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Homemade Exfoliating Facial Scrub

Mar 10, 2011 / By Elle Belmont

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Scrub away your old face with natural exfoliants from the kitchen.

Photo: Dave J. Anthony/Photodisc/Getty Images

Divas know that exfoliation is an important step in a thorough skin care regime, and you don't need to look far to find tons of pricey, pretty, gritty scrubs. But what to do when your purse-strings are tight? Homemade exfoliating facial scrubs are a gentle, natural and effective way to slough away your nasty, dead skin cells. They can tighten pores and refine the look of your skin. Just shop your kitchen, mix and glow with your bad self.

Mango Honey Exfoliating Facial Scrub

A decadent scrub that's all natural and organic, this scrub will give you glowing results. Mash two ripe, organic mangoes in a bowl with a fork or potato masher. Add (in this order): 2 cups distilled water, 2 tsp. organic cider vinegar, 2 tbsp. organic honey and 1/2 cup organic cornmeal. Whisk or blend the ingredients until well-mixed. If you have a blender or food processor, bust it out and make your life a little easier.

Add a few tablespoons of your scrub to your palms, then massage into your face, staying away from your sensitive eye area. Pay special attention to your forehead, chin and nose.

Rinse thoroughly with cool water, then pat your face gently with a towel.

Use a fresh batch each time you want to scrub your face. Store scrub in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Label the jar so you don't accidentally chow down on it.

Sugar Oatmeal Exfoliating Facial Scrub

The exfoliating action of oatmeal and sugar removes dead skin cells and improves your circulation, making for some rosy, healthy cheeks. Grab a big bowl and add the dry ingredients first: 15 tbsp. (a smidge shy of 1 cup) regular table sugar and 2 tbsp. finely ground oatmeal. Mix these until blended.

Chop a lemon in half and squeeze the juice from both halves into the sugar and oatmeal. Add 1 tbsp. aloe vera gel and 2 tbsp. of honey. Blend them together. The aloe vera gel and honey thicken your scrub into a paste. Honey moisturizes, while the aloe vera gel cools and soothes.

Brew a cup of green tea and let it steep for a few minutes, then let it cool. Add 2 tbsp. of the tea to your facial scrub. Mix all the ingredients well.

Scrub the exfoliant in a circular motion on your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat your face dry with a towel.

Store your scrub in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Enjoy your new complexion.

1.2 ripe organic mangoes

3.2 tsp. organic cider vinegar

5.1/2 cup organic cornmeal

7.Fork

9.Food processor or blender

11.1 cup sugar

13.1 lemon

15.2 tbsp. honey

2.2 cups distilled water

4.2 tbsp. organic honey

6.Bowl