Living in this part of the world where it is hot and humid all year round, nothing makes me feel quite as fresh as after a total body exfoliation. I always imagine I shed a whole layer of dead skin like a snake and emerge renewed and smooth after a good scrub. But I’ve also read about how insoluble micro-beads exfoliator are causing world pollution. So I scoured the world wide web, tried and tested some recipes and this 5’s are my favourite all natural DIY exfoliator. Homemade skin care is, after all, cheaper, more natural and customizable. Win-win-win!

Floral Oats Cleanser

Oat flour exfoliates without irritating, so it is really great for eczema or any other skin ailment. This recipe is also hydrating because of the aloe gel.

You’ll need:
1 tbsp oatmeal
1 tbsp dried rose
½ tbsp dried lavender
½ tbsp chamomile tea leaves
2 tbsp aloe gel

Put dried flowers in food processors and blend until powdery. Combine all the ingredients, and mix with aloe gel.

Coffee Scrub

Coffee is excellent for reducing the appearance of cellulite. I kid you not. Chat up the barista at your favourite cafe and see if they will give you some used coffee ground that they usually bin.

You’ll need:
½ cup coffee ground
½ cup sugar
½ cup olive oil

Combine all ingredients. Apply deliberately in a circular motion, paying close attention to problem areas. It can get quite messy. It is better to do it in the shower so you can easily rinse it away when you are done.

Papaya Brightening Mask

Papaya enzymes are great for gentle chemical exfoliation. It helps even out your skin tone while lightening and brightening dark spots.

You’ll need:
1 tbsp papaya pulp
1 tbsp oat flour
1 tsp sugar

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, and then apply as a mask. You can gently massage it in during application for some extra exfoliation. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes.

Salt and Honey Scrub

Coconut Yogurt Scrub

This scrub not only exfoliates and smooth, it smells so nice you’ll want to eat it instead.