Every now and then our faces need a little more TLC than we get from our regular daily cleanser. While cleansers help to keep our skin clean, exfoliators work to remove the dead skin cells, leaving our skin refreshed and healthy. It’s important to exfoliate about once a week to keep your skin looking its best! While there are obviously a lot of exfoliators on the market, sometimes the chemicals they use can be harsh and can be more of a hassle than a help. If you’re having trouble finding the right store-bought exfoliator, try these simple, quick homemade exfoliators that only require 2 ingredients!

Oatmeal and Milk
For this exfoliator, all you need to do is mix 1 tablespoon of oatmeal with about 3 tablespoons of warm milk. Make sure the milk isn’t too hot though, as that could irritate the skin. Wait until oats are soft, and then rub it on your skin in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes and rinse with warm water. This exfoliator works because oatmeal is great for skin irritations like dryness and itchiness and can also help with acne. The milk in the recipe is also a great addition, as the lactic acid is itself a great exfoliator and can help reduce signs of aging.

Coconut Oil and Sugar
To get a good paste for this exfoliator, mix 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil using either a spoon or your fingers to mix it. If you’re using a spoon, it might be best to melt the oil first, though make sure it’s not too hot otherwise the sugar will melt. If you’re using your fingers, your body heat will help soften the oil on its own and you shouldn’t have any troubles mixing. Rub on your face in a circular motion for 2 to 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water or wipe with a wet warm cloth. Sugar acts as the exfoliator in this mix, while the coconut oil helps wipe away dirt and bacteria while also leaving your skin hydrated.

Honey and Strawberry
For this simple mix, mash 2 to 3 strawberries until pulpy (with the leaves still on for added exfoliation) in a bowl and then stir in 1 tablespoon of honey until it’s fairly smooth. Rub the paste onto your face with circular motions for about 2 minutes, then leave the mask on for about 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Strawberries, with their antioxidant properties, will help protect and heal your skin cells while also getting rid of toxins. Honey is not only a good exfoliator but also a great hydrator that will keep your skin smooth, and it’s also said to help reduce acne scars and dark spots. Not only will this mix help your skin, it smells great too!

After washing off each of these masks with warm water, make sure to give your face a splash of cold water to close up your pores again!