Exfoliate Naturally

We learned about the malicious microbeads and the incredibly harmful impact they have on the environment and your health. Now we are taking a look at why these beads were introduced to skin care in the first place, and how to get the intended benefit of the beads naturally and far more effectively.

Exfoliation is key in obtaining healthy and vibrant skin; the process removes the top layer of dead dry skin, leaving fresh and hydrated skin exposed. Essentially, you give your skin a light sanding and smooth off the scuffed-up top layer…great! The industry then took this information and asked… “How can we have exfoliation for the least amount of money?” Enter the microbead!

Plastic is the world’s most versatile and cheapest material, and it can be moulded into whatever colour, scent, and shape manufacturers can imagine. This means that those scrubby morning fresh citrus burst beads really are nothing more than a chemical-soaked ball of orange plastic…feeling any prettier yet?

While plastic is cheaper, nature knows best!
Many of the most beautifying ingredients can be found in your kitchen or garden: sugar, nuts, and flowers contain elements that help your skin stay refreshed and give you a glowing summer complexion.

Sugar
Sugar packs a triple whammy when it comes to skin care. It naturally helps draw moisture from the environment onto the skin’s surface. It contains glycolic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps break down dead skin cells, making them easier to be removed. Finally, sugar is full of nature’s micro beads: the small sugar molecules help polish the skin’s surface, removing dead skin.

Citrus
Citrus oils, especially lemon and orange oils, are very high in Vitamin C, an ingredient that is proven to lighten dark spots and even skin tone. It is also a natural astringent that helps tighten pores and brighten the complexion. Internally, Vitamin C is an essential component in building collagen and firming skin.

Nuts
Traditionally, products used to contain chunky pieces of nut shells and fruit seeds; this method has been proven to be too abrasive and can cause skin damage. Newer products still contain these ingredients but ground down to a finer finish. Ground almonds, apricot seeds, and shea nut powder all prove effective in removing dead skin.

Flowers
Not all exfoliants are abrasive. Many flowers such as rose and geranium contain natural enzymes that help break down or rather “digest” dead skin cells, making them easier to be removed.