8 Best Natural Homemade Face Scrubs To Exfoliate Skin

The natural glow reflecting off your face speaks volumes about your health, your lifestyle, and your skincare regime. Simply following a CTM (cleanse, tone and moisturize) every morning and night can do wonders for your skin. 

But if you’re serious about taking care of your skin, there’s another crucial step that you should not forget about - the weekly exfoliation with a face scrub.

What Is a Face Scrub and Why Do You Need It?

Simply, think of face scrub as an extension of your cleansing ritual. 

Using a cleanser twice a day is helpful in cleaning most of the dirt and impurities from your face. However, it’s not very effective in removing old and dead skin cells. 

That’s where a face scrub comes handy. Unlike a regular soap or cleanser, a face scrub has small particles, beads, or chemicals that exfoliate these dead cells, making way for new ones.

Are Face Scrubs Always Good For Your Skin?

Ayurveda has identified skin exfoliation using natural ingredients as essential, not only healthy and clear skin, but also your overall health and wellbeing. 

If you grew up in an Indian household, you must be familiar with Ubtan, the traditional Ayurvedic body scrub using natural herbs and grains. Apart from these herbs, salt and sugar scrubs have also been used in traditional Ayurvedic face and body scrubs.

However, not all scrubs are good for your skin.

There are studies suggesting that the chemical scrubs that use microbeads as exfoliants result in skin damage. These chemical scrubs are too harsh and the microbeads present in them can bruise the skin. 

A good face scrub should be gentle on the skin and not cause any irritation. For this reason, we highly recommend the use of Ayurvedic, or homemade face scrubs made with natural

ingredients only. These natural face scrubs are safe for the skin and do not cause any excessive dryness or irritation.

Now, if you’re ready, let us walk you through the world of face scrubs. This article is your ultimate guide to natural face scrubs. If you read on, you will discover the benefits of using a face scrub, learn to use scrubs the right way, identify the best face scrub for your skin, and learn to prepare some homemade DIY face scrubs as well. Let’s get started.

8 Benefits Of Using A Natural Face Scrub

Before we move on to discuss various natural face scrub options, let us look at the benefits of using a face scrub. The benefits of using a face scrub are numerous. Here are some of the reasons why you must include a face scrub in your skincare routine.

1. It Unclogs Your Pores

You might be aware that clogged pores result in acne problems. But, did you know that they can also make your skin appear dull?

Our pores tend to look darker and larger from the buildup of oil and sebum in the skin. Using a face scrub will remove all the dead and dry skin cells and other pollutants from seeping into your pores causing blackheads and whiteheads. It unclogs your pores, making your skin look young and fresh.

2. Helps Skin Care Products Penetrate Deeper

Exfoliating your skin helps serums, facemasks, creams, and other skincare products penetrate faster and deeper into your skin. Dead skin cells act as a barrier between your skin and the products you use.

By using a face scrub to exfoliate your skin, you’ll be removing the dead skin and unclogging pores which in turn helps skin care products absorb better in your skin.

3. Prevents Acne

Clogged pores may cause acne. Hence, it is of no surprise that exfoliating your face regularly can prevent acne breakouts on your face. However, use only a mild and gentle exfoliator if you already have a lot of active breakouts on your face. Scrubbing your facial skin with gritty exfoliants and loofahs can irritate your skin and inflame them.

4. Evens Out Skin Tone

Dark spots, irregular texture of the skin, and pigmentation can indeed be frustrating. The exfoliants in your face scrub break down and remove dry skin and dead skin. It also smoothens the texture of your skin. This makes your skin look uniform and even-toned.

5. Increases Cell Turnover

Scrubbing your face increases cell turnover which in turn boosts skin radiance. So say hello to fresh looking, ultra dewy skin. Cell turnover is the method by which skin cells mature and rise to push the existing dead cells out of the way. Regularly exfoliating your skin can encourage cell turnover which leaves your skin looking young and healthy.

6. Stimulates Blood Circulation

When you gently scrub your face, the physical action contributes to stimulating blood flow to the skin's surface. This increased blood circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which can help in cell regeneration and overall skin health. Improved blood flow can also give your skin a natural, healthy glow and can aid in reducing the appearance of fatigue or dullness.

7. Prevents Acne

Regular and gentle exfoliation with a face scrub can play a crucial role in acne prevention, particularly for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. By removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, face scrubs can prevent the build-up of oil and bacteria that often lead to acne formation. It's important to note, however, that while exfoliation can help in preventing new breakouts, it should be done gently to avoid irritating existing acne.

8. Allows Smoother Makeup Application

One of the immediate cosmetic benefits of using a face scrub is the smoother application of makeup. Exfoliation removes the outer layer of dead skin cells that can cause makeup to look flaky or uneven.

This results in a smoother skin surface, allowing for a more even and seamless application of foundation and other makeup products. Makeup tends to last longer and look more natural on well-exfoliated skin.

However, it's important to moisturize the skin after exfoliation and before makeup application to ensure the best results and to keep the skin hydrated.

While homemade scrubs are great for the skin, it can be tedious to make them every time you want to exfoliate the skin. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a face scrub made completely from these natural ingredients? A face scrub that packages all the goodness of nature and Ayurveda into a jar? We’ve wished for the same and created one for you. 

Let’s introduce you to the best face scrub made entirely from natural and Ayurvedic ingredients.

Best Face Scrub in India - The Ultimate Natural Ayurvedic Scrub for Face

If you live in India, then you know that we have specific skin challenges of our own. The number one problem for Indian skin is pollution. India has some of the most polluted cities in the world. Pollution and dirt can clog your pores causing further skin problems. 

India is also close to the equator which makes it more susceptible to sun rays. This constant exposure to sunlight can make your skin look dull and tired. It can cause an increase in skin pigmentation disorders and speed the signs of aging. 

While we cannot control these external factors, we can definitely take some precautionary measures and steps to alleviate the problem. One way to do so is to choose the best face scrub with natural Ayurvedic ingredients. 

We recommend Kama Ayurveda’s Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub to exfoliate and brighten your face naturally. 

Let’s talk about the Ayurvedic ingredients that make it the best scrub that you can use on your face.

1. Kumkumadi Oil - Ayurveda has a special facial oil, the Kumkumadi oil that is best suited for these conditions. Kumkumadi Oil is a miraculous beauty fluid created from 12 precious and rare ingredients to help illuminate the complexion, smooth fine lines, and other signs of aging while promoting new cell growth. The key ingredient in Kumkumadi Oil is Saffron, a powerful Ayurvedic ingredient known for its skin rejuvenating properties.
   
2. Almonds and Walnuts are gentle exfoliants that are well suited for scrubbing your face. Almonds are packed with vitamin E and antioxidants. Walnut contains Omega 3 and other proteins that keep your skin looking fresh and supple.
   
3. Sunflower Seeds - Rich in nutrients such as Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamins A, K and E, Sunflower Oil is used effectively against inflammation and general irritations of the skin.
   
   

These ingredients combined, along with the fragrant Kashmir Saffron make the Kama Ayurveda’s Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub one of the best suited face scrubs. 

The Ayurvedic Best Face Scrub For Men

A face scrub is as essential for men as it is for women. Men can also benefit from exfoliating the skin as it results in a soft and toned skin while removing dirt and grime. 

Using natural face scrub helps in repairing the skin, making it look young and fresh. It can also help reduce acne breakouts by reducing residual buildups. When you scrub your face by using a face scrub, it leads to a better and closer shave. Not to mention that you can also get rid of ingrown hair and razor bumps easily through weekly exfoliation.

What natural Ayurvedic ingredients should you look for in a scrub for men?

Saffron and Almonds can work wonders for men’s facial skin. Saffron is an antioxidant that clears skin tone, brightens up your skin, clears the complexion, and reduces pigmentation, dark spots, and other stubborn marks. Almonds are rich in Vitamins E and D and also contain antioxidant properties. 

We recommend Kama Ayurveda Himalayan Deep Cleansing Face Scrub For Men. The unique combination of Ayurvedic ingredients like Saffron, Almonds, and Sunflower Seeds make it the best face scrub for men.

How To Use A Face Scrub?

The process of using a face scrub is very simple. Choose any face scrub of your choice - natural homemade or store-bought. Then wet your face and massage the scrub into your face and scrub gently for a few minutes. Remember to be gentle as you do not want to irritate your skin too much. 

Then, rinse off your face with water or a damp cloth. Repeat once or twice a week. Remember to moisturize your skin right after.

It is important that you use a face scrub only once or twice a week and not more than that. It might be tempting to get that soft glow every morning, but using a face scrub too often can irritate your skin and peel away delicate skin cells making you feel sore and red. You can use a face scrub any time during the day.

In the following video, you can watch the detailed tutorial for using the face scrub.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCnbqQOSMJk

Note: If you have inflammatory acne, then scrubbing your face can make it worse. Analise your skin and then decide if you should be using a face scrub or not.

8 Best Homemade Face Scrubs Based On Your Skin Type

Exfoliation has a lot of benefits for the skin. However, if done with the wrong products, it can result in a skin abrasion or bruised skin. So, what’s your best option? Natural or Homemade face scrubs that use natural ingredients as exfoliants instead of chemical microbeads. 

Let’s briefly discuss some of the best natural ingredients for a natural or homemade face scrub with their benefits for the skin. 
In this section of the article, you will find some of the best Ayurvedic homemade scrubs that you can prepare by using the best naturally exfoliating ingredients like Coffee, Sugar, Oatmeal, Almonds and Sunflower Seeds.

1. Homemade Face Scrub for Blackheads - Lemon Honey Sugar Scrub

If you want to remove blackheads naturally, then this DIY face scrub is the one for you. Did you know that lemon can clear blackheads, acne, and discoloration? This homemade face scrub lets you scrub away the blackheads with sugar as an exfoliant. Honey functions as a great moisturizer and a natural antioxidant.

To make this lemon honey sugar scrub, you will need to mix one cup of sugar with half a cup of olive oil. To this, add one tablespoon of honey. Add some lemon juice and stir completely. Apply the mixture on the face and exfoliate for a few minutes before washing it off with cold water.

2.  Homemade Face Scrub for Oily Skin - Oatmeal Scrub

Oatmeal is a superfood and can come in handy for most of your skincare needs. Oats can soak up excess oil from your skin and also prevent acne. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can gently exfoliate and remove dry and dead skin cells. It also helps remove the dirt and oil clogged in your pores. Oatmeal is suitable for all skin types, even for extremely sensitive skin.

To make Oatmeal face scrub you will need to mix one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of whole milk. To this, add 2 tablespoons of oats and let it soak for a while. Then add a few drops of rose water and use it as a face scrub. Gently exfoliate for 3-4 minutes and rinse off with cold water.

3. Face Scrub for Dry Skin - Coconut Oil and Lemon Scrub

A sugar scrub is a great way to pamper yourself and exfoliate your skin. Using sugar scrub will brighten dull, tired-looking skin and promote healthy-looking, glowing skin. Sugar scrub can also be used as a natural facial hair remover.

Lemon exfoliates and softens skin while getting rid of pigmentation and dark spots. The beauty benefits of Coconut oil are numerous and it works as an age-old skin tonic.

To make this coconut and lemon face scrub, take half a cup of coconut oil and add 2 tablespoons of sugar to it. Mix well. Now add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to this mixture and scrub your freshly washed face gently for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water and pat dry.

Read - How to use Coconut Oil For Face?

4. Homemade Face Scrub for Glowing Skin - Multani Mitti and Aloe Vera Scrub

This aloe vera gel and fuller’s earth DIY face scrub is perfect for tan removal. Multani Mitti leaves your skin feeling cool, soft, and smooth. Aloe vera lightens dark spots and marks. To make this homemade face scrub for glowing skin, mix two cups of fuller’s earth with one spoon of fresh aloe vera gel. You may also add essential oils and rose water to boost the effect. Mix well to create a fine paste and massage it into your face and neck. Scrub for 5 minutes before washing it off with cold water.

5. DIY Coffee Face Scrub For Anti-Ageing

The grainy texture of coffee makes it a great exfoliant in homemade scrubs. The coffee grounds work gently to remove dry and dead skin cells from your skin, making it look supple and youthful. It is also rich in antioxidants which will slow down the aging process. 

Coffee scrub combats acne, boosts collagen levels, and reduces cellulite. What more, it also protects the skin from sun damage. The caffeine in coffee also improves blood circulation in the skin. 

All you need is 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon olive oil or coconut oil. Add all the ingredients to a glass bowl and mix them together. You can use it as a face scrub and as a body scrub for smooth, glowing skin. 

Alternatively, you can mix three tablespoons of coffee with half a cup of yogurt. For those with dry skin, you can replace the curd with milk. Blend it in a mixer and add one teaspoon of honey to it.  Apply this mixture on your face and scrub in a circular motion for about 10 minutes. Wash off with cold water and pat dry.

6. DIY Almond And Honey Face Scrub For Sensitive Skin

Almonds are rich in vitamin E and have antioxidant properties that will keep your skin young and glowing. Honey is known for its moisturizing properties, so it keeps the skin smooth and soft. Together, this almond honey face scrub will work wonders for your skin. While all skin types can benefit from this scrub, it is ideal for combination, sensitive and dry skin. 

To make this almond honey face scrub, you will need ¼ cup almond meal, 4 tablespoon honey, one tablespoon jojoba oil and a few drops of peppermint essential oil (optional). Take a glass jar, add all the ingredients, and mix well until combined. Store in a dark, cool place.

To use this scrub, take half a tablespoon of the mixture in your hand and add some water to it. Scrub your skin gently and remove with a warm washcloth.

To get the benefits of Almonds for exfoliation, you can also use Kama Ayurveda’s Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub. It contains finely ground Sweet Almonds, rich in Vitamins E & D, that nourish and nurture while lifting away pollutants and impurities for a glowing complexion.

7. Walnuts Face Scrub For Dull Skin

Walnuts are packed with goodness that is highly beneficial for your skin. They are known to treat dull skin and make it soft and glowing. The fiber in walnuts improves blood circulation and Omega 3 and other good fats present keeps the skin youthful and healthy. It also has proteins that heal wounds and antioxidants fight pollution and harmful dust.

To make walnut face scrub, grind two walnuts using a pestle and mortar or a food processor. Add a few spoons of yogurt and honey and mix them together. Massage the scrub into your skin and wash it off with a damp washcloth. 

To get the benefits of Walnuts for exfoliation, you can also use Kama Ayurveda’s Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub. It contains finely ground walnuts as natural exfoliants.

8. DIY Face Scrub with Sunflower Seeds For Damaged Skin

Sunflower seeds are rich in essential nutrients, fatty acids, copper, and Vitamin E. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Sunflower seeds have the ability to treat dull and damaged skin. It also protects the skin from harmful rays of the sun, treats rashes, acne, and any other skin irritations. 

It also is an excellent moisturizer and keeps the skin healthy and hydrated. Using this sunflower seeds face scrub will also slow the process of aging on your skin, making you look young. 

To make this face scrub, place the sunflower seeds in a mini food processor and grind them up until the seeds become a very fine meal. Transfer the seeds to an airtight container and store it away. This will last for 1 month at room temperature and more if it is refrigerated. 

To use, simply take about half a tablespoon of the powder in your palm and add enough water to make a thick paste. Massage it into the skin and rinse off.

So there you go! That was your complete guide on face scrubs. 

Here are our final words for you - Remember to use face scrubs only once or twice a week. Decide on which face scrub is best for your skin based on your skin type and concern. Opt for natural and ayurvedic scrubs as they are the best for your skin.

References -

1. Skin Care with Herbal Exfoliants 
2. Formulation, development and comparative study of facial scrub using a synthetic and natural exfoliant
3. Preparation and evaluation of polyherbal facial scrub