The coarse granules in a scrub or body polish help scrub away dead skin cells, exfoliating to reveal the fresh, younger looking skin below. Using a gentle scrub base like sugar or salt isn't just inexpensive and readily available, it also exfoliates efficiently with little chance of irritating sensitive skin. You can start building your own homemade scrubs around the base of your choice, gradually adding in other ingredients or scents, based on your personal preference.
Step 1
Pour 1 cup of brown sugar, white sugar or coarse sea salt into a medium bowl. You can also combine the ingredients, in any proportion, as long as the total volume is 1 cup. This is the base for your homemade scrub.
Step 2
Add about 1/2 cup of olive, grapeseed, jojoba or sweet almond oil to the bowl. Stir both the oil and the scrub base together with a wooden spatula until well blended. You can adjust the quantity of oil up or down, based on the texture you prefer for your scrub.
Step 3
Add 2 or 3 drops of your favorite essential oil, or use vanilla or almond extract, if desired.
Step 4
Dampen your skin in the shower, then massage the scrub mixture into your skin and rinse clean.
Step 5
Store any unused scrub in a clean, airtight glass jar, in the refrigerator, for up to a year.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider adding crushed ripe fruit--such as peaches or avocados--in combination with, or in place of, the oil.
Things You'll Need
- Medium bowl
- 1 cup brown sugar, white sugar or coarse sea salt
- 1/2 cup olive, grapeseed, jojoba or sweet almond oil
- Wooden spatula
- 2 or 3 drops essential oil, vanilla extract or almond extract (optional)
- Clean, airtight glass jar
References
- "Homemade"; Reader's Digest Books; 2007
- Teach Soap: Homemade Cosmetics Recipes
- Good Spa Guide: Scrubs and Body Polish
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