Homemade Microdermabrasion: 4 Steps To Glowing, Youthful Skin

Women strive to look youthful and healthy, and nothing says that like fresh, dewy-looking skin. A simple way to achieve that look is with regular microdermabrasion treatments. Microdermabrasion is a treatment in which the outer layer of skin is sloughed off to reveal newer skin beneath, leading to a glowing, youthful appearance. It can minimize scars caused by acne and is anti-aging. Although well worth the money, microdermabrasion treatments performed by an esthetician can be expensive and are not always financially feasible. Store bought microdermabrasion kits are an option that's a little easier on the wallet, but they can be full of ingredients that may be harsh for your skin. If you are unable to afford professional microdermabrasion treatments often, make your own using ingredients you most likely have on hand!

To give yourself an at-home microdermabrasion treatment, you will need:

• 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 2-3 teaspoons of a facial oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba or grapeseed
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil
• unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• water

Step 1: Make a paste by mixing the baking powder with your facial oil of choice (if you do not have any on hand, water will work as well). This will be trial and error in reaching the consistency you like to work with. It should feel grainy and slightly thick. Add a drop of lavender essential oil for its soothing properties and a small amount of honey to help bind moisture to your skin. Honey has many nourishing benefits and can help control blemishes, since it is also anti-bacterial. However, if all you have in your home is baking soda and water, you can make an exfoliation paste using just those two ingredients.

Step 2: Using light pressure and small circular motions, apply the paste to your skin. Continue making small circles with your fingertips for about 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Step 3: To restore the pH balance of your skin, dilute a tablespoon of the unfiltered apple cider vinegar with an equal part water. For drier skin, mix a teaspoon of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply to the skin with a cotton ball, and let dry on the skin. This solution acts as a facial toner. If you notice your skin becomes too dried out from using the solution, add more water and less vinegar the next time around. It is very important to use unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Distilled vinegar will not have the same benefits. 

Step 4: Once your face is completely dry, moisturize with a small amount of facial oil or with a gentle lotion. Grapeseed and almond oil are good choices if anti-aging is a goal—both help bind moisture and have nourishing benefits for your skin.

Repeat this treatment no more than once per week before bedtime as the skin will look slightly red and irritated for a few hours afterward. By morning, the redness should subside and the skin should look rejuvenated and glowing! You'll find that while professional microdermabrasion treatments from spas like Babich Skin Care Center are wonderful, there are ways to do them yourself at home when the budget doesn't allow a trip to the spa!

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