Some products — such as haldi face masks — are harsh on sensitive skin. Any exfoliating product that is billed as a gentle exfoliator is typically designed for individuals with easily irritated skin. Other ingredients, like avocado, for example, could prove beneficial to individuals with drier skin, while pumice in the product should be avoided for these individuals. Natural exfoliator products with built-in moisturizing properties may also prove useful for dry-skinned individuals.
Other concerns may further guide a purchasing decision. For example, one may comparison shop for the best price value. Natural treatments carry a higher price tag in some instances, but discounts and deals are often readily available. A bit of online research and perusing consumer reviews can help a person determine a good bargain. In addition, one benefit of many brands of natural exfoliators is that they are environmentally friendly, so ingredients should ideally be biodegradable. Finally, allergies should be considered when purchasing a beauty product.
In general, the face is the most sensitive part of skin, so exfoliation — even a natural exfoliator — should be done sparsely and with care. More abrasive methods like acids, enzymes, and granular-based scrubs may be more suitable to bodily exfoliation. Since many natural products do not include these harsher treatments, a natural exfoliator may be best suited for the facial area.
If commercial products are not appealing, individuals may wish to create their own natural exfoliators from common household ingredients. Oatmeal, olive oil, and certain small fruits are just a few of the products used for this purpose. Some homemade exfoliators may be rubbed into the face and washed off, while others are fashioned into masks that are left on the face for a period of time, usually overnight.