A Guide to Physical Exfoliants

I don't know about you, but there's something so incredibly satisfying about a good scrub. That immediate feeling of smoothness and softness after buffing away the day's grime and dead skin is just unmatched. This is the magic of physical exfoliation. It's the most direct and intuitive way to reveal your skin's natural radiance, and I've found that using the right ingredients from nature can make all the difference.

Physical exfoliants work by using small, textured particles to manually slough off the tired, outer layer of your skin. My go-to choices always come from natural sources because they’re effective yet gentle, and they’re so much better for the environment than synthetic alternatives.

Here are some natural physical exfoliants:

• Jojoba Beads: These perfectly spherical beads are derived from jojoba wax. Their smooth, uniform shape means they provide a gentle scrub that doesn't cause micro-tears in the skin. They're a fantastic choice for facial scrubs. Can be pricey though.

• Granulated Sugar: A kitchen staple, sugar’s granules provide a lovely scrub for both face and body. It's also a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. (Definitely not my favorite)

• Fine Sea Salt: Known for its detoxifying properties, sea salt provides a more robust exfoliation. It's perfect for invigorating body scrubs and for smoothing rough areas like elbows and feet. Not for face!

• Finely Ground Oatmeal: For those with sensitive skin, this is a lifesaver. When ground into a powder, oatmeal provides an incredibly gentle and soothing exfoliation that also helps to calm irritated skin.

• Coffee Grounds: This common ingredient offers a wonderful, invigorating scrub for the body. The coarse texture is great for stimulating circulation and helping to firm the skin.

• Rice Powder: A beloved ingredient in many beauty traditions, rice powder is ultra-fine, offering a beautifully soft polish that helps brighten the complexion.

• Ground Almonds: When milled into a fine powder, almonds create a creamy, nutrient-rich exfoliant that's gentle and nourishing.

• Finely Crushed Walnut Shell: A powerful abrasive, walnut shell powder provides a very deep cleanse for those who love a strong scrub. (MY NEW FAVORITE!! We will offer this as add-ons on some of our scrub products, as well as on the Native Earth portion of our site.)

• Poppy Seeds: Tiny and round, these seeds offer a delicate exfoliating texture that works well in both facial and body formulas.

• Crushed Fruit Seeds: Sustainable byproducts from fruits like raspberries or strawberries, these fine seeds provide a mild and effective exfoliation.

• Coconut Fiber: The fibrous parts of a coconut can be used to create a coarse, stimulating scrub for the body.

• Cornmeal: A classic, simple exfoliant that provides a slightly gritty texture for a more thorough cleanse.

• Ground Pumice: Volcanic rock that is finely milled, making it highly effective for sloughing away tough, dry skin on the feet.

• Cranberry Seeds: Tiny, firm, and a beautiful color, these seeds offer a great, eco-friendly scrub.

• Ground Loofah: The dried loofah gourd can be ground into a powder that provides a classic, natural scrubbing sensation, ideal for the body.

The key to a good physical exfoliation is to be gentle. I like to apply my scrub to damp skin and use light, circular motions. After a minute or two, I rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow up with a rich moisturizer to lock in the newfound softness. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in my skincare routine.

Which ones have you tried? What do you like best?

Article by: Dahlia Kelada MSHS-INTM, SALVE Founder/CEO, Integrative Medicine Educator, Cosmetic Formulator

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to cure, prevent or treat any disease. Please use common sense and always talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment or application for a health condition.