1.     Honey

This is probably my favorite and most used ingredient in my facial scrubs, and for good reason.  I find that it is the easiest liquid ingredient to add to otherwise dry scrub ingredients.  It is thick enough to prevent other ingredients, such as sugar, from being too harsh on the skin while scrubbing and also thick enough to prevent other ingredients from dissolving all together and losing their texture.  Apart from being a great consistency, honey is a natural antibacterial so it is awesome for prevention and treatment of acne.  In addition, its anti-aging antioxidant, and moisturizing properties guarantee you that you skin is left smooth and glowing.  Oh and did I mention it tastes and smells great?  LOVE IT!

2.     Cinnamon

Like honey, cinnamon is an anti-bacterial so its also great anti-acne ingredient.  Cinnamon however, also has the added benefit of temporarily increase collagen levels, which help maintain a youthful appearance.  If you have oily or combination skin, this is a must have ingredient as it is known to tighten pores and keep ones face smooth and clear.  I find that cinnamon is to fine to be my main exfoliator ingredient so I don’t really use it for that purpose but I always make sure to include it.  (Mostly because I love the smell)

3.     Sugar

Sugar is my main go-to scrubbing ingredient.  While it is recommended that you do not use sugar as an exfoliant too frequently because it might be too rough on ones skin, I find that a once a week session with sugar and honey is perfectly fine.  Sugar is also a humectant like honey which means it is also awesome at moisturizing your skin.  Just make sure you don’t press too hard or at all into your skin when scrubbing with sugar.  Just gently massage it on your skin in circular motions.  I LOVE how smooth my skin feels after a sugar scrub.

4.     Oatmeal

Now if you have really sensitive skin or if you are a patient person, oatmeal is the scrub for you.  The good thing about this ingredient is, it’s the only one who need.  You don’t need to mix it with any other ingredient.  More so it is awesome at clearing pores, moisturizing skin and calming flare ups.  I have a cousin who uses oatmeal and she has the most spotless, healthy looking even skin toned skin ever (so jealous).  My only reservation with oatmeal is the preparation needed.  This is a scrub that also serves as facial cleanser so can be used daily.  Because it can go stale when wet, you cannot prepare a big batch to use for a while so you have to take daily portions, wet the oats, scrub your face and then try to get as much as you can in the bin so it doesn’t clog your drains.  It’s just a little too tedious for my liking. 

5.     Lemon

Lemon has most of the same benefits as the other ingredients on this list.  It is anti-bacterial and a great chemical exfoliant.  My main reason for using lemon however, is its skin evening properties.  Lemon is my toner ingredient.  It works to even skin tones and lighten scars and other discolorations.   Some people apply lemon overnight or use it as their daily toner but I find that it’s a bit too strong for frequent use on my skin.  Plus I DO NOT want to lighten my skin Vera Sidika style so I usually avoid anything known for lightening skin tones.  But I find that when I mix it with my other ingredients, I get all the benefits of lemon without the any unwanted lightening.

I love discovering new ingredients for facial skin so try out the ingredients and let me know how they worked for you or let me know what you use and swear by.

Until Next Time,

The Scrub Lover.