Unlike other DIY face scrubs, this matcha + turmeric + olive oil concoction has worked wonders for my sensitive combination skin type. While I've known for years that these were some of the best dietary ingredients in terms of healthier skin, it didn't click until recently that applying them topically would work wonders for my skincare routine, cleaning out my clogged pores, soothing my dry skin patches, and leaving my complexion totally radiant!
Follow along this easy four ingredient step by step recipe guide for a natural homemade facial that combines brightening and anti-inflammatory ingredients to give you the healthy glowing skin that you've been dreaming of!
My Skin Journey
While I've been fortunate not to struggle the way many have with intense full face acne, there once was a time where large and painful pimples on my face were the norm. This was around puberty, which no doubt was the instigator, but I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that every single product sold to me with the promise of "solving my problem" just made things worse.
So while the problem may have begun simply as 3 large painful pimples on rotation, these harsh cleansers transformed my face into a bright red, dry and cracking, aching mess.
"It gets worse before it gets better!" They claimed. In my case (and I'm assuming many others) it just got worse. It wasn't until I ditched a skincare routine (sans moisturizer) entirely, that I began to see actual improvement.
While my face has cleared up considerably since that time, I still need to be careful. Careful for me pretty much became avoiding touching my face as much as possible, going without full face makeup, washing minimally, and using the most sensitive skin friendly facial moisturizers. Now, this was an incredibly successful defense against large painful pimples, but sebaceous filaments (commonly confused with blackheads, meaning that the pores can still breath but contain dead skin cells and oil) became a noticeable issue around my chin and nose.
The solution: exfoliation.
Skin Exfoliation for Sensitive Skin
Skin exfoliation is a real pain in the ass for those of us with sensitive skin. One wrong move or bad ingredient, and bam, pimple.
This is what lead me to concocting this special blend. I took 3 ingredients from my kitchen cupboard, all known for their powerful effects on skin (when digested, at least), particularly their anti-inflammatory properties, added sugar for texture, and was pleasantly surprised by the results.
4 Simple Ingredients
This matcha scrub is an amped up take on your standard sugar scrub. The exact measurements of each ingredient aren't totally important, you can play around until the texture suits you.
This DIY face scrub recipe is an uncomplicated blend of 4 ingredients:
White Granulated Sugar - This should make up about 75% of the mix.
Olive Oil - A couple of tablespoons should be plenty, but it depends on the texture you prefer. I like for my finished scrub to have the texture similar to that of wet sand at the ocean shore.
Matcha Powder - One or two teaspoons.
Turmeric Powder - One or two teaspoons.
Bitch'en Benefits
While I'm no chemist or health professional, and my opinion on skin care should be taken with a grain of salt, my personal research suggests that this DYI facial scrub is packed with that good shit.
Here's why each of these ingredients can be beneficial:
Matcha: Matcha is a powdered form of green tea that is rich in antioxidants. When used in a face scrub, matcha helps to detoxify the skin, reduce inflammation, and fight against free radicals that can contribute to premature aging. Its gentle exfoliating properties help remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking brighter and refreshed.
Turmeric: Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been used for centuries in skincare for its ability to promote a healthy complexion. Turmeric helps to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and provide a natural glow. It can also help soothe and calm the skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin conditions.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is a nourishing and moisturizing ingredient that is packed with beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants. It helps to hydrate the skin, improve its elasticity, and protect against moisture loss. Olive oil also contains vitamin E, which assists in reducing the signs of aging and maintaining a smooth and supple complexion. Additionally, its antibacterial properties can be helpful for those with acne-prone skin.
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar acts as a gentle physical exfoliant in a face scrub. It helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a smoother and softer complexion. Sugar has a smaller particle size compared to other exfoliants, making it suitable for more delicate facial skin. It also aids in improving blood circulation, giving the skin a healthy and radiant appearance.
When combined in a face scrub, these ingredients work synergistically to provide a wild array of sexy benefits. Matcha and turmeric contribute their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while olive oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Granulated sugar acts as a gentle exfoliant to remove impurities and promote a brighter complexion.
Your Standard "Everybody's Unique" Warning
Before I get into the dirty details of putting this recipe to work, it's important to remember that individual skin sensitivities are always going to vary. What works (so phenomenally) for me, may really piss your skin off. This being said, I'd recommended performing a patch test before applying the scrub to your entire face. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs, please and thank you.
Combine Ingredients
In a small bowl or jar, combine all ingredients. Great work.
Now that we've gotten through the hard part, let's put this baby to the test.
How to Apply
It is standard DIY facial scrub etiquette for me to recommend that before we begin, you make sure that your beautiful face is freshly cleansed. If you actually read this entire article, you know that I rarely ever actually wash my face, so do as you will.
Now, it's time to apply the scrub to your face.
Be extra cautious around your delicate eye area and any spots of irritation. Use your fingertips to gently massage the scrub onto your skin, making soft circular motions. Remember, we're aiming for a gentle touch here, so don't get too excited. Pay attention to areas that need a little more exfoliation or have uneven texture. I personally will often avoid exfoliating my forehead at all, as that section of my face possesses especially oily skin and tends to oil up my fringe.
Once you've thoroughly massaged the scrub onto your skin, let it work its magic for a few minutes. This gives the antioxidants and nourishing properties a chance to sink in and do their thing. Take a moment to relax and let the scrub work its wonders.
Alright, time to rinse off the scrub.
Use warm water to wash away the remnants, massaging your skin as you go to ensure all those granulated sugar particles bid farewell.
I will often use a bit of paper towel to gently remove excess turmeric and olive oil, as the water alone doesn't entirely finish the job.
Gently pat your lovely face dry with a clean towel. Now, grab your favorite moisturizer and give your skin some well-deserved hydration and TLC. Lock in that moisture and let it soothe your sensitive skin.
Remember, both matcha and turmeric can leave a temporary yellow tint, but fret not, it should fade away after cleansing and moisturizing.
Give this facial scrub a go once or twice a week, or as needed, to maintain a smooth and radiant complexion. Let these natural ingredients pamper your sensitive skin without the drama. Embrace the exfoliation journey, my friend, and let your skin shine through with its natural beauty.
Storing Your Face Scrub
Your Matcha Scrub can be stored easily in the refrigerator, just pop it in an old jar and screw on the lid!
I've not got an exact expiration date handy, but my batches tend to last months with no issue.
Happy Scrubbing
I sincerely hope that this natural and benefit packed homemade facial works wonders for your complexion like it has for mine. At the end of the day, more than any bit of makeup or article of clothing, keeping our bodies healthy (inside and out) is the key to radiating each of our own personal brands of beauty.
Let me know in the comments if this scrub was exactly what you've been searching for, or if I singlehandedly ruined your day and caused a breakout (sorry).
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