Homemade Anti-Aging Facial Scrub

Woman Washing Face with a Sponge

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You can't change the fact that your skin will age with you -- fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of life. With the right treatments, though, you may ward off those signs of aging for a bit longer. Homemade facial scrubs can gently buff away dead skin to reveal fresh skin. They also can infuse your face with the moisture that can give dry, aging skin a plumper, fresher appearance. Best of all, instead of containing chemicals, these scrubs are made from natural ingredients such as lemon juice, oatmeal and honey.

Combine 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon agave nectar in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to dry skin using small, circular motions for one to two minutes. Rinse well with warm water. The lemon in this recipe brightens dull skin, the agave nectar provides hydration, and the rice exfoliates and removes dead skin. This scrub also works well on rough hands and calluses.

Blend 1 cup uncooked oatmeal and 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds in a food processor. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then add 2 tablespoons buttermilk and 2 tablespoons honey. Smooth the mixture over your face, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Honey is a natural moisturizer, oatmeal works as an exfoliant, and pomegranate seeds contain the anti-aging compounds such as vitamin C and antioxidants.

Rub a slice of papaya or pineapple over your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Avoid the eye area. After five minutes, smooth a pinch of baking soda over skin, then rinse your skin with warm water. The acid in these fruits exfoliates and brightens skin, working like a mild chemical peel. The baking soda neutralizes the acidic fruit juice while also gently exfoliating skin.

Squeeze the juice from a lemon half into a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon honey and a handful of very finely chopped almonds. Mix in 2 tablespoons fresh minced mint. Stir well, then gently apply the scrub to your face. Rinse with warm water after a few minutes. The honey in this recipe moisturizes and softens skin, which can help prevent wrinkles. Almonds also have moisturizing properties and vitamin A, and the gritty texture makes a good exfoliant. Mint has antiseptic and astringent properties that stimulate skin cells.