Is your skin dry, flaky and has lost its elasticity and shine? If the answer is YES, it’s the right time to exfoliate. In this article you will find out why exfoliation is important and how to do it properly. In addition, we will present you with recipes for peelings that you can make yourself.
The skin is our largest organ and an envelope for the body that is in direct contact with the external environment. It protects the body from mechanical injuries, harmful UV radiation and pathogenic organisms, i.e. it is the first line of defense against bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.
It is involved in the secretory processes of the skin glands and receives external stimuli via numerous receptors located therein – for heat, cold, touch, pressure and pain.
For this reason, we must pay special attention to the care of our skin. We need to treat it regularly and properly. Skin peeling is one of the treatments that removes old and dead cells from the surface layer of the skin – epidermis. Due to the normal physiological process that implies the daily exchange of cells, as well as the possible accumulation of the same cells, the peeling treatment is an important part of personal health hygiene.
By removing the layer of dead cells, we prevent their accumulation on the surface, the breathing of the skin improves and thus facilitates the absorption of medicinal ingredients from various preparations that we apply to the surface. With regular and proper use, exfoliation cleanses, moisturizes and gives the skin a fresher appearance, making it softer and smoother.
Why is exfoliation so important?
Toxins – When the body releases toxins, one of the ways of elimination is through the skin. By exfoliating the skin, we eliminate the toxins that are on its surface and stimulate the growth of new cells.
Cellulite – a special peeling technique that improves blood circulation, ie. Improves blood flow and other body fluids, making the skin firmer and healthier. One of the most popular exfoliating ingredients is sea salt. In combination with other ingredients (oil, essences), it gives the skin a new and fresh look, which is also called the “glow” effect.
Hier erfahrt ihr mehr über Dehnungsstreifen und wie ihr sie vermeiden könnt.
Relaxation – Thanks to the peeling technique, which is similar to the movements during massage, the peeling also has a calming effect on the body and causes relaxation.
How do I make a scrub?
Peeling treatments are most often performed in spas, but can also be done at home. What you need to know is that peeling is most often done in rooms where there is a shower cabin to remove the removed skin cells along with the peeling.
It is important to know that when showering, you should not use shower gels or similar, but just rinse the scrub off with water so that the nutrients from the scrub remain on the skin.
For those who may not be able to visit the spa regularly or don’t like it, exfoliating treatments can also be done at home. It may not be the same pleasure as having someone else do it for you, but you will definitely get a beneficial effect for your skin.
Or you can do the scrub on a cozy evening at home.
Homemade sugar scrubs are one of the treatments that can really replace those from the salon. Not only are they affordable, but they are easy to make. Since you make them yourself, you can control what and how much you put into them, creating a product that completely suits your skin. Below are some ideas for a homemade body scrub that will give you soft and glowing skin just in time for summer.
Chocolate scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (solid)
- 1/3 cup almond oil
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until you get a uniform mass and the lumps of coconut oil disappear. The scrub is then placed in a container and stored at room temperature. When you want to exfoliate, take out a small amount of the mixture and rub it on the body in light circular motions and then rinse. Due to the size of the sugar, it is not recommended to use this scrub on the face, so as not to damage the delicate skin on the face.
Coffee scrub
Don’t throw away the residue after your morning coffee! Instead, pick it up and make a coffee body scrub and reward yourself or someone around you with it.
Caffeine can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and keeps it soft and hydrated. This scrub is extremely easy to prepare and you surely already have the ingredients for it in your house. You can use decorative jars to store the scrub. This also makes a great gift.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut oil
- ½ cup sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh coffee
- 2 to 3 teaspoons olive oil
- small glasses
Instructions:
Place coconut oil, sugar, coffee grounds and olive oil in a medium bowl and mix well.
Green tea scrub
We already know the health benefits of green tea. So why should we just stick to drinking it when we can incorporate it into beauty treatments?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1 bag uncooked green tea
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until you get a uniform mixture. First, cool the brewed green tea and add it gradually. This scrub has a slightly thicker texture. If you find it too coarse, add more olive oil. Put the finished mixture in a jar and use it up as soon as possible. Apply it to your body as you did with the previous scrub, rub it in with light circular motions and rinse it off with water. It is not recommended to use the scrub on the face.
Oatmeal scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup oats
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4-5 smaller glasses
Instructions:
Put the oatmeal in a blender until it looks like a powder, then mix with the other ingredients.
Lemon peeling
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- grated zest of one lemon
Instructions:
First put the sugar in a large bowl, then add olive oil, lemon zest and finally lemon juice. Mix everything until you get a uniform mass. Put the finished product in the jar and store it at room temperature. The procedure for exfoliating the body is the same as the previous ones: Apply to the body and rub gently in circular motions, do not apply to the face.
What to pay attention to?
Always be careful with sensitive and older facial skin. Never use body scrubs on the face, as coarser scrubs can cause micro-cracks on the facial skin.
It is very easy to overdo the peeling. To prevent this, ask your beautician about the most suitable preparation for your skin, as well as the frequency of treatment.
Avoid peeling in summer and on very sunny days. Do not overdo it with chemical peels, as they can lead to the removal of the protective layer of the skin and excessive exposure of the dermis. Always take a break between exfoliating and waxing.
Peelings can be combined with massages and are often introductory procedures in some special treatments (various wraps, algae massages, etc.), as they cleanse the skin, stimulate blood circulation and the lymphatic system, and prepare the body for the massage, favoring the penetration of medicinal ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin. Avoid peeling in summer and on very sunny days. Do not overdo it with chemical peels, as they can lead to the removal of the protective layer of the skin and excessive exposure of the dermis. Always take a break between exfoliating and waxing.
Maintaining good health and appearance through spa treatments can be very helpful, which is why body scrubs are one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. If you are thinking of visiting a spa, you should definitely include an exfoliation treatment in your choice. If you want to do it yourself at home, try doing some of the treatments suggested in the article.
These homemade body scrub recipes are definitely the perfect gift for anyone who wants to benefit from a little relaxation – including you.
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