Alum works effectively on minor cuts and bruises, especially to treat skin after shaving, but it is not known to have exfoliating properties. However, there are several other natural means of exfoliation that you might find useful. You may of course use fine alum powder in homemade exfoliating scrubs to prevent inflammation of the skin or to soothe your skin if it suffers minor abrasions due to exfoliation.
One of the most effective exfoliating scrubs is a mixture of two tablespoons of oatmeal powder, one tablespoon of baking soda and a little water. You should apply this paste on your face in round circular motions using your fingertips. Let it dry naturally for 10-15 minutes and then splash water on your face till the dry scrub is washed away. If your skin is dry or extra-sensitive, you should mix some granular sugar, a teaspoon of nutmeg and half a cup of almond or olive oil to the oatmeal paste and then massage your face with this mixture. This prevents your skin from becoming too dry after the exfoliation. A fine paste of wheat germ and rose water is also an excellent exfoliating agent for those who have skin easily prone to allergies and eruptions. If you have oily skin, you should dry some orange peel and grind it to a fine powder, add a little water and a few drops of rose water to it and apply this paste on your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with lukewarm water. For a full-body scrub, you may mix two tablespoons of granulated sugar with some vegetable oil and apply it all over your skin gently. You may also add a few drops of essential oils to this mixture to make it fragrant. After 15 minutes wash away the scrub by bathing and pat your body dry. You may also substitute sugar with some powdered sea salt for similar results. For getting rid of dead skin cells and giving your skin a natural glow, mix equal portions of sugar and salt in some freshly squeezed lemon juice and gently apply this on your face. After half an hour wash your face with water. Regular application of this natural exfoliate makes your complexion radiant and unblemished. For another remedy, mix two portions of buttermilk with one portion of corn meal and massage your skin with this mixture in order to get smooth, flawless skin.
answered by G M