11 DIY Face Scrub Recipes for an At-Home Spa Day

Moisturizing: Brown Sugar Face Scrub

Brown sugar is an excellent natural exfoliant that works on all skin types. It's also a very popular ingredient for homemade scrubs because of its moisturizing properties.

What You Should Know: "Brown sugar has a rough texture, which can help as a scrub. However, if one overdoes it, it's possible to cause skin abrasions and even cuts," says dermatologist, Gary Goldenberg, MD. "I wouldn't recommend it more than once per week."

Recipe:

• Fill a bowl with one cup of brown sugar.
• Add 3/4 cup of a non-comedogenic oil of your choice.
• Add 3/4 cup of Manuka honey.
• Mix well before using.

Soothing: Oatmeal Face Scrub

An oatmeal scrub works for most skin types—especially the dry, sensitive ones. "It's very soothing and moisturizing. It's especially great for those that are prone to allergies," says Dr. Goldenberg.

What You Should Know: Make sure you have a way to prevent the oatmeal from getting washed down your drain as it may cause clogging.

Recipe:

• Gather oatmeal, sweet almond oil, milk and an egg.
• Soak your ground oatmeal overnight in water by using 50% oatmeal and 50% water. If you want it to be ready instantly, you may also cook it.
• In a bowl, pour one cup of the oatmeal, one teaspoon of sweet almond oil, two tablespoons of milk and egg whites.
• Apply to the face and neck in a circular motion.

For Oily Skin: Almond Milk Face Scrub

An almond milk scrub can last you a long time and can be used for your face and body, especially when mixed with bentonite clay. "This type of scrub is best suited for oily skin, as the bentonite clay is great for sucking up excess oil while leaving behind tighter, more mattified skin," says Dr. Sobel. He also says this scrub is safe to use twice a week, depending on your needs.

What You Should Know: This scrub has a long shelf life. It can last for about three to four weeks. While you have the ingredients, grab some cute jars and labels and package some up for friends and family. This scrub makes a great gift for any occasion.

Recipe:

• This scrub uses only dry ingredients: 1/2 cup of bentonite clay, 1/2 cup of almond meal and 2 tablespoons of whole powdered milk.
• Mix together.
• Add a a few drops of lukewarm water before applying in gentle motions.

Brightening, Depuffing: Coffee and Cocoa Face Scrub

You'll enjoy a brilliant glow after using a coffee and cocoa face scrub. It adds brightness to any skin tone and can even reduce puffiness. The secret is in the caffeine found in both of the main ingredients. "Caffeine is a natural way to stimulate blood flow, which can result in tighter skin, and is great for eliminating fluid retention that makes your face feel puffy or inflamed," says Dr. Sobel.

What You Should Know: When you add honey and a dairy product like milk or yogurt, it's even better and ultra-moisturizing. Dr. Sobel recommends using the scrub only once a week, especially for those who have sensitive skin or use products with exfoliating properties.

Recipe:

• Into a small bowl, pour a teaspoon of ground coffee (or leftover coffee grinds), a teaspoon of chocolate powder and two geranium oil drops.
• Apply on clean, dry skin by avoiding the eye area.
• Leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. 

Anti-Inflammatory: Pineapple and Papaya Face Scrub

Both pineapple and papaya are natural exfoliants, and their fruity aroma is sure to invigorate all your senses. The enzymes in papaya can decrease inflammation, help reduce acne and small bumps on the skin. Pineapple is a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants that help treat acne and sun damage.

What You Should Know: This scrub isn't recommended for those with sensitive skin. Experts alert that pineapple and other citrus fruits can exacerbate existing sensitivity issues. "Anything acidic in high concentration can cause your skin to become inflamed and irritated," says Dr. Goldenberg.

Recipe:

• Mash 1/4 cup of cubed fresh pineapple and 1/4 cup of cubed fresh papaya together.
• Add two tablespoons of brown sugar, one tablespoon of sweet almond oil, and another tablespoon of honey.
• Apply to your face skin and leave for a few minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.

For Skin Renewal: Peach Facial Scrub

A peach facial scrub doesn't just smell great, it is also packed with skin-renewing benefits. Peaches are a surprising beauty powerhouse. Like many fruits, they naturally contain alpha-hydroxy acids, which act as a mild exfoliant. Not only does this help break down dead skin cells, but it also helps new cell turnover. When used regularly, this scrub will leave the skin smoother, help prevent blackheads, and lead to a clearer, brighter complexion.

What You Should Know: This scrub has a limited self life so use it all or share it with friends in the hours following fabrication.

Recipe:

• Peel and cut fresh organic peaches.
• Mash the peaches and mix with 3/4 cup of brown sugar.
• Add a few drops of your favorite oil.

For Glowy Skin: Rose Petal Exfoliating Scrub

Roses are beautiful, of course, but the flower's petals can also become a part of your beauty routine. They can be used to reduce oil production, help fight blemishes, and promoting glowing skin. Dr. Sobel says rose petals are great for those with sensitive skin, and can even act as an SPF—though he still recommends using sunscreen daily and reapplying throughout the day. "The natural oils reduce redness and oiliness while also eliminating wrinkles and hydrating," add Dr. Sobel.

Recipe:

• Add a cup of crushed petals into a bowl.
• Add 1/2 cup of ground oats and mix.
• Optional: follow with rose water.

Antioxidant: Adzuki Bean Face Scrub

Adzuki bean powder is a staple in Japanese beauty products, which provides deep cleansing. According to Dr. Sobel, it helps tighten, soften, and remove dead skin cells and excess sebum from pores. "Finely ground rice bran or rice powder can certainly be used to exfoliate the skin, and because it is an antioxidant, it can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. This can prevent skin aging, reduce UV light damage, improve skin cell growth and leave skin brighter overall," he says.

Recipe:

• Mix adzuki bean powder with warm water until it turns into a thick paste.
• Optional: add rice bran for additional exfoliating power (just remember to add more water).

Acne-Fighting: Strawberry Face Scrub

Strawberry face scrubs help prevent acne, fight the signs of aging and cleanse the skin. "Strawberry in skincare is great because it contains salicylic acid, which is a prime ingredient for fighting acne. Honey, cinnamon, and aloe are also good for the skin," says Dr. Sobel.

What You Should Know: "I would only use this once or twice a week, especially if you have sensitive skin or have other products you use with exfoliating benefits," says Dr. Sobel.

Recipe:

• Pour one cup of fresh puréed strawberries.
• Mix with 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil. 

Moisturizing, Toning: Yogurt Face Scrub

Yogurt naturally contains lactic acid, which helps enhance exfoliation and has tons of skincare benefits. It is hydrating because its creamy texture helps lock in moisture. Studies also show that yogurt has brightening and toning properties. It may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting skin elasticity and may even help reduce breakouts as yogurt contains probiotics, which reduce inflammation

What You Should Know: Try to use plain, unflavored yogurt for a DIY face scrub. Greek yogurt has a thicker texture that may make it easier to apply to the skin.

Recipe:

• Grind two tablespoons of rolled oats into a fine powder. Then, mix with plain Greek yogurt and your choice of non-comedogenic oil.
  
• Apply to cleansed skin and scrub in a gentle circular motion for 30 seconds to one minute.
  
• Rinse and pat dry.
  

Exfoliating and Hydrating: Aloe Vera Gel and Sugar Face Scrub

This face scrub combines the hydrating power of aloe vera gel with the exfoliating properties of refined sugar. "It can remove dead skin cells effectively and reveal healthier, brighter skin without over-drying," says Dr. Sobel. A sugar scrub can also speed up the skin renewal process, leaving skin looking younger, with reduced visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

What You Should Know: Dr. Sobel recommends doing sugar face scrubs no more than once a week. "Remember you don't want to over-exfoliate the skin as this could have negative effects," he says.

Recipe:

• Combine two tablespoons of aloe vera gel with two tablespoons of white sugar.
• Stir until the sugar starts to melt.
• Gently apply to the face before rinsing.