Waiting to Ex-Foliate: Home Spa vs Go Spa

by Marilee Tolen

Exfoliation is removing the skin cells that are naturally sloughing off to allow new cells to be on the surface layer of the skin. It helps to reduce dry skin and eliminate itching. Freshly exfoliated skin often glows too.

Every day is a new day for your skin. Exfoliating on an ongoing basis gives you the best opportunity for the real beauty of your skin to shine through - every day.

There are natural, easy, and chemical-free ways to exfoliate at home. Here are four recipes to exfoliate your face, hands, feet and body:

--Oatmeal Scrub for Gentle Exfoliation of Your Face: 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp honey oatmeal - enough to make a paste. Combine ingredients and apply to face. Let dry. Rub off gently with warm washcloth. The micro particles in the oats will remove dead skin cells and the acids in the milk and honey will also help exfoliate gently.

--Sweet n Sour Hand Exfoliator: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons apricot oil, juice of 1/2 a lemon or 3 drops lemon essential oil. Combine ingredients and immediately rub mixture onto hands. Rinse with warm water and moisturize. Sugar abrasion is an excellent exfoliator. The apricot oil is a natural lubricant, and the lemon is a skin rejuvenator.

--Nuts About Me Foot Scrub: 1/2 cup shelled walnuts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon castor oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. In a blender, grind walnuts to coarse powder. Add olive oil, castor oil, honey, and essential oils to make a thick paste. Rub feet with paste vigorously. Rinse with warm water. For best results, do this twice a week.

--Bright Shine Body Scrub Polish: 2 cups coarse sea salt, 1/4 cup apricot kernel oil, and 4 drops lavender essential oil. Combine sea salt and oils in a bowl to make a paste. Stand in bathtub - not under water - and spread mixture starting at the lower legs in smooth, upward circles on the body. Use firm gentle consistent pressure. After entire body has been exfoliated and scrubbed, gently rinse and pat dry.