Many New Yorkers revel in the first sign of fall, whether it be a few crunchy leaves on the ground or the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte to Starbucks. Our skin, on the other hand, may not be as happy, protesting the changing seasons by becoming dull, flaky and lackluster. Exfoliation might just be your next big, at-home beauty hack this semester and you probably have some great natural exfoliants within arm’s reach.

For Sensitive Skin

Oatmeal is an outstanding exfoliant. The best part about it is most college students have a hearty supply of single-serving Quaker Oats packets forgotten deep in the back of their junk food stash (although I would recommend going with a non-flavored, plain oatmeal). If your skin needs a nice, gentle pick-me-up, a few tablespoons of raw oats mixed with yogurt will have your skin refreshed and shining in no time. If your skin is extra sensitive, you can soak the oats in water or milk for an even gentler scrub.

For Oily Skin

Lemon juice is a great chemical exfoliant. The acidity in the fruit helps break down and remove the top layer of skin, while also soaking up excess oils. A tablespoon or two of lemon juice mixed with a few drops of lavender extract dabbed on with a cotton ball will help balance oil production and give you clear, baby soft skin. If you feel like you need that extra scrubbing power, add in a few tablespoons of baking soda or sugar.

For Dry Skin

Yogurt, when worn as a mask, is another chemical exfoliant like lemon juice. It’s full of lactic acid, which helps to remove dead skin. The proteins in dairy will also moisturize and strengthen the underlying layers, leaving you with a smooth and glowing face. A great alternative, especially if you’re vegan, is a sugar scrub. One large tablespoon of sugar mixed with a few spoonfuls of your favorite carrier oil (coconut oil and olive oil are amazing) creates a spa-like facial scrub that will leave you nice and smooth for winter.

All Over Exfoliation

If you’re looking for a whole body exfoliant, a nice sea salt or sugar scrub will be your key to incredibly smooth and moisturized skin. Mix your exfoliant (use fine sea salt instead of table salt, and sugar if you have sensitive skin) with your oil. I’ve found that a 1:2 ratio creates the best consistency and a few drops of an essential oil if you choose. Pour that into a jar and use it in the shower.

Also, try making masks and scrubs with a few other great exfoliants like honey, baking soda, apple cider vinegar and coffee. Remember: everybody’s skin is different, and these are just suggestions. Finding the perfect exfoliant may take a bit of trial and error, so don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients and find what works best for your skin.

Email Iliana Walsingham-Johnson at [email protected].