Minute investigates: do homemade exfoliation tips work?

On the internet you can find many recipes for exfoliating your skin at home.

The suggestions are as varied as possible: coffee, cornmeal, sugar and coarse salt are ingredients that often appear in these “miraculous tips”

But does this practice really work? Are there any dangers?

Well, thinking about the health and beauty of your skin, our newsroom went after these answers and tells you everything here at Minuto investigates.

Want to know more? So check out what is special about this text

Contents

What is skin exfoliation and why is it important?

To start by talking about exfoliation, let’s explain what that means. In a very simple and summarized way, it can be said that exfoliation is a method of removing dead skin cells. It also removes other impurities such as dirt and traces of make-up and creams, leaving the skin smoother and smoother.

Some spots and scars can also be improved with a well-made exfoliation, since this technique helps in the superficial renewal of the dermis.

It can be done in 2 ways.

The first is the most common: physically, in which some granule product is applied to the skin (that is, as if they were small grains that will have an abrasive action). The product is gently rubbed onto the skin, so that it generates beneficial friction.

The second form is called chemical exfoliation, which is done with acids, usually in the presence of trained professionals. Depending on the situation, the use of lasers may also be recommended.

The face is the most common part of the body to perform an exfoliation. But this technique can be done on the entire length of the skin, including the scalp.

What are the risks of homemade exfoliation?

For Rhyana Guibes, beautician and cosmetologist, homemade exfoliation is dangerous because it can harm the dermis, since many people do not take into account factors such as skin type, age and other personal peculiarities (allergies, for example).

Thus, the beautician recommends talking to a (a) professional who can correctly advise on the safety of each recipe.

Thus, you are more likely to avoid complications such as redness, itching, burning, aging of the skin and even the appearance of allergies.

According to Rhyana, it is important to remember that each skin is unique and different. For this reason, professional assessment is essential.

The expert also says that homemade recipes can be “dangerous” and that the ideal is to use products that are specially developed for this.

Here, we bring you some homemade ingredients that, although they are popular, should be avoided during home exfoliation. Know the risks of each one:

Sugar

While granule products manufactured specifically for exfoliating products have a pattern of shape and size of crystals, the sugar industry is not concerned with this detail. So it is quite common to find larger or smaller stones in this ingredient.

This lack of patterning can end up scratching or hurting your skin even more.

Often, instead of simply removing dead cells from the surface layer, sugar ends up reaching a deeper layer of the dermis.

Corn meal

Like sugar, there is no scientific evidence that cornmeal can guarantee true cleansing of the skin.

Eventually, some people may notice instant improvements in their skin when making homemade recipes with this ingredient.

Although it is less contraindicated than sugar (since it is thinner and softer), its use may not be as efficient, as it has no beneficial properties to the skin.

Café

First, it is important to say that there is no scientific evidence that black coffee can help improve the skin.

Like cornmeal, despite being thin and softer, coffee does not provide an effective and safe exfoliation.

Coarse salt

Coarse salt is another enemy of the skin, for a very simple reason: it does not have particles of the same size.

This can even be seen with the naked eye or with the help of a magnifying glass. If you pay attention, you will notice that there are pebbles bigger than the others and that the tips tend to be irregular and hard.

The big problem is that it can end up scratching and damaging the skin, causing discomfort, burning and redness.

What are the cares for exfoliating the face at home?

Even when exfoliating at home, the ideal is always to use products that are formulated for this. But how do I know which product is right for me? Well, talking to a professional in dermatology or cosmetology who can assess your skin type and what is the best treatment for you is the best option in these situations.

After consultation, buy the indicated product. So you guarantee more security for the health of your dermis, as the chances of allergies are less.

To help you, we also bring these tips that were divided according to the steps of the process:

Before using

When buying the product, first of all, it is essential to read the label. Identify whether the product can be applied with your fingers or needs a small piece of cotton.

After that, prepare what you need: towel, watch (if the product requires some time before rinsing), cotton, soap to clean your hands (if you use your finger to apply) and mirror (if the exfoliation is on the face) .

The next step is to prepare the skin, which should be very clean and preferably moist. Remove all makeup, creams, lotions and sunscreen, and gently soak the dermis.

It is also important to pay attention to the temperature of the water that must be warm, that is, a temperature close to the temperature of the body (between 30 ° C and 40 ° C).

During use

With damp skin, start applying the product. Make circular movements gently.

If the application is on the face, avoid passing the product on the eye area, which is a more sensitive part, being covered by thinner skin.

Another tip that seems a bit unnecessary, but is extremely important, is to comply with the time of use. For example, if the product needs to stay on the skin for 15 minutes, follow this guidance. Otherwise, it tends not to have the desired effect.

Avoid placing your hand on the area where the product was applied. Do not scratch or massage while the product acts.

If the discomfort is great, accompanied by burning and stinging and this is not foreseen on the product label, the ideal is to remove it and not pass it on again before consulting a specialist.

After use

When rinsing the skin, it is necessary to take care of the water temperature again Remember the tip in the topic above? Ideally, it should be warm or cool.

Another very important tip for this moment is to pay attention to the towel: try to use a soft fabric without embroidery or seams to avoid scratching the newly exposed skin.

When it is time to dry, avoid making back and forth movements that cause friction on the skin. Instead, use the towel to apply pressure to small parts of the skin.

Exfoliating face products

Some examples of products that are specially formulated to exfoliate and can be recommended by professionals are:

  • Protex Exfoliating Facial Soap Anti Blackheads and Pimples : in addition to making a deep exfoliation leaving your skin more smooth, the soap still promises to treat and prevent the appearance of acne. The 150mL package can cost between R $ 23.99 and R $ 38.15 *;
  • Actine Darrow Facial Scrub : formulated with microspheres, the product promotes cell renewal without leaving the face dry. To buy the 60g package, you will need to pay between R $ 37.53 and R $ 54.20 *;
  • Hidrabene Facial Exfoliating Gel : this type of gel can be used on all skin types and contains small bamboo spheres to help remove impurities. The 100g package costs between R $ 26.97 and R $ 34.68 *;
  • Neutrogena Purified Skin Facial Scrub : the scrub should be used on mixed to oily skins. The price varies between R $ 30.73 and R $ 46.99 * for a pack of 100g;
  • Nuxe Gelée Facial Scrub Exfoliating Douce : with a formula composed of 91% natural products that gently remove dead cells. The value of 75mL of product is approximately R $ 64.39 *;
  • Darrow Actine Facial Scrub Mask : this product is made with white clay, vitamin B5 and zinc. Thus, the mask moisturizes, removes residues and even fights skin oiliness. 2 sachets of 5g each can have prices starting at R $ 13.30 *;
  • Panvel Faces Exfoliating Gel : formulated with vitamin A, B5 and E, the product eliminates dead cells while promoting a gentle cleansing. The approximate value is R $ 18.99 * for the 75g package;
  • Panvel Faces Tea Tree Facial Scrub : this scrub is made with apricot microspheres in addition to being oil free (no oils) making it perfect for mixed and oily skin. 100g costs around R $ 26.99 *;
  • Acnesept Facial Scrub : this product is made with white clay and green tea promising to cleanse the skin, stimulate cell renewal and reduce oiliness. The price fluctuates in the range of R $ 16.43 and R $ 19.32 * for the 75g package;
  • Zeta Skin Facial Scrub : this scrub is indicated for normal and oily skin. It also contains no parabens or dyes, decreasing the chances of allergic reactions. For 75g of the product, it is necessary to pay amounts close to R $ 14.39 and R $ 19.90 *;

* Prices consulted in June 2020. Prices may change.

Exfoliating body products

Here, we bring a list of exfoliating products that are indicated to use on the body: arms, legs, back and belly. Meet some:

  • Nivea Body Scrub : formulated with pearl microparticles of vitamin E, this product promises an exfoliation that, in addition to leaving the skin smooth, can also contribute to anti-aging. 200mL of scrub costs approximately between R $ 21.65 and R $ 30.25 *;
  • Granado Terrapeutics Body Scrub : enriched with shea butter and Brazil nuts, this product should be used once a week for a gentle exfoliation. The 200g package costs approximately R $ 102.49 *;
  • Nuxe Rêve de Miel Nourishing Body Scrub : made with honey and various types of oils (sunflower, argan and borage), this product is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. It is necessary to disburse approximately R $ 113.90 * per 175mL;
  • Davene Body to Body Exfoliating Jelly : in order to leave the skin with a more velvety and soft touch, Davene jelly is made with vegetable products and is not tested on animals. The 300g pot costs around R $ 26.50 *;
  • Body Scrub Lola Holds this Extra Dry Skin Baphão : suitable for extra dry skin , this scrub has 95% natural actives. The 250ml packaging is priced at close to R $ 39.99 *.

* Prices consulted in June 2020. Prices may change.

Exfoliating products for hands and feet

Exfoliants can also be used on more dry parts such as the feet, hands, elbows and knees. See our short list:

  • Exfoliating Cream for Hands and Feet of Natural Water : this cream is ideal for reducing calluses and skin roughness. With grape seed oil, it still promises to protect against aging. The 230g package has prices approximately R $ 27.99 and R $ 28.45 *;
  • Dona Graciosa Exfoliating Cream for Feet : formulated with microspheres, aloe vera and collagen, this product provides an exfoliation ensuring smoothness and hydration for your feet. The value is around R $ 11.44 * for a 60g package;
  • Exfoliating Cream for Hydramal Feet : with oils from cottonseed and murumuru seeds, the cream nourishes, softens and moisturizes the dermis of the feet. 250g cost about R $ 14.64 *.

* Prices consulted in June 2020. Prices may change.


Although some homemade exfoliation tips can present effective results in certain people, it is extremely important that, before carrying them out, a professional dermatologist or beautician gives guidance.

This is because it is necessary to make a safe and specialized assessment before using any recipe found on blogs or passed on by other people.

Thus, the risk of developing allergies, injuries and blemishes is avoided. Remember: each skin is different and has different reactions, depending on the situation.

Before exposing yourself to risk, think carefully and seek help from those who understand the subject. The Healthy Minute brings a lot of other information about personal care. Follow our posts and share your beauty with the world.

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