DIY Face Scrub Recipe: Coffee, Baking Soda & Honey

You should exfoliate your skin at least once a week — or twice if you have the time. A good exfoliation makes your skin feel and look brighter and it actually improves the functionality of your dermis. Or, in layman’s terms, exfoliation makes your skin do its job better.

Exfoliating nixes built-up makeup and product residue while removing dead skin cells that are just hanging out on the skin’s surface. This, in turn, makes skin appear brighter and healthier. It also decreases the likelihood of acne breakouts and subsequent scarring.

Now the question is, what’s the easiest/cheapest way to work exfoliation into your skincare routine? Well, you could spend $25 on this stuff. But you could also make a do-it-yourself face scrub with ingredients you already have sitting around.

DIY face scrub recipe

Today’s three-ingredient DIY face scrub combines coffee, honey and baking soda:

• Coffee smells fabulous and works as an exfoliator.
• Honey is a natural antioxidant that cleanses, protects and moisturizes.
• Baking soda exfoliates and brightens the skin.

How to: Coffee and baking soda scrub

1. Combine ingredients

Combine equal parts coffee, honey and baking soda. I used a tablespoon of each, but you can double or triple the recipe. Store your face scrub in an airtight container for up to a week in your refrigerator.

Tip: Use local honey. It’s only slightly more expensive and likely supports small/independent business.

2. Apply scrub to clean face

Remove all makeup, sunscreen, lotion, etc. from your face. Do not dry. Apply your DIY face scrub and massage it into the skin for at least 45 seconds. Let it set for three to five minutes.

Tip: If you have children, roommates, a husband or even a pet, now is the perfect opportunity to scare them with your gooey face.

3. Rinse and dry

Gently rinse the scrub off your face with tepid water and pat dry. Follow up with your favorite facial serum or cream to lock in moisture.