Facial grains are the perfect replacement for the chemical based scrubs often criticised for being harsh on your skin. A good facial grain can cleanse and soothe your skin without harming its PH balance.

Using facial grains as a gentle facial scrub is of latest interest among skincare enthusiasts.

But what are Cleansing Facial Grains?

Cleansing facial grains are exfoliators made of nuts, seeds, herbs, clays and other natural ingredients that are used to nurture and exfoliate your facial skin. Some basic food staples not only carry nutritional advantages, but are also very nurturing while used in certain applications for your skin. Shae's Almond Facial Grains is the perfect example.

How do I use them?

With facial grains, a little goes a long way. Just wet your face with a splash of water, take a pinch of the facial grains, and use it to gently scrub your face. Rinse and enjoy the new natural glow!

Always make sure the product is stored in a dry and cool place, since this natural scrub is made from ingredients that would normally perish while exposed to heat and moisture. Never use wet fingers or spoon to remove the facial grains from the jar. If you live in a very hot or humid climate, it would be a good idea to store your jar of facial grains in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.  

5 Reasons why we LOVE Facial Grains

1. Polish away dead skin cells, but gently

Each hour, we shed about thousands of skin cells; in this way, millions of skin cells are being shed on a daily basis from the body. Daily exfoliation helps you remove the layer of dead skin cells and therefore reduce the dullness and chances of breakouts. While there is a plethora of exfoliation products out there, they may not all be suitable for your skin. More sensitive skin types would need a gentler scrub, and facial grains usually fits the bill. The exfoliants used in such face scrubs are usually ingredients such as oats, almond meal, fruits and seeds, all of which are mild exfoliants and a convenient way to deliver nutrition directly to the skin.   

2. Dirty little secret: Clay power

Mineral clays are touted in the skincare world for their ability to absorb impurities from deep within your pores, tighten and tone the skin. As an essential ingredient of many facial grains formulations, they help calm and balance stressed skin while helping to firm, tone, maintain hydration and refine the complexion.

Mineral clays are available in many varieties, in different colours that represent their mineral content and composition. For example, Pink French clay, an essential ingredient in Shae's Almond Facial Grains is one such element that is high in minerals and absorbs toxin from deep within the pores. It helps in making skin soft and smooth and works wonderfully for mature skin.

Other clays that carry many benefits for the skin are Zeolite clay, Rhassoul clay, Bentonite clay and French green clay, which has decomposed plant matter adding to its nurturing value.

3. Nutritional Punch

Human skin requires nutrients to flourish. These can be obtained from a healthy diet,  multivitamin supplementation and topical skin applications like a natural skincare routine packed with nutrients.

Using a well-balanced facial grains formula for a daily, gentle cleanse can add tremendous value to your skin health. This type of natural face scrub is usually comprised of a bouquet of natural ingredients such as nuts, seeds, fruits and herbs that pack a serious nutritional punch. Shae’s Almond Facial Grains for instance is made of almonds, coconut milk, oats, and many other such beneficial ingredients that help brighten dull skin and bring about a natural pinkish glow to your skin.

4. Antioxidant Power House

Let’s talk about antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that protect cells by neutralising the effects of factors such as the sun, pollution, wind, temperature, emotions, metabolism and excess oxygen. Common antioxidants are vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene. The special function of antioxidants is to protect your cells by fighting free radicals. They protect collagen and elastin cells from being destroyed, and also help to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to cellular damage and disease. The cellular damage caused by free radicals makes cells more susceptible to attack from bacteria and other factors that trigger the ageing process.

How does the body handle free radicals? Fortunately, some nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and others nourish the skin. These nutrients can be obtained as supplements, from your diet, or can be applied directly to the skin. Facial grains, or other natural skin care products that consist of ingredients such as nuts, herbs, fruits and natural minerals help your skin absorb the necessary antioxidants.

5. Free from evil of Microbeads

Microbeads are exceedingly small orb shaped bits of plastic that manufacturers use as exfoliating agent in face and body scrubs, body washes, toothpastes, and other cleansing products. Scientists have shown that microbeads are harming the environment. After you’ve scrubbed your face, the teensy plastic orbs go down the drain and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. As these look like food to the fish and other marine life, they present a risk to them and their habitat, and potentially causing problems for the food chain and our food supply.

Making sure the products we use daily is free from such harmful elements is a positive step towards caring for the environment and helping to maintain a healthier planet. Natural scrubs with exfoliating and polishing ingredients that are environmental friendly, easily recyclable and more nurturing to the skin, are included in products such as Shae’e Almond Facial Grains, and deliver all the benefits of a good scrub, without the adverse effects of plastic microbeads to our mother nature.

Finally, while selecting a natural cleansing grains product, pick one that is free from synthetic ingredients such as colour, scent and plastics microbeads. Avoid facial grains having parabens, sulphates, or any other harmful and harsh chemical.

Remember, the purpose is feeding your skin with goodness of nature, while gently polishing away the dead skin and dullness.