Due to popular interest, our Recession Proof Beauty series continues where we left off — organic, homemade face treatments.

Today, we will focus on scrubs.

Exfoliation is essential to anyone’s skincare regimen, yet often the most hyped over-the-counter scrubs are costly and anything but chemical-free. The recipes below are not only all natural; they are cost-effective. Most importantly, they are fun to prepare in your own kitchen and leave you with tingly clean skin as a refreshing result!

Note: The scrubs listed work for all skin types, unless stated otherwise.

General Scrub Procedure

1. Tie hair back.
2. Wash face.
3. To open pores, steam face over hot water or press warm cloth to skin for a few minutes.
4. After preparing scrub, apply it to face (and neck if desired). Avoid eye area.
5. Optional: Use a facial loofah, sponge, or brush to maximize exfoliation.
6. Rinse off with warm water.
7. Enjoy results!

Basic Baking Soda Scrub
Perfect for everyday use.

2 to 3 Tbsp. Baking soda
Small amount of water

Mix the ingredients into a paste.
Using a circular motion, apply to face and gently scrub.

Basic Cornmeal Scrub
Slightly more potent than the baking soda scrub, this works best on a 2 to 3 day interval.

2 to 3 Tbsp. Cornmeal
Small amount of water

Mix and apply in the same manner as baking soda scrub.

Rose Almond Face Scrub
To brighten and soften skin.

1 tsp rosewater
1/2 tsp almond flour or finely ground almonds.

Mix into paste and apply.

Oatmeal Scrub
A stimulating, thoroughly cleansing 3-in-1 scrub!
Smooths, tones, and hydrates.

1 Tbsp. ground oatmeal (use steel cut oats, not instant)
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. yogurt

Combine and apply.
Optional: let your scrub double as a mask! Let it sit a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

Azuki Bean Scrub
Banish your blackheads. Especially effective for combination and oily skin types.

½ cup dried azuki beans

Grind beans. (Having a small coffee grinder set aside specifically for beauty recipes is a wise idea).
Add a little water to the mixture and apply.

Milk and Honey Scrub
Maximize or minimize its moisturizing effect at will.

Choose your dairy:
1 tsp Skim Milk (Oily skin)
1 tsp 2% Milk (Normal or combination)
1 tsp Cream (Dry)

1 tsp honey
1 tbsp ground almonds

Banana Scrub
A very finely textured, delicious-smelling scrub. Can double as a mask.

2 tsp mashed banana
2 tsp rolled oats
1 tsp milk
1 tsp honey

Honey Sugar Scrub
If you have ever used a body sugar scrub, you know how amazing they are. Work the same magic on your face!

1 tsp. of honey
1/2 tsp. of sugar (either cane or brown — both work well)

Blend in bowl. Apply.
Rinse very thoroughly, as this recipe can be slightly sticky.

Care 2.com’s Healthy & Green Living shares this amazing (and Thanksgiving appropriate!) body scrub concoction (which also works wonders for the face):

Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub
1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Blend in a bowl. Apply mixture to face (and body, if you really want to indulge yourself).

The Green Beauty Guide offers this organic recipe:

“Eat Your Greens” Facial Scrub
2 tsp organic wheat bran
2 tbsp organic oatmeal
2 tbsp olive oil soap, finely shredded
1 tsp dried parsley
1 part dried lettuce

Shave your favorite plant oil-based soap.
Grind parsley and lettuce with pestle in mortar. (We have tried this – you can also blend it in a processor).
Add soap shavings and mix thoroughly.
Whisk in the oatmeal and wheat brand and continue stirring until thoroughly mixed.