Exfoliating our skin is an essential part of our skincare routine. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reveals a fresh and radiant complexion. However, for many a traditional face wash, microbeads are included in the formula. These tiny beads known as microbeads, which are harmful to the environment and marine life.
Thankfully, there are several natural alternatives that can effectively exfoliate your skin without causing any harm. Let's explore ten such alternatives and discover how they can help you achieve a healthy and vibrant complexion.
1. Whole Oats: Gentle and Nourishing
Whole oats are not only a nutritious breakfast option but also a fantastic natural exfoliant, particularly suitable for those with sensitive skin. When used in facial scrubs, oats gently remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.
You can grind the oats into a fine powder and mix them with a gentle cleanser or simply blend them with water to create a paste-like consistency. Massage the mixture onto your face in circular motions, rinse off with warm water, and enjoy the soft and supple feeling of your skin.
2. Jojoba Beads: Gentle and Non-Abrasive
Jojoba beads are an excellent alternative to plastic microbeads due to their gentle and non-abrasive nature. These natural beads, derived from the jojoba plant, offer effective exfoliation without causing harm to the environment.
You can find facial scrubs containing jojoba beads or even purchase them separately to add to your favorite cleanser. These tiny beads work wonders in sloughing away dead skin cells, leaving your skin refreshed and rejuvenated.
3. Salt: Perfect for Body and Feet
Salt scrubs are commonly used to smooth rough skin on the body and feet. While they may be too abrasive for delicate facial skin, salt scrubs can work wonders when used appropriately. If you have stubborn patches of dry or rough skin on your body, mixing salt with a moisturizing body wash can help buff away dead skin cells, revealing softer and smoother skin. However, it's essential to avoid using salt scrubs on your face, as the skin is more sensitive in that area.
4. Dairy: Lactic Acid for Gentle Exfoliation
Milk and yogurt contain lactic acid, a natural exfoliant that helps break down dead skin cells. When applied topically, dairy products can help improve the texture of your skin and promote a radiant complexion.
You can make a simple homemade facial scrub by mixing milk or yogurt with a gentle cleanser or other natural ingredients like honey or oats. Gently massage the mixture onto your face, rinse off with warm water, and enjoy the gentle exfoliating benefits of dairy.
5. Coffee: Antioxidant-Rich and Rejuvenating
Coffee grounds are not just a wonderful way to start your day; they also offer great benefits for your skin. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, coffee grounds help restore the rejuvenation of your skin while providing gentle exfoliation.
After brewing your morning cup of coffee, collect the used grounds from the coffee filter and allow them to cool. Mix them with a small amount of your favorite facial cleanser and massage the mixture onto your face in circular motions. Rinse off with warm water, and your skin will feel invigorated and revitalized.
6. Lemons: Natural AHAs for Brighter Skin
Lemon juice contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are natural exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells and improve the skin's texture. However, it's important to use caution when applying lemon juice to your skin, as it can be drying and irritating.
To create a gentle facial scrub, mix fresh lemon juice with a small amount of sugar or honey. The sugar provides additional exfoliation while the honey helps moisturize and soothe the skin. Massage the mixture onto your face, rinse off with warm water, and revel in the refreshed and brighter appearance of your skin.
7. Sugar: Glycolic Acid for Cell Renewal
Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, a powerful exfoliant that promotes cell production and breaks down the proteins that keep dead cells attached to your skin. By using a sugar scrub, you can effectively remove dead skin cells and reveal a more youthful complexion.
Mix sugar with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, to create a paste-like consistency. Gently massage the scrub onto your face in circular motions, rinse off with warm water, and enjoy the smooth and glowing results.
8. Baking Soda: Affordable and Effective
Baking soda is a versatile ingredient found in most kitchens that also makes a fantastic facial scrub. Especially suitable for oily or acne-prone skin, baking soda helps remove excess oil and unclog pores. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water, ensuring it has a slightly grainy texture.
Massage the mixture onto your face using gentle circular motions, then rinse off with warm water. Your skin will feel refreshed and purified, ready to absorb the benefits of your skincare routine.
9. Clay: Gentle and Natural Exfoliation
Clay is a gentle way to exfoliate naturally, as it doesn't require scrubbing to remove dead skin cells. When mixed with water or your favorite facial cleanser, clay forms a paste that can be applied to your face.
Allow the clay to dry for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. As you wash away the clay, it lifts away impurities and dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling clean, smooth, and refreshed.
10. Konjac Sponge: Gentle and Versatile
A konjac sponge is a natural exfoliator made from the root of the konjac plant. It is gentle and non-abrasive, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. To use a konjac sponge, soak it in warm water until it becomes soft and squishy.
Then, gently massage your face in circular motions, using the sponge to exfoliate and cleanse your skin. Rinse off with warm water, and your skin will feel clean, smooth, and refreshed.
Are face washes with microbeads banned?
Yes, the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, including face washes, is now banned in several countries due to their negative impact on the environment. These countries include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several EU countries. The tiny plastic particles can pass through water supply systems and end up in oceans and lakes, where they have harmful effects on marine life.
Are microbeads good for face?
While microbeads in cosmetics were initially popular due to their exfoliating properties, they are not considered good for your skin or the environment. Dermatologists warn that microbeads in personal care products like body scrubs, toothpaste, body washes and face washes can be too harsh on the skin, potentially causing micro-tears and leading to irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin.
There are more eco-friendly alternatives available, like products with natural exfoliants (e.g., sugar, salt, oats) that can be just as effective without causing environmental damage.
Does Neutrogena still use microbeads?
No, Neutrogena, along with many other companies, stopped using microbeads in their products after the Microbead-Free Waters Act was passed in the United States and other countries in 2015. The act, which went into full effect on July 1, 2018, banned the manufacture, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads.
How do I know if my product has microbeads?
Checking the ingredient list is the most reliable way to see if your product contains microbeads. Look for words like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and nylon.
These are all plastics commonly used to make microbeads. If you see any of these listed, your product likely contains microbeads. Alternatively, you can opt for products labeled as "microbead-free."
Achieve Clear Skin with the Misumi Clear Skin Duo
The Misumi Clear Skin Duo, consisting of the AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser and the Pore Purifying Toner, offers a powerful combination to combat acne and promote a clear complexion. Let's explore how this duo can help you on your journey to clearer skin.
AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser: Gentle Exfoliation and Deep Cleansing
The AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser is a vital component of the Misumi Clear Skin Duo. This cleanser is specifically formulated to address acne-prone skin, helping to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. One of the key benefits of this cleanser is its ability to provide gentle exfoliation.
The AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser does not contain microbeads, ensuring that you can exfoliate your skin effectively without harming the environment. Instead, it relies on a combination of natural and effective ingredients to promote a healthy complexion.
Pore Purifying Toner: Minimize Pores and Balance Skin
The Pore Purifying Toner is the second step in the Misumi Clear Skin Duo and works synergistically with the AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser. This toner is designed to further refine the skin and provide additional benefits for acne-prone skin.
Both the AHA 10% SkinPerfecting Cleanser and the Pore Purifying Toner in the Misumi Clear Skin Duo are free from microbeads. This means that you can confidently use these products without worrying about contributing to environmental pollution.
Final Thoughts
By using these ten natural alternatives, you can effectively exfoliate your skin without harming the environment with microbeads. Remember to always read labels and choose beauty products that are free from plastic microbeads. Let's protect our planet and keep our skin glowing with these sustainable and skin-friendly alternatives.
